Numbers 32:34-38
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This verse highlights that the "building" the Gadites did was actually repairing and fortifying existing cities, not constructing new ones. It shows them wisely securing what they had just gained, rather than undertaking grand, new projects, amidst their agreement to fight alongside their brothers in Canaan.
And the people of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran, fortified cities, and folds for sheep. And the people of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, Nebo, and Baal-meon (their names were changed), and Sibmah. And they gave other names to the cities that they built.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a lengthy negotiation, the tribes of Gad and Reuben have secured permission from Moses to settle east of the Jordan River, provided they first send their warriors to help conquer the Promised Land. This passage details the cities these tribes began to establish in their newly acquired territory, rebuilding and fortifying existing settlements rather than constructing entirely new ones. These actions mark the beginning of their claim in this land, distinct from the inheritance yet to be secured in Canaan.
Did the tribes of Gad and Reuben start from scratch, or was there more to it? The Bible uses the word 'built,' but what did that really mean in this context?
When the text says the people of Gad 'built' cities like Dibon, Ataroth, and Aroer, it doesn't necessarily mean they constructed entirely new settlements. Often, 'built' in ancient Hebrew could mean to repair, restore, or fortify existing structures.
Think about it: Israel had just conquered this territory from the Amorites. The cities were likely already there but perhaps damaged from the conflict or neglected. So, the Gadites were essentially taking over and upgrading these existing sites. This was more about making them secure and habitable for their families and livestock than starting from nothing. It was practical rebuilding for a new home.
Why did the tribes of Gad and Reuben settle east of the Jordan? It wasn't just about fertile land; it was a strategic, albeit controversial, choice.
The decision for the tribes of Gad and Reuben (and half of Manasseh) to settle east of the Jordan River, in the lands of Sihon and Og, was a pivotal moment. While they saw a prime location for their vast herds (Numbers 32:1-4), Moses initially viewed it with suspicion. Their request represented a departure from the agreed-upon inheritance in the promised land of Canaan west of the Jordan.
Moses’s concern, echoing earlier failures like the spies’ negative report, was that this choice could lead to spiritual compromise and separation from the rest of Israel (Numbers 32:6-15). He worried they would break unity and potentially fall into sin, just as their fathers had done in the wilderness. However, after negotiation, Moses agreed on conditions: they must arm themselves and help their brothers conquer Canaan before returning to their new holdings. This settlement became a forward-looking outpost, a strategic move that required their continued military commitment to the rest of Israel's mission.
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Understand the original words
batsar · Hebrew Verb
A verb meaning to render a place secure against attack, typically by building walls or towers. In the Old Testament, it signifies the human effort to protect territory and resources granted by God.
gederah · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, these refer to organized groups of livestock, specifically sheep. They reflect the pastoral lifestyle of many Israelites and signify the provision of God through land and agricultural prosperity.
amim · Hebrew Noun
One of the groups descended from the patriarch Jacob/Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, this term identifies the covenant community who are the recipients of God's promises and laws, and who serve as His witnesses among the nations.
This verse reflects a period of consolidation and rebuilding for the tribes of Gad and Reuben after receiving their inheritance east of the Jordan, but also hints at ongoing territorial disputes and the eventual loss of these lands.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites enter Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan.
c. 1300 BC - 1200 BC— this verse
Conquest and initial settlement of Transjordan
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh are granted land east of the Jordan River after helping conquer Amorite kings Sihon and Og. They agree to help the other tribes conquer Canaan before settling.
c. 1200 BC - 1000 BC
Tribal consolidation and fortification
The tribes of Gad and Reuben begin building and fortifying cities in their allotted territories east of the Jordan, preparing for long-term settlement.
c. 10th Century BC
Moabite resurgence and conflict
The Moabites, who had previously been driven out by the Amorites, begin to regain influence and control over cities like Aroer, leading to renewed conflicts with Israelite tribes.
732 BC
Assyrian conquest of Transjordan
The Neo-Assyrian Empire conquers the region east of the Jordan, deporting many of the inhabitants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
c. 7th Century BC
Moabite reoccupation
Following the Assyrian conquest, cities like Aroer appear to be reoccupied by the Moabites.
This passage details the inheritance of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, listing many of the same cities mentioned here, showing the fulfillment of their request to settle east of the Jordan River after aiding in the conquest of Canaan.
Deuteronomy 2:36This verse mentions Aroer, one of the cities built by the Gadites, and places it in the context of Israel's conquest and possession of land east of the Jordan, highlighting the historical significance of these locations.
Jeremiah 48:15-20These verses speak of the desolation and judgment upon Moab, mentioning Dibon and Aroer, cities the Gadites fortified. This shows how these strategically important border cities later came under Moabite control after the Israelite captivity.
1 Chronicles 6:80-81This passage assigns Heshbon and its surrounding pasturelands to the Levites. Heshbon was a city built by the Reubenites according to Numbers 32:37, illustrating how cities within these eastern tribes' territory were allocated for priestly service.
clarkeNumbers 32:34: "And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"
The children of Gad built - Aroer - This was situated on the river Arnon, Deuteronomy 2:36 ; 2 Kings 10:33 . It was formerly inhabited by the Emim, a warlike and perhaps gigantic people. They were expelled by the Moabites; the Moabites by the Amorites; and the Amorites by the Israelites. The Gadites then possessed it till the captivity of their tribe, with that of Reuben and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, by the A…
bensonNumbers 32:34: "And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"
Numbers 32:34 . Built — Repaired and fortified. For they neither had need nor leisure as yet to do more, the old cities not being burned and ruined, as divers in Canaan were.
This verse highlights that the "building" the Gadites did was actually repairing and fortifying existing cities, not constructing new ones. It shows them wisely securing what they had just gained, rather than undertaking grand, new projects, amidst their agreement to fight alongside their brothers in Canaan.
After a lengthy negotiation, the tribes of Gad and Reuben have secured permission from Moses to settle east of the Jordan River, provided they first send their warriors to help conquer the Promised Land. This passage details the cities these tribes began to establish in their newly acquired territory, rebuilding and fortifying existing settlements rather than constructing entirely new ones. These actions mark the beginning of their claim in this land, distinct from the inheritance yet to be secured in Canaan.
After a lengthy negotiation, the tribes of Gad and Reuben have secured permission from Moses to settle east of the Jordan River, provided they first send their warriors to help conquer the Promised Land. This passage details the cities these tribes began to establish in their newly acquired territory, rebuilding and fortifying existing settlements rather than constructing entirely new ones. These actions mark the beginning of their claim in this land, distinct from the inheritance yet to be secured in Canaan.
"And the people of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran, fortified cities, and folds for sheep. And the people of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, Nebo, and Baal-meon (their…" — This verse highlights that the "building" the Gadites did was actually repairing and fortifying existing cities, not constructing new ones. It shows them wisely securing what they had just gained, ra…
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Last reviewed October 2026
