Berean Study Bible Lands Yet UnconqueredJoshua had led Israel through the conquest of Canaan for many years after succeeding Moses. His advanced age marked the close of his active leadership and the need to prepare Israel for life in the land without him. Jos 23:1 A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest… and the LORD said to him, God continued to direct Joshua personally, just as He had throughout the conquest. The work ahead would not depend on Joshua’s remaining strength but on Israel’s obedience to God’s command. Jos 1:1 Now after the death of His servant Moses,… “You are old and well along in years, The Lord plainly acknowledged Joshua’s limited time. Though Joshua had faithfully carried out his commission, no human leader could complete every task assigned to Israel. Gen 24:1 By now Abraham was old and well along in years,… but very much of the land remains to be possessed. Israel had gained major victories and secured key regions, yet many Canaanite territories remained under their original inhabitants. Each tribe would need to take possession of its allotted inheritance, removing the remaining enemies as God commanded. Jos 1:4 Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon… This is the land that remains: Joshua’s campaigns had broken the power of many Canaanite kings, but significant portions of the land still awaited Israel’s possession. The tribes were responsible to continue the conquest as they received their inheritances. Jos 23:4 See, I have allotted as an inheritance to your tribes… All the territory of the Philistines The Philistines occupied the coastal plain, including Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Their strong cities and military strength would make them persistent enemies of Israel in later generations. Exo 23:31 And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea…… and the Geshurites, The Geshurites were among the peoples remaining in the southern region near Philistine territory. Their continued presence showed that the conquest was unfinished and required Israel’s continued obedience to God’s command. 1Sa 27:8 Now David and his men went up and raided… from the Shihor east of Egypt The Shihor marked Israel’s southwestern boundary near Egypt, likely referring to a watercourse associated with the Nile region. Its inclusion recalls the land from which God delivered Israel and defines the broad extent of the inheritance assigned to them. Jer 2:18 Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt… to the territory of Ekron on the north Ekron stood at the northern edge of Philistine territory, one of the principal cities of a people who remained a persistent military and spiritual threat to Israel. Jos 15:11 Then it went out to the northern slope of Ekron… (considered to be Canaanite territory)— Although Philistine groups occupied much of the coastal plain, the land remained part of Canaan and therefore within the territory God had given Israel to possess. Gen 10:19 and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon… that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, These five fortified city-states formed the core of Philistine power along the coast. Their rulers controlled strategic trade routes and maintained forces that repeatedly opposed Israel during the period of the judges and the monarchy. 1Sa 6:17-18 As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines… as well as that of the Avvites; The Avvites were among the earlier inhabitants of the region. Their continued presence, together with the Philistine cities, showed that substantial portions of the promised land still remained unconquered. 2Ki 17:31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites… to the south, The territory extended through the southern reaches of Canaan, including regions Israel had not yet brought under its control. Num 34:3 Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin… all the land of the Canaanites, “All the land of the Canaanites” included the many city-states inhabited by peoples whom God had appointed for judgment and whose land He had promised to Israel. Exo 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of Egyptians… from Mearah of the Sidonians Mearah was a northern coastal area associated with Sidon, a prominent Phoenician center of trade and seafaring. Gen 10:19 and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon… to Aphek, The boundary extended to Aphek, a strategic inland location controlling important routes through the region. 1Ki 20:26 In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans… as far as the border of the Amorites; The description continued as far as the border of the Amorites, one of the principal peoples still occupying the land Israel was commanded to possess. Num 21:13 From there they moved on and camped on the other side… the land of the Gebalites; Gebal, later known as Byblos, was a prominent Phoenician coastal city north of Israel. Its people were skilled merchants and craftsmen, and the city was closely connected with Mediterranean trade. Their territory formed part of the remaining land assigned to Israel. 1Ki 5:18 So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites… and all Lebanon to the east, The land of Lebanon included fertile valleys and heavily forested mountains renowned for cedar and other valuable timber. Its resources and strategic routes made it an important northern region within the inheritance promised to Israel. Jos 1:4 Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon… from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon Baal-gad lay in the Lebanon Valley near the base of Mount Hermon, marking a major northern point in the land. Its name reflects the Canaanite worship that remained in the region and the opposition Israel would face in possessing it. Jos 11:17 Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, as far as Baal-gad… to Lebo-hamath. Lebo-hamath, near the approach to Hamath in Syria, marked the far northern extent of the territory. The boundary described a broad inheritance extending well beyond the land Israel had yet occupied. Num 34:8 and from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath, then extend to Zedad, All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim— This northern region included the wooded slopes of Lebanon and territory extending toward the Mediterranean coast. Though Israel had not yet occupied these areas, they remained part of the land appointed for Israel’s inheritance. Jos 11:8 and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel… all the Sidonians— The Sidonians lived in and around Sidon, a major Phoenician coastal city known for trade, seafaring, and pagan worship. Their presence represented one of the remaining Canaanite populations within the promised land. Jdg 3:3 the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites,… I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. God assured Joshua that the remaining inhabitants would be removed by His power. Israel was responsible to obey and take possession of the land, while the outcome rested on the Lord’s faithfulness to His promise. Exo 33:2 And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out… Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, Joshua was to assign the land among the tribes according to God’s direction. The division by lot established each tribe’s allotted inheritance and confirmed that the land belonged to the Lord to distribute. Num 33:54 And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans… as I have commanded you. The distribution of the land was to follow God’s command, not Joshua’s preference or human judgment. Israel’s settlement in Canaan was the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham. Num 27:18-20 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… Now therefore divide this land Joshua was to apportion the remaining land of Canaan among Israel after the major campaigns had broken the strength of its kings. Though much territory still required occupation, God had given the land to Israel according to His promise. Jos 18:6 When you have mapped out the seven portions of land… as an inheritance Each tribal territory was a permanent gift from the Lord, assigned to families within the tribe and preserved through succeeding generations. The land belonged ultimately to God and marked Israel’s covenant inheritance. Jos 11:23 So Joshua took the entire land, as the LORD had spoken… to the nine tribes The tribes receiving land west of the Jordan were Judah, Simeon, Benjamin, Dan, Ephraim, Issachar, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali. Their boundaries would be assigned by lot under Joshua’s leadership. Num 34:13 So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land”… and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” The other half of Manasseh would settle west of the Jordan, while Reuben, Gad, and the eastern half of Manasseh had already received their portions east of the river. Deu 3:13 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead…
The Inheritance East of the JordanThe other half of Manasseh, descended from Joseph’s son Manasseh, received land east of the Jordan, while the remaining half inherited territory in Canaan. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… along with the Reubenites and Gadites, Along with the Reubenites and Gadites, the half-tribe of Manasseh had chosen the fertile grazing lands of Gilead and Bashan because of their large herds and flocks. Num 32:1-5 Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds… had received the inheritance Moses had given them After Israel defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, Moses granted this land to these tribes after they pledged to help their brothers conquer the territory west of the Jordan. Deu 4:47-49 They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon… beyond the Jordan to the east, “Beyond the Jordan to the east” refers to the territory later known as Transjordan, extending from the Arnon River northward through Gilead and Bashan. Num 32:19 Yet we will not have an inheritance with them… just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: Moses acted under God’s authority, and his earlier distribution of the eastern land remained the established inheritance of these tribes. Jos 1:13-15 Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you… The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, Aroer stood near the Arnon, the deep gorge marking the boundary between Moab and the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. From this southern point, Israel’s possession extended northward into the land east of the Jordan. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… along with the city in the middle of the valley, The settlement within the valley controlled access through the Arnon region and was included in the territory taken from Sihon. Isa 15:1 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined… the whole plateau of Medeba The fertile tableland around Medeba formed part of the eastern highlands assigned to Reuben. Its open country supported settlements, grazing land, and agriculture. 1Ch 19:7 So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots,… as far as Dibon, Dibon marked the northern reach of this section of the plateau. The boundary description shows the extent of the former Amorite territory now distributed among Israel’s eastern tribes. Num 32:34 And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites Sihon ruled the Amorite kingdom east of the Jordan until Israel defeated him under Moses. After refusing Israel passage and advancing to battle, he lost both his army and his cities. His former territory became part of Israel’s inheritance. Deu 3:4-5 At that time we captured all sixty of his cities.… who reigned in Heshbon, Heshbon served as Sihon’s royal center and stood near major routes through the Transjordan. Its capture gave Israel control over the surrounding Amorite cities and established a secure eastern boundary before the crossing of the Jordan. Deu 2:26 So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers… as far as the border of the Ammonites; Sihon’s domain extended toward Ammon but did not include the Ammonite heartland. Israel took the land God had given into Sihon’s hand while respecting the boundaries God had set for the descendants of Lot. Num 21:24 And Israel put him to the sword and took possession… also Gilead Gilead was the fertile highland east of the Jordan, valued for pastureland, forests, and its renowned healing balm. It formed part of the inheritance assigned to Israel’s eastern tribes. Deu 3:12-13 So at that time we took possession of this land… and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, These Aramean peoples occupied areas near the northern Transjordan. Israel did not fully drive them out, and they continued to live among the Israelites. Deu 3:14 He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair… all of Mount Hermon, Mount Hermon marked the northern reach of the land and stood as the dominant mountain range of the region, with its snow-fed waters supporting the surrounding lands. Deu 3:8-9 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites… and all Bashan as far as Salecah— Bashan was a rich plateau known for productive fields, strong cities, and powerful rulers such as Og. Salecah lay on its eastern boundary, showing the extent of the territory given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Deu 3:10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead,… the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, Og ruled Bashan, the fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan. Its strong cities and productive land made it a valuable part of Israel’s inheritance, later assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Deu 3:4-5 At that time we captured all sixty of his cities.… who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei Ashtaroth and Edrei were leading cities of Og’s realm. Edrei served as a fortified center, while Ashtaroth was associated with pagan worship. Their capture marked the fall of Og’s power in Bashan. Jos 12:4-5 And Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim… and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Og was among the last of the Rephaim, a people remembered for their great size and strength. His defeat showed that neither military power nor fearful reputation could prevent Israel from receiving the land God had given them. Deu 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant… Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them, Moses defeated Og and took possession of his kingdom before Israel crossed the Jordan. The conquest of Bashan secured Israel’s eastern border and prepared the way for the distribution of land under Joshua. Deu 3:3-7 So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan… but the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites. Israel left these neighboring peoples in the northeastern Transjordan, near Bashan, rather than fully taking possession of the allotted territory. Their continued presence reflected incomplete obedience and left pagan influences within Israel’s borders. Jos 17:12-13 But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy… So Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day. These kingdoms remained in the land for generations, indicating a lasting coexistence. Geshur later remained significant enough for David to marry Maacah, the daughter of its king. Jos 15:63 But the descendants of Judah could not drive out… To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. Levi received no tribal territory because the Levites were assigned to serve at the tabernacle and later the temple, assisting the priests and guarding the worship of Israel. Their portion was not land to cultivate but a share in the sacred service of the nation. Num 18:20 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance… The food offerings to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, Portions of Israel’s sacrifices, offerings, and tithes were given to the Levites for their support. This provision enabled them to carry out their duties without needing a separate agricultural inheritance. Deu 18:1 The Levitical priests shall have no portion… just as He had promised them. God had established this arrangement from the beginning, providing for the Levites through the worship and obedience of the other tribes. Their inheritance demonstrated that the Lord Himself was their portion and sustainer. Deu 18:2 Although they have no inheritance among their brothers…
Reuben’s InheritanceBefore his death, Moses assigned the conquered lands east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. The grant followed Israel’s victories over Sihon and Og and formed part of the land God promised to Abraham’s descendants. Deu 3:12-17 So at that time we took possession of this land… to the clans Each tribal inheritance was apportioned among its family groups, preserving an orderly division of land and providing each clan with a settled place within the tribe. Num 26:5-7 Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were… of the tribe of Reuben: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, had lost the privileges of preeminence because of his sin against his father. His descendants received territory on the eastern plateau of the Jordan, a region well suited to their extensive herds and flocks but exposed to threats from the east. Num 32:1-5 Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds… The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, Aroer stood at the northern edge of the Arnon Valley, a deep gorge that formed a major boundary between Moab and the Amorite kingdom conquered by Israel. Its position marked the southern extent of Reuben’s inheritance and controlled an important approach through the valley. Deu 3:12 So at that time we took possession of this land… along with the city in the middle of the valley, The settlement within the valley was included with Aroer and its surrounding lands. Holding both the heights and the valley route gave Reuben control of a strategic corridor used for travel, trade, and military movement. Deu 2:36 Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city… to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, Reuben’s territory extended north across the elevated tableland toward Medeba. This fertile plateau supported livestock and agriculture and became part of the land Israel possessed east of the Jordan. Num 21:30 But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed… to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, Heshbon, formerly the royal city of Sihon king of the Amorites, became part of Reuben’s inheritance after Israel defeated Sihon and took possession of his territory. Its surrounding towns lay on the fertile tableland east of the Jordan, a region valued for pasture, agriculture, and control of major travel routes. Deu 3:10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead,… including Dibon, Dibon stood among the principal cities of this eastern territory. Though assigned within Reuben’s allotment, it later became closely connected with Moab, reflecting the shifting control of the region in later generations. Num 32:34 And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Bamoth-baal, Bamoth-baal, meaning “high places of Baal,” occupied elevated ground overlooking the surrounding country. Its association with Baal worship reflects the idolatrous culture that had marked the land before Israel’s conquest. Num 22:41 The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought… Beth-baal-meon, Beth-baal-meon was another town in Reuben’s territory whose name preserved evidence of earlier Baal worship. Israel’s possession of such places demonstrated the extent of the land taken from the Amorite kingdoms and allotted according to the Lord’s command. Num 32:38 as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed)… Jahaz, Jahaz was the site where Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites and gained control of the territory east of the Jordan. Later assigned to Reuben, it marked the extent of Israel’s conquest in that region. Num 21:23-24 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory.… Kedemoth, Kedemoth, meaning “eastern parts,” was a town in Reuben’s territory later assigned, with its pasturelands, to the Merarite Levites for their service among the eastern tribes. Deu 2:26-27 So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers… Mephaath, Mephaath was a Reubenite city allotted to the Merarite Levites. It remained associated with the Transjordan and was later named among the Moabite cities judged by God. Jer 48:21 Judgment has come upon the high plain—upon Holon,… Kiriathaim, Kiriathaim, meaning “two cities,” stood on the Moabite plateau within Reuben’s inheritance. Rebuilt by the Reubenites, it later came under Moabite control and remained an important settlement in the region. Num 32:37 The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Sibmah lay near Heshbon in fertile country known for its productive vineyards. Its fields and vines contributed to the prosperity of the area before Moab’s later judgment brought its agricultural wealth to ruin. Num 32:38 as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed)… Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley, Zereth-shahar occupied an elevated position overlooking a valley, likely near the eastern side of the Dead Sea. Its setting provided a defensible location within Reuben’s territory. Num 21:20 from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah… Beth-peor, Beth-peor was a site in the plains of Moab near Peor, where Israel encamped before entering Canaan. The area was associated with Israel’s sin at Baal-peor, when many joined in Moabite worship and judgment fell on the camp. It was also near the place where Moses was buried after viewing the land he would not enter. Deu 3:29 So we stayed in the valley opposite Beth-peor. the slopes of Pisgah, The slopes of Pisgah were the foothills of the Pisgah ridge in Moab, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the land of Canaan. From this region Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Its inclusion among Reuben’s towns places the tribe’s inheritance along the elevated eastern boundary of the Dead Sea. Deu 4:49 including all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan… and Beth-jeshimoth— Beth-jeshimoth, meaning “house of the deserts,” was a settlement near the northern end of the Dead Sea, on the edge of the plains of Moab. It lay in the southern part of Reuben’s territory, near the route by which Israel approached the Jordan. Jos 12:3 as well as the Arabah east of the Sea of Chinnereth… all the cities of the plateau The plateau east of the Jordan consisted of elevated, fertile land suited for herds, farming, and settled communities. It became part of the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Deu 3:10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead,… and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, Sihon ruled a large Amorite kingdom that Israel conquered during Moses’ leadership. His defeat secured Israel’s possession of the territory east of the Jordan and removed a major military threat. Num 21:21-24 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,… who reigned in Heshbon Heshbon served as Sihon’s capital and was an important fortified city in the region. After its conquest, it became part of Israel’s tribal territory. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… until Moses killed him Moses led Israel in defeating Sihon after the king refused Israel passage through his land and came out to fight. The victory marked the beginning of Israel’s possession of territory designated for settlement before entering Canaan. Num 21:34-35 But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him,”… and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), These Midianite rulers were among the leaders judged for their involvement in drawing Israel into idolatry and immorality. Their defeat ended their influence in the region. Num 25:15-18 And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi,… the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. These rulers exercised authority within territory connected to Sihon’s kingdom. Their defeat confirmed Israel’s complete control over the land formerly held by its Amorite and Midianite leaders. Num 21:25 Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites… The Israelites also killed During the campaign against Midian, Israel carried out the judgment God had commanded against a people who had opposed and corrupted them. Num 21:24-25 And Israel put him to the sword and took possession… the diviner Balaam Balaam had once spoken blessings over Israel, yet later helped Midian and Moab entice Israel into idolatry and immorality. Num 24:1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel,… son of Beor Balaam was a known foreign seer whose influence had brought serious harm to Israel. Num 22:5 he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor,… along with the others they put to the sword. His death came with the defeat of Midian’s leaders and marked the end of his rebellion against God’s purposes for Israel. Num 31:8 Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba… And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. The Jordan River marked the western boundary of Reuben’s inheritance east of the river. Reuben occupied productive land suited for farming and herds, while the river provided a natural boundary between the tribe and the land of Canaan proper. Deu 3:16-17 and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory… This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, The land was distributed among Reuben’s families as a permanent possession. Their inheritance reflected God’s orderly division of the land among Israel after the conquest and established the territory in which the tribe would live, govern, and preserve its identity. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… including the cities and villages. Reuben’s inheritance included established towns and smaller rural settlements. These communities supported agriculture, livestock, trade, defense, and family life throughout the tribe’s territory. Num 32:37-38 The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,…
Gad’s InheritanceBefore his death, Moses assigned Israel’s eastern territories according to the Lord’s command. These allotments established the inheritance of the tribes that chose land beyond the Jordan. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… to the clans The land was distributed among Gad’s family groups so that each household shared in the tribal inheritance and possessed a defined place within Israel. Num 26:15-18 These were the descendants of Gad by their clans:… of the tribe of Gad: Gad, descended from Jacob’s son Gad, received territory east of the Jordan suited to its abundant livestock. Its position also placed the tribe along Israel’s eastern frontier, where its warriors helped defend the nation. Gen 49:19 Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he… The territory of Jazer, Jazer was an important city east of the Jordan, captured under Moses and assigned to Gad. Its fertile pastureland made it especially valuable to a tribe with great herds and flocks. Num 21:32-35 After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured… all the cities of Gilead, Gad received a broad portion of Gilead, a productive and mountainous region extending northward through Transjordan. Its towns and strongholds helped secure Israel’s eastern border. Num 32:39-42 The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead,… and half the land of the Ammonites This territory had formerly belonged to Ammon but had been taken by Sihon the Amorite before Israel defeated him. Israel possessed the land within the boundaries granted by the Lord, while avoiding the heartland of Ammon itself. Num 21:24-25 And Israel put him to the sword and took possession… as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; The boundary reached Aroer, situated toward Rabbah, the chief city of the Ammonites. This placed Gad’s inheritance near a powerful neighboring nation and along a strategically important frontier. Deu 3:12-13 So at that time we took possession of this land… the territory from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, Heshbon, once ruled by Sihon king of the Amorites, became an important city within Israel’s eastern inheritance. Ramath-mizpeh, meaning “height of the watchtower,” stood in a prominent location suited for observation and defense, while Betonim served as another established boundary marker. These locations defined the portion assigned to the tribe of Gad. Deu 3:12-17 So at that time we took possession of this land… and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; Mahanaim, meaning “two camps,” was a notable city east of the Jordan, associated with Jacob’s encounter with God’s angelic host and later with David’s refuge during Absalom’s rebellion. From there, Gad’s territory extended to the border of Debir, marking the northern reach of its allotted land. Gen 32:2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.”… and in the valley, The Jordan Valley contained fertile ground and important routes along the river. Deu 3:10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead,… Beth-haram, Beth-haram was a Gadite town in the southern Transjordan region; its name means “house of the height.” Num 32:36 Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran as fortified cities,… Beth-nimrah, Beth-nimrah, meaning “house of the leopard,” stood near the Jordan and benefited from nearby water and pastureland. Num 32:3 Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, … Succoth, Succoth, meaning “booths” or “shelters,” lay in the Jordan Valley, where Jacob settled after meeting Esau. Gen 33:17 Jacob went on to Succoth, where he built a house… and Zaphon, Zaphon, meaning “north,” marked part of Gad’s northern territory. 1Ch 5:8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Joel.… with the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon These towns belonged to the former Amorite kingdom ruled by Sihon, whom Israel defeated under Moses before entering Canaan. Num 21:21-25 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,… (the territory on the east side of the Jordan up to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth). Gad’s inheritance extended through the eastern Jordan region northward toward the Sea of Chinnereth, later called the Sea of Galilee. Deu 3:17 The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it… This was the inheritance of the clans of the Gadites, Gad received its territory east of the Jordan in Gilead, a fertile region suited to the tribe’s extensive livestock. Along with Reuben and half of Manasseh, Gad had requested land in this area and pledged to help Israel conquer Canaan before settling there. Their inheritance fulfilled the Lord’s promised division of the land among Israel’s tribes. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… including the cities and villages. Gad’s territory included fortified cities, smaller towns, and surrounding agricultural settlements. These communities provided places for defense, government, trade, and the care of herds and crops, while each clan bore responsibility for its assigned portion. Num 32:34-36 And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer,…
Manasseh’s Eastern InheritanceBefore his death, Moses assigned territory east of the Jordan to the tribes that requested it. Manasseh received a large portion because of its many clans and military strength. The inheritance was distributed by family groups, preserving the tribal structure God had established for Israel. Deu 3:13-15 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead… that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn son, became one of Israel’s tribes through Jacob’s adoption of Joseph’s sons. Part of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan, while the rest received land in Canaan under Joshua. The eastern half-tribe occupied fertile and strategic territory in Gilead and Bashan. Num 26:29-34 These were the descendants of Manasseh:… The territory from Mahanaim Mahanaim lay east of the Jordan and later served as David’s refuge during Absalom’s rebellion. Its location made it an important center within the Transjordan territory. Gen 32:2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.”… through all Bashan— Bashan extended northward through a fertile plateau suited for herds, crops, and settlement. Its productive land added greatly to the inheritance east of the Jordan. Deu 3:10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead,… all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, Og ruled a powerful Amorite kingdom before Israel defeated him under Moses. His fall secured this region for Israel and removed a major enemy from the land. Deu 4:47 They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon… including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, Jair, of the tribe of Manasseh, captured and settled these communities. The towns became part of Manasseh’s extensive eastern inheritance. Deu 3:14 He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair… sixty cities; The number reflects the size and strength of the territory assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Deu 3:4 At that time we captured all sixty of his cities.… half of Gilead; Gilead lay east of the Jordan, a fertile and strategic highland region assigned to Israel after the defeat of the Amorite kings. Its division included territory formerly held by Sihon and extended into lands claimed by the tribe of Manasseh. Deu 3:12-13 So at that time we took possession of this land… and Ashtaroth and Edrei, These prominent cities stood in Bashan, the kingdom ruled by Og. Edrei was the site of Israel’s victory over Og, while Ashtaroth was an important center of the region’s former Canaanite population. Jos 12:4-5 And Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim… the royal cities of Og in Bashan. Og’s fortified kingdom had posed a formidable obstacle to Israel’s advance. Its capture demonstrated the Lord’s fulfillment of His promise to give Israel the land east of the Jordan. Deu 3:4-5 At that time we captured all sixty of his cities.… All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, Machir’s family received this territory because his descendants had taken part in its conquest and settlement. Their inheritance established Manasseh securely on the eastern side of the Jordan. Num 32:39-40 The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead,… that is, half of the descendants of Machir. The other half of Manasseh received land west of the Jordan. This division preserved the tribal inheritance while providing ample territory for Manasseh’s large and influential population. Num 26:29 These were the descendants of Manasseh:… These were the portions Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh received their inherited territories east of the Jordan. Their settlement fulfilled the arrangement made before Israel entered Canaan. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… Moses had given them Moses assigned these lands at the request of the eastern tribes, after they pledged to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan. This was among his final acts of leadership before his death. Jos 22:4 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest… on the plains of Moab Israel camped in this region opposite Jericho during its final preparations to enter Canaan. There Moses gave his last instructions to the nation. Num 33:48-49 They set out from the mountains of Abarim… beyond the Jordan, The territory lay on the river’s eastern side, outside the main land of Canaan that Joshua would later distribute among the remaining tribes. Deu 3:20 until the LORD gives rest to your brothers… east of Jericho. From this location, Israel stood within sight of the land they were about to enter, with Jericho guarding the western approach across the river. Jos 4:19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up… To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. Levi received no tribal territory because the Levites were appointed to serve at the tabernacle, oversee its sacred duties, assist the priests, and teach Israel God’s law. Their towns and pasturelands were distributed throughout Israel, but they possessed no separate region like the other tribes. Deu 10:9 That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance… The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, Their provision came from the offerings and tithes given by Israel, while their highest privilege was belonging to the LORD in His service. Their inheritance was not land but the God who had chosen them for His sanctuary. Num 18:20 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance… just as He had promised them. Moses had carried out God’s command concerning Levi, and Joshua’s record confirms that the promise remained in force as the land was allotted to the other tribes. Deu 18:1-2 The Levitical priests shall have no portion… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
    |