Deuteronomy 3:15
To Machir I gave Gilead,
To Machir

Machir was the firstborn of Manasseh and the ancestor of a prominent Manassite clan. His descendants had distinguished themselves in battle against the Amorites and received territory east of the Jordan River. The inheritance honored God’s promise to Joseph’s family and established Manasseh’s strong presence in Gilead and Bashan.

Num 32:40 So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh…
Jos 17:1 Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh…
1Ch 7:14 The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel through his…

I gave

Moses distributed the conquered land according to God’s command before Israel entered Canaan. The land was not seized as a permanent human possession but granted by the Lord as covenant inheritance. God’s faithful provision for Machir’s house pointed forward to the secure inheritance given to all who belong to Christ.

Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites…
Jos 22:4 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest…
Jos 13:8 The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites…

Gilead,

Gilead was a fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan, extending through lands suited for herds and settlement. Its later association with healing balm reflects the region’s abundance, while its secure possession testified to the Lord’s power to give rest and provision to His people.

Num 32:39 The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead,…
Jos 13:31 half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei…
Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and fertile land. It was a significant area for the tribes of Israel, particularly for the descendants of Joseph.

2. Machir
The firstborn son of Manasseh, Joseph's son. Machir's descendants were known as warriors and were given the land of Gilead as their inheritance.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who, under God's command, distributed the land east of the Jordan to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

4. The Conquest of the Amorite Kings
This event refers to the Israelites' victory over the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, which led to the acquisition of their lands, including Gilead.

5. The Transjordan Tribes
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled in the land east of the Jordan River, including Gilead.
Teaching Points
Inheritance and God's Promises
God is faithful to His promises, as seen in the inheritance given to Machir. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in their lives.

The Importance of Obedience
The allocation of Gilead to Machir was a result of obedience to God's commands. Obedience to God leads to blessings and fulfillment of His plans.

Strategic Positioning
Gilead's location was strategic for defense and prosperity. God places us in specific positions for His purposes, and we should seek to understand and fulfill our roles.

Legacy and Heritage
Machir's inheritance of Gilead highlights the importance of leaving a godly legacy. We should strive to pass on our faith and values to future generations.

Courage and Valor
The descendants of Machir were known for their bravery. As Christians, we are called to be courageous in our faith and stand firm in the face of challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the allocation of Gilead to Machir teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the distribution of land to our daily lives?

3. In what ways does God strategically position us in our communities, and how can we fulfill His purposes in those positions?

4. How can we ensure that we leave a godly legacy for future generations, similar to the inheritance given to Machir?

5. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate courage and valor in our faith, inspired by the warriors of Machir?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 32
This chapter provides the background on why the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan, including Gilead.

Joshua 17
This passage details the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, including the portion given to Machir.

Genesis 50
The blessings of Jacob to his sons, including Joseph, whose descendants would inherit Gilead through Machir.

Judges 5
The Song of Deborah mentions the warriors of Machir, highlighting their valor and the strategic importance of Gilead.
The Destruction of Og, King of BashanR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 3:1-17
Self-Propagating ConquestD. Davies Deuteronomy 3:1-20
Distribution of TerritoryJ. Orr Deuteronomy 3:12-20
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Argob, Gadites, Geshurites, Israelites, Jair, Jehoshua, Joshua, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Manasseh, Moses, Og, Rephaites, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon
Places
Arabah, Argob, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Chinnereth, Edrei, Gilead, Havvoth-jair, Hermon, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jordan River, Lebanon, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Rephaim, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of the Arabah, Senir, Sirion, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Gilead, Machir, Makir
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 3:12-17

     5235   boundary

Library
A Model of Intercession
"And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and shall say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come unto me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him; and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: I cannot rise and give thee? I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needeth."--LUKE xi. 5-8.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Deuteronomy 3:15 NIV
Deuteronomy 3:15 NLT
Deuteronomy 3:15 ESV
Deuteronomy 3:15 NASB
Deuteronomy 3:15 KJV

Deuteronomy 3:15 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Deuteronomy 3:14
Top of Page
Top of Page