For the tribes of the Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, have already received their inheritance. For the tribes of the Reubenites and the GaditesThis phrase identifies two of the tribes of Israel, the Reubenites and the Gadites. Historically, these tribes were descendants of Reuben and Gad, sons of Jacob. The Reubenites, as the firstborn tribe, had a significant role, though they lost their preeminence due to Reuben's transgression ( Genesis 49:3-4). The Gadites were known for their warrior spirit ( 1 Chronicles 12:8). Archaeologically, evidence of settlements east of the Jordan River aligns with the biblical narrative of these tribes settling there. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, as these tribes receive their inheritance. have received their inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in Hebrew is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which implies a divinely ordained portion. This inheritance was not merely land but a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies God's faithfulness and the tangible realization of His promises. Theologically, it points to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, as Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11. The Reubenites and Gadites receiving their inheritance is a testament to God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. according to their families
This phrase indicates the distribution of land based on familial lines, emphasizing the importance of family and community in Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "families" is "מִשְׁפָּחוֹת" (mishpachot), which denotes extended family units. This distribution ensured that each family had a stake in the Promised Land, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility. It reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where each family is entrusted with a portion of God's creation to manage and preserve. and the half-tribe of Manasseh
The mention of the "half-tribe of Manasseh" refers to the division of the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, into two groups. This division is unique and highlights the special blessing Jacob gave to Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:5-6). The half-tribe settled east of the Jordan, alongside Reuben and Gad. This arrangement demonstrates God's providence and the diversity within unity among the tribes. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where diverse members work together for a common purpose. has received its inheritance
Reiterating the theme of inheritance, this phrase confirms the fulfillment of God's promise to the half-tribe of Manasseh. The allocation of land was not arbitrary but divinely orchestrated, ensuring each tribe received its rightful portion. This inheritance was a source of identity and security for the Israelites, reminding them of their covenant relationship with God. Spiritually, it encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to embrace their identity as heirs of His kingdom, as stated in Romans 8:17. Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenitesDescendants of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son. They were one of the twelve tribes of Israel and settled east of the Jordan River. 2. GaditesDescendants of Gad, one of Jacob's sons. They also settled east of the Jordan River, alongside the Reubenites. 3. Half-Tribe of ManassehDescendants of Manasseh, Joseph's son. This tribe was divided, with half settling east of the Jordan and the other half west. 4. InheritanceRefers to the land allocated to these tribes as their permanent possession, as part of the division of the Promised Land. 5. East of the Jordan RiverThe geographical area where these tribes received their inheritance, distinct from the land west of the Jordan where the other tribes settled. Teaching Points Understanding God's ProvisionGod provides for His people according to His promises. The allocation of land to these tribes demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Unity and Diversity in the Body of ChristJust as the tribes had different inheritances but were part of one nation, believers have diverse gifts and callings but are united in Christ. This calls for mutual support and cooperation. Commitment to CommunityThe tribes east of the Jordan committed to helping their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan. This teaches the importance of supporting one another in the Christian community. Trust in God's TimingThe allocation of land was part of a larger divine plan. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and provision in their own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the inheritance of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. How can the unity and diversity among the tribes of Israel serve as a model for the church today? 3. In what ways can we, like the tribes east of the Jordan, support and serve our Christian community? 4. How does understanding the historical context of these tribes' inheritance enhance our appreciation of God's provision in our lives? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing. How does the account of these tribes encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49Jacob's blessings to his sons, including Reuben and Gad, provide context for their future inheritances and roles among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 13Details the specific boundaries and cities given to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, fulfilling the allocation mentioned in Numbers 34:14. Deuteronomy 3Moses recounts the allocation of land to these tribes, emphasizing their choice to settle east of the Jordan and their commitment to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan. People Addar, Ahihud, Ammihud, Asher, Azzan, Benjamin, Bukki, Caleb, Chislon, Dan, Eleazar, Elidad, Elizaphan, Enan, Gad, Hanniel, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Jogli, Joseph, Joshua, Kemuel, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Paltiel, Parnach, Pedahel, Phaltiel, Reuben, Samuel, Shelomi, Shemuel, Shiphtan, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Ain, Akrabbim, Brook of Egypt, Canaan, Edom, Great Sea, Hazar-addar, Hazar-enan, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Mount Hor, Plains of Moab, Riblah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinnereth, Shepham, Zedad, Zin, ZiphronTopics Fathers, Gad, Half-tribe, Houses, Inheritance, Manasseh, Received, Reuben, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 34:13-14 1657 numbers, fractions Library The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out of the Jerusalem Sheviith, Fol. 36 3
What all these things mean, I cannot so much as conjecture; yea, nor can I scarce conjecture, what the meaning is of some of them. Neither is there any Oedipus at hand, nor Sphinx herself, to explain and unriddle them. The Talmudists are silent from making any comments here, nor have we the advantage of any other commentator. We must, therefore, act here according to the uncertain instruction of nods and winks; and that either by saying nothing, or by mere conjecture, since that the mind of the authors …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
The maps assign a double spring of Jordan; but by what right it scarce appears; much less does it appear by what right they should call this Jor,--and that Dan. There is indeed mention in Josephus of little Jordan and great Jordan. Hence, as it seems, was the first original of the double spring in the maps, and of a double river at those first springs. For thus Josephus; "There are fountains (in Daphne) which send little Jordan, as it is called, into the great." He treats, in the text cited, of the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 34:14 NIVNumbers 34:14 NLTNumbers 34:14 ESVNumbers 34:14 NASBNumbers 34:14 KJV
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