The Gadites, Reubenites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are significant groups within the twelve tribes of Israel, each with unique roles and territories in biblical history. These tribes are often mentioned together due to their shared geographical and historical circumstances.

Gadites

The tribe of Gad, descendants of Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, is known for its valor and military prowess. The Gadites settled east of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land suitable for livestock. This territory was granted to them by Moses before the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. The Gadites are described as fierce warriors, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:8 : "From the Gadites, there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains."

Reubenites

The tribe of Reuben, named after Jacob's firstborn son with Leah, also settled east of the Jordan River. Despite Reuben's status as the firstborn, his tribe did not achieve the prominence one might expect, partly due to Reuben's transgression against his father (Genesis 49:3-4). The Reubenites, like the Gadites, were granted land by Moses in the Transjordan region, which was well-suited for their large flocks and herds. Numbers 32:1-5 records their request: "The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the congregation and said, 'The land that the LORD subdued before the congregation of Israel is suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock.'"

Manassites

The half-tribe of Manasseh, descendants of Joseph's son Manasseh, was unique in that it was divided into two groups, with one half settling east of the Jordan and the other half in the western part of the Promised Land. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh occupied a large territory north of the Gadites and Reubenites, extending into Bashan. This division is noted in Joshua 13:29-31 : "This is what Moses had given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the family of the descendants of Manasseh, according to their clans: The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair in Bashan, sixty cities."

The eastern tribes, including the Gadites, Reubenites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, played a crucial role in the defense and expansion of Israel's territory. They were known for their commitment to the covenant with God, as demonstrated in their willingness to assist their fellow Israelites in conquering the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own territories (Joshua 22:1-4).

These tribes, while geographically separated from the rest of Israel, maintained their identity and allegiance to the God of Israel, as seen in their construction of an altar as a witness to their shared faith (Joshua 22:10-34). Their account is a testament to the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and cooperation among God's people.