Topical Bible: Reubenites: Have Their Inheritance East of the Jordan River

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Reubenites, descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, are one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their inheritance east of the Jordan River is a significant aspect of their history and role within the nation of Israel. This allocation of land is detailed in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua.

Historical Context

The tribe of Reuben, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. This request is recorded in Numbers 32. The Reubenites, recognizing the suitability of the land for their large herds and flocks, approached Moses with the proposal to receive their inheritance in this region rather than crossing the Jordan into Canaan.

Biblical Account

In Numbers 32:1-5 , the Reubenites, along with the Gadites, express their desire: "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, 'Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, the land that the LORD subdued before the congregation of Israel, is suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock.'"

Moses initially expressed concern that their decision might discourage the rest of the Israelites from entering the Promised Land. However, the Reubenites, along with the Gadites, assured Moses that they would join the other tribes in battle to conquer Canaan before returning to their allotted land. Numbers 32:16-18 records their commitment: "Then they came up to him and said, 'We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his inheritance.'"

Inheritance and Settlement

The agreement was accepted, and the Reubenites, along with the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, received their inheritance east of the Jordan. This territory included the lands of Gilead and Bashan, which were well-suited for their pastoral lifestyle. The formal allocation of this land is confirmed in Joshua 13:15-23 , where the boundaries and cities of the Reubenite inheritance are detailed.

Role and Challenges

The Reubenites, settled in their allotted territory, played a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history. However, their location east of the Jordan sometimes led to challenges in maintaining unity with the other tribes west of the river. The construction of an altar by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, as described in Joshua 22, initially caused misunderstanding and tension with the western tribes, who feared it signified rebellion against the LORD. This incident was resolved through dialogue, reaffirming their shared faith and commitment to the covenant.

Legacy

The Reubenites' choice to settle east of the Jordan reflects their practical needs and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. Their account is a testament to the diverse ways in which the tribes of Israel inhabited the land promised to them, each according to their needs and circumstances, while remaining part of the covenant community.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 32:1
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
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Deuteronomy 3:1-20
Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
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Joshua 13:15-23
And Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.
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Joshua 18:7
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Moab does not mention the Reubenites, and speaks ... the villages, and pushed, sometimes,
their skirmishing parties ... Manasseh was said to have been established ...
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