Joshua 13:29
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh:
This is what Moses had given
The phrase underscores the continuity of leadership and divine promise from Moses to Joshua. Moses, as the servant of God, was instrumental in the initial distribution of the land, acting under divine instruction. The Hebrew root for "given" (נָתַן, natan) implies a gift or grant, emphasizing that the land was not earned by the tribes but was a gracious provision from God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and generosity.

to the half-tribe of Manasseh
The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two half-tribes is significant. Historically, Manasseh was one of the sons of Joseph, and his descendants were numerous enough to require a large inheritance. The half-tribe mentioned here refers to those who settled east of the Jordan River. This division is a reminder of the unique and sometimes complex arrangements God made for His people, ensuring that each tribe received its portion according to His plan.

the clans of the descendants of Manasseh
The term "clans" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot) refers to the family groups within the tribe. This highlights the importance of family and community in the distribution of the land. Each clan received its inheritance, ensuring that the land was shared equitably among the people. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and the importance of maintaining familial and tribal identity within the larger community of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He was responsible for dividing the land east of the Jordan among the tribes before his death.

2. Half-Tribe of Manasseh
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the son of Joseph. This tribe was divided, with half settling east of the Jordan River.

3. Territory Allocation
The event of dividing the land among the tribes of Israel, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. Clans of Manasseh
The subdivisions within the tribe of Manasseh, each receiving a portion of the land according to their family lineage.

5. East of the Jordan
The region where the half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, received their inheritance. This area was conquered under Moses' leadership.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives today.

The Importance of Obedience and Faith
The tribes' willingness to settle east of the Jordan required faith and obedience to God's plan. Christians are called to trust and obey God's direction, even when it leads to unexpected places.

Unity and Diversity within God's People
The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two parts shows the diversity within the unity of God's people. The church today is made up of diverse members, each with unique roles and gifts.

Inheritance and Spiritual Legacy
Just as the tribes received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We are called to live in a way that honors this legacy and passes it on to future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the division of the land among the tribes of Israel reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? Consider how this applies to your life today.

2. In what ways can the account of the half-tribe of Manasseh inspire us to trust and obey God's plans, even when they differ from our expectations?

3. How does the concept of unity and diversity within the tribe of Manasseh relate to the body of Christ today? What role do you play in your local church community?

4. What spiritual inheritance have you received through your faith in Christ, and how can you actively live out this inheritance in your daily life?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith and obedience to God's direction. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it encourage others in their faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 48
This chapter describes Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which sets the stage for the tribes' future inheritance.

Numbers 32
This passage details the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle east of the Jordan, and Moses' agreement to their request.

Deuteronomy 3
Here, Moses recounts the conquest of the land east of the Jordan and the allocation of this land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
God Takes Note of Our ,Failing StrengthJ. Parker, D.D.Joshua 13:1-33
Joshua's Old AgeW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
More BeyondJoshua 13:1-33
On Progress in ReligionW. Jay.Joshua 13:1-33
Territory Yet to be Taken by the ChurchW. Seaton.Joshua 13:1-33
The Christian's WorkT. Guthrie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
The Uncompleted WorkF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 13:1-33
Unconquered TerritoryCharles Vince.Joshua 13:1-33
The Inheritance of LeviW.F. Adeney Joshua 13:14, 33
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arah, Ashdodites, Ashdothites, Ashkelonites, Avites, Avvites, Balaam, Beor, Canaanites, Debir, Ekronites, Eshkalonites, Evi, Gad, Gadites, Gazathites, Gazites, Gebalites, Geshurites, Giblites, Gittites, Hur, Israelites, Jair, Joshua, Levi, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Machirites, Manasseh, Og, Reba, Rekem, Rephaites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon, Zereth, Zidonians, Zur
Places
Aphek, Aroer, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bamoth-baal, Bashan, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-baal-peor, Beth-haram, Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-nimrah, Betonim, Debir, Dibon, Edrei, Egypt, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Geshur, Gilead, Heshbon, Jahaz, Jair, Jazer, Jericho, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kiriathaim, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Maacath, Mahanaim, Mearah, Medeba, Mephaath, Midian, Misrephoth-maim, Moab, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Ramath-mizpeh, Salecah, Sea of Chinnereth, Shihor, Sibmah, Succoth, Tirzah, Valley of the Arnon, Zaphon, Zereth-shahar
Topics
Allotted, Clan, Descendants, Families, Family, Giveth, Half, Half-tribe, Heritage, Inheritance, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Manas'sites, Portion, Possession, Sons, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:29

     4208   land, divine responsibility
     5681   family, nature of

Joshua 13:1-33

     5235   boundary

Joshua 13:15-33

     5671   clan

Joshua 13:29-31

     1657   numbers, fractions

Library
October 2. "Moses Gave not any Inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their Inheritance, as He Said unto Them" (Josh. xiii. 33).
"Moses gave not any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He said unto them" (Josh. xiii. 33). This is very significant. God gave the land to the other tribes but He gave Himself to the Levites. There is such a thing in Christian life as an inheritance from the Lord, and there is such a thing as having the Lord Himself for our inheritance. Some people get a sanctification from the Lord which is of much value, but which is variable, and often impermanent. Others have learned
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Unwon but Claimed
'There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, ... them will I drive out from before the children of Israel; only divide thou it by lot unto Israel for an inheritance'--Joshua xiii. 1-8. Joshua was now a very old man and had occupied seven years in the conquest. His work was over, and now he had only to take steps to secure the completion by others of the triumph which he would never see. This incident has many applications to the work of the Church in the world, but not less important ones
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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