Joshua 13:8 Study Bible: But to the two tribes and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, with him the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them:

◄ Joshua 13:8 ►

The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them:

Study Bible

The other half of the tribe of Manasseh
This phrase refers to the division of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, the tribe of Manasseh was split into two half-tribes, with one settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other on the west. This division is significant as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land his descendants would inherit. The Hebrew root for "Manasseh" means "causing to forget," which is a reference to Joseph's declaration in Genesis 41:51, where he names his firstborn Manasseh, saying, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household."

along with the Reubenites and the Gadites
The Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, were the tribes that chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. This decision was made because the land was suitable for their large herds and flocks. The historical context here is crucial, as these tribes requested this land from Moses, who granted it to them on the condition that they would help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan. This reflects a theme of unity and cooperation among the tribes, despite geographical separation.

had received their inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew word for inheritance, "nachalah," implies a possession or heritage that is passed down through generations. This inheritance was not just a physical territory but also a spiritual legacy, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and their responsibility to live according to His laws.

beyond the Jordan to the east
This geographical reference to "beyond the Jordan to the east" indicates the Transjordan region, which includes the territories of Gilead and Bashan. Archaeological findings in this area have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications, supporting the biblical narrative of Israelite occupation. The Jordan River itself is a significant biblical symbol, representing a boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land. Crossing the Jordan was a pivotal moment for the Israelites, marking the transition from their nomadic life to settling in the land God had promised them.

just as Moses, the servant of the LORD, had given them
Moses is referred to as "the servant of the LORD," a title that underscores his role as a faithful leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. Moses' leadership was instrumental in guiding the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His actions in granting the land east of the Jordan to these tribes were in obedience to God's instructions, demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling God's will. This phrase highlights the continuity of God's plan through His chosen leaders and the importance of obedience to divine guidance in the fulfillment of His promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Half-Tribe of Manasseh
This refers to one of the two divisions of the tribe of Manasseh, a son of Joseph. They received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River.

2. Reubenites
Descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. They were allotted land on the east side of the Jordan River.

3. Gadites
Descendants of Gad, another son of Jacob. Like the Reubenites, they received their inheritance east of the Jordan.

4. Moses
The servant of the LORD who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He assigned the land east of the Jordan to these tribes before his death.

5. Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary in the Bible, separating the land of Canaan from the territories to the east.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Promises
God's allocation of land to the tribes east of the Jordan demonstrates His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives.

Unity and Cooperation Among God's People
The tribes east of the Jordan committed to helping their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan. This teaches the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ.

Obedience to God's Commands
The tribes' willingness to follow Moses' instructions highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to obey God's Word and the guidance of spiritual leaders.

Inheritance and Spiritual Legacy
The concept of inheritance in the Bible extends beyond physical land to include spiritual blessings. Christians are encouraged to focus on their spiritual inheritance in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of land to the tribes east of the Jordan demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can the unity and cooperation among the tribes east of the Jordan serve as a model for the church today?

3. What lessons can we learn from the obedience of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to Moses' instructions?

4. How does the concept of inheritance in Joshua 13:8 relate to our understanding of spiritual inheritance in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite uncertain circumstances. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 32
This chapter details the request of the Reubenites and Gadites to settle in the land east of the Jordan, which Moses eventually grants after ensuring they will help conquer the land west of the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 3
Moses recounts the allocation of land to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Joshua 1
Joshua is reminded of the promise to the tribes east of the Jordan and their commitment to assist in the conquest of Canaan.

Sermons

God Takes Note of Our ,Failing Strength	J. Parker, D.D.	Joshua 13:1-33
Joshua's Old Age	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	Joshua 13:1-33
More Beyond		Joshua 13:1-33
On Progress in Religion	W. Jay.	Joshua 13:1-33
Territory Yet to be Taken by the Church	W. Seaton.	Joshua 13:1-33
The Christian's Work	T. Guthrie, D. D.	Joshua 13:1-33
The Uncompleted Work	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	Joshua 13:1-33
Unconquered Territory	Charles Vince.	Joshua 13:1-33

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

Assigned, Beyond, East, Eastward, Gadite, Gadites, Half, Half-tribe, Heritage, Inheritance, Jordan, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Received, Reubenite, Reubenites, Servant, Tribe

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Joshua 13:8

4208 land, divine responsibility

Joshua 13:1-33

5235 boundary

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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