The division of the land east of the Jordan River is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking the allocation of territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua.

Background and Context

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, they had already conquered significant territories east of the Jordan. These lands were taken from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, as described in Numbers 21:21-35. The victories over these kings provided the Israelites with a substantial area of land suitable for settlement.

Request for Land

The tribes of Reuben and Gad, who had large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were ideal for livestock. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a request to settle in these lands rather than crossing the Jordan into Canaan. Numbers 32:5 records their plea: "If we have found favor in your sight," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan."

Moses' Response and Conditions

Initially, Moses was concerned that granting their request might discourage the rest of the Israelites from entering the Promised Land. He reminded them of the consequences faced by their ancestors for refusing to enter Canaan (Numbers 32:6-15). However, the tribes of Reuben and Gad assured Moses that they would build fortified cities for their families and livestock and would lead the Israelites in battle until the land west of the Jordan was secured (Numbers 32:16-19).

Moses agreed to their request on the condition that they fulfill their promise to assist in the conquest of Canaan. Numbers 32:20-22 records Moses' instructions: "If you do this—if you arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out before Him—then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of your obligation to the LORD and to Israel."

Allocation of the Land

Upon fulfilling their military obligations, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were granted their requested territories. The land was divided as follows:

· Reuben: The territory included the land from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge and the city in the middle of the gorge, along with the whole plateau past Medeba (Joshua 13:16).
· Gad: Their territory extended from Jazer to all the towns of Gilead and half the Ammonite country as far as Aroer, near Rabbah (Joshua 13:25).
· Half-Tribe of Manasseh: They received the region of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, including all the towns of Jair in Bashan—sixty cities in total (Joshua 13:30).

Significance

The division of the land east of the Jordan was not only a fulfillment of the immediate needs of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh but also a demonstration of God's provision and faithfulness to His people. It set a precedent for the subsequent division of the land west of the Jordan and underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel in achieving their God-given inheritance.