The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are three of the twelve tribes of Israel, each descending from the sons of Jacob. These tribes are significant in biblical history, particularly in the context of the settlement of the Promised Land and their unique inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River.

Reubenites

The Reubenites are descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Despite Reuben's status as the firstborn, he lost his birthright due to an indiscretion with his father's concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). As a result, the leadership and double portion of inheritance traditionally given to the firstborn were transferred to Joseph and Judah (1 Chronicles 5:1-2).

The Reubenites settled in the territory east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. This area was well-suited for their large herds and flocks. In Numbers 32, the Reubenites, along with the Gadites, requested to settle in this land because of its suitability for livestock. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan.

Gadites

The Gadites are descendants of Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Like the Reubenites, the Gadites were known for their large herds and flocks, which influenced their desire to settle in the fertile lands of Gilead and Bashan, east of the Jordan River.

The Gadites were renowned for their military prowess and bravery. In 1 Chronicles 12:8, they are described as "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."

Manassites

The half-tribe of Manasseh refers to the descendants of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman. Manasseh, along with his brother Ephraim, received a special blessing from Jacob, who adopted them as his own sons (Genesis 48:5). This adoption effectively gave Joseph a double portion of inheritance through his two sons.

The tribe of Manasseh was divided into two parts: one half settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the regions of Bashan and Gilead, while the other half settled on the west side, in the central part of Canaan. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh joined the Reubenites and Gadites in requesting land on the east side of the Jordan, as recorded in Numbers 32.

Role in Israel's History

The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Despite their settlement on the east side of the Jordan, they fulfilled their commitment to assist the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 1:12-18).

However, their geographical separation from the other tribes sometimes led to tensions and misunderstandings. In Joshua 22, the construction of an altar by these tribes near the Jordan River almost led to civil war, as the western tribes misunderstood it as an act of rebellion against the LORD. The situation was resolved when the eastern tribes explained that the altar was a witness to their shared faith and heritage with the other Israelites.

Throughout biblical history, the eastern tribes faced challenges due to their proximity to hostile neighbors and their distance from the central places of worship in Israel. Despite these challenges, they remained an integral part of the nation of Israel, contributing to its military strength and cultural heritage.