The settlement of the Transjordan tribes refers to the allocation of land east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This event is a significant moment in the history of Israel as it marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites a land of their own. The narrative is primarily found in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua.

Biblical Background

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were part of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, they encountered various peoples and territories. The land east of the Jordan, known as Transjordan, was initially inhabited by the Amorites and other groups.

Request for Land

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

Moses' Response and Conditions

Moses initially expressed concern that their request might discourage the other Israelites from entering the Promised Land, reminiscent of the earlier incident with the spies. He reminded them of the consequences faced by the previous generation for their lack of faith. However, the tribes of Reuben and Gad assured Moses that they would build cities for their families and pens for their flocks, but they would also send their warriors to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

Moses agreed to their request with the condition that they fulfill their promise to assist in the conquest of Canaan. He said, "If you do this—if you arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if all your armed men cross 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" (Numbers 32:20-22).

Allocation of Land

The land was subsequently allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The territory included the kingdom of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og, king of Bashan. This allocation is detailed in Joshua 13, where the boundaries and cities of each tribe's inheritance are described.

Fulfillment of the Promise

The tribes honored their commitment by joining the other Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. Joshua 22 records the moment when Joshua commended them for their faithfulness and allowed them to return to their allotted land in Transjordan. He blessed them, saying, "You have not deserted your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God" (Joshua 22:3).

Significance

The settlement of the Transjordan tribes is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the importance of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, as well as the necessity of fulfilling one's promises before God. It also highlights God's faithfulness in providing for His people, as the land east of the Jordan became a place of prosperity and security for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.