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.

Biblical Context

The division of the land east of the Jordan occurs after the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, have journeyed through the wilderness and are poised to enter the Promised Land. Before crossing the Jordan River into Canaan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh express a desire to settle in the fertile lands of Gilead and Bashan, which they had conquered from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og.

Request and Agreement

In Numbers 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad approach Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a request to settle in the lands east of the Jordan. They argue that the region is suitable for their large herds and flocks. Moses initially expresses concern that their decision might discourage the rest of the Israelites from entering Canaan, reminiscent of the earlier rebellion at Kadesh Barnea. However, the tribes assure Moses that they will assist in the conquest of Canaan, promising to send their warriors ahead of the other Israelites until the land west of the Jordan is secured.

Moses agrees to their request, stipulating that they must fulfill their promise to fight alongside their brethren. Numbers 32:33 states, "So Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land with its cities and the territory surrounding them."

Allocation of Territories

The territories allocated to these tribes are described in detail in the book of Joshua. Joshua 13:8-13 outlines the specific regions given to the tribes:

· Reuben: The territory of Reuben included the land from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge and the town in the middle of the gorge, the whole plateau past Medeba, Heshbon, and all its towns on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley, Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth.

· Gad: The territory of Gad extended from Jazer, all the towns of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer near Rabbah, and from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the territory of Debir.

· Half-Tribe of Manasseh: The half-tribe of Manasseh received the region of Bashan, including all the kingdom of Og, the towns of Jair in Bashan, sixty cities, half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan.

Significance

The division of the land east of the Jordan is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land, showcases the unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, and sets a precedent for the division of the land west of the Jordan. This event also highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh honor their commitment to support their fellow Israelites in the conquest of Canaan.