1 Chronicles 5 23

1 Chronicles 5:23 kjv

And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

1 Chronicles 5:23 nkjv

So the children of the half-tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land. Their numbers increased from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir, or Mount Hermon.

1 Chronicles 5:23 niv

The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous; they settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir (Mount Hermon).

1 Chronicles 5:23 esv

The members of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land. They were very numerous from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon.

1 Chronicles 5:23 nlt

The half-tribe of Manasseh was very large and spread through the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 23 Meaning

This verse details the extensive geographical spread and demographic growth of the half-tribe of Manasseh situated on the eastern side of the Jordan River. It describes their population "increasing" significantly, spreading out from Bashan in the south, northwards to include Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon, marking the far northern boundaries of Israel's tribal inheritance in Transjordan. The mention of their prosperity in terms of numbers and territory establishes their dwelling as divinely blessed.

1 Chronicles 5 23 Context

1 Chronicles 5 focuses on the genealogies of the Transjordanian tribes: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This chapter outlines their descendants, their dwelling places, and key events, specifically highlighting their military prowess, their possession of extensive land due to divine blessing, and ultimately, their transgression which led to their exile by the Assyrians. Verse 23 details the prosperity and vast territory that the half-tribe of Manasseh enjoyed, underscoring God's initial blessing and fulfillment of His covenant promises to provide land and increase. This portrayal of their success immediately precedes the account of their sin and subsequent downfall (1 Chr 5:25-26), creating a sharp contrast that emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, even amidst prosperity. The Chronicler’s narrative frequently links national prosperity to faithfulness and decline to idolatry and transgression.

1 Chronicles 5 23 Word analysis

• And the children of half the tribe of Manasseh: This specifies the eastern branch of Manasseh, distinguished from the western half that settled west of the Jordan River (Josh 17). Their significant role in settling the Transjordan region, granted by Moses (Num 32; Josh 13), highlights the breadth of Israel's territorial claims.
• dwelt in the land: Hebrew: yashvu (יָשְׁבוּ), meaning "they settled," "they inhabited." It implies a stable and secure occupation of the territory, not just passing through. This reflects God's promise of a secure dwelling for His people (Ps 78:55).
• they increased: Hebrew: rabu (רָבוּ), "they became many," "they multiplied," "they were numerous." This word carries significant theological weight, reflecting a fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant promise of numerous descendants (Gen 12:2; 17:6) and God's blessing (Deut 28:11). It signifies a divine favor upon the tribe, despite their later spiritual failings. This demographic prosperity points to God's faithfulness in enabling Israel to flourish and possess their inheritance.
• from Bashan: An extremely fertile region known for its rich pasturelands, forests, and powerful cattle (Ps 22:12; Amos 4:1). Its mention denotes the southern extent of Manasseh's Transjordanian territory. Bashan was significant for its agricultural bounty and strategic importance.
• unto Baal-hermon: This specific place name, "Baal of Hermon," indicates a location likely associated with the worship of the Canaanite deity Baal (similar to Baal-Peor, Num 25). Its inclusion as part of Manasseh's territory demonstrates the Israelites' expansion into lands previously dominated by paganism. It represents a specific peak or location in the Hermon range. The very occupation of such a place implicitly asserts Yahweh's sovereignty over the territories previously under the influence of other gods.
• and Senir: One of the names for Mount Hermon (Deut 3:9), primarily used by the Amorites and later by others in the region. Its mention provides another geographical marker, specifically referencing a part of the Hermon mountain range.
• and mount Hermon: The prominent mountain range marking the northernmost boundary of the land of Israel's promised territory (Josh 11:17; 13:5). Its inclusion emphasizes the vast extent of Manasseh's occupation, stretching from Bashan in the south all the way to this major northern landmark.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the children of half the tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land:" This opening phrase specifies the group and their fundamental act of settling, fulfilling the divine promise of land possession. It highlights the vastness of the land inherited by Manasseh and its distinction from the western half.
• "they increased from Bashan unto Baal-hermon, and Senir, and mount Hermon:" This powerful clause details the blessing of multiplication and territorial expansion. The span "from Bashan unto Mount Hermon" signifies a comprehensive, extensive, and successful occupation of the northern Transjordan region. The prosperity and size indicated here speak of divine blessing and Manasseh’s success in conquest and settlement.

1 Chronicles 5 23 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s particular emphasis on the Transjordanian tribes’ dwelling and expansion (Ch. 5) reflects a theological interest in demonstrating the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding land and increase, even to these tribes who lived outside the primary territory of Israel proper. This prosperity serves as a clear indicator of divine favor before their downfall. The meticulous detail in geographical names suggests the importance of boundaries and land possession as a tangible sign of the covenant. Furthermore, this emphasis on conquest and dwelling reminds the audience of God's power to grant victory and territory. The detailed mention of specific locations like Baal-hermon and Senir underscores the reality and extent of the Israelite presence, subtly asserting Yahweh's dominion over pagan territories and deities through His chosen people. The Chronicler consistently reinforces the idea that true prosperity (increase, land, victory) is from God and hinges upon faithfulness to Him.

1 Chronicles 5 23 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:23 describes the geographical reach and demographic vitality of the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, a snapshot of their peak prosperity and extensive landholding east of the Jordan. The "increase" of their population is presented as a testament to God's blessing, fulfilling His ancient covenant promises of fruitfulness and land to Abraham's descendants. Their territory stretched across the fertile region of Bashan, known for its resources, up to the impressive peaks of Mount Hermon, specifically mentioning Baal-hermon and Senir. The inclusion of places named after pagan deities, such as Baal-hermon, implicitly highlights God's power in giving His people dominion over lands previously claimed by other gods. This verse serves as a crucial prelude to the following verses, where the same tribes, blessed with this immense land and numerous population, ultimately fell into idolatry and were led into exile. Thus, it emphasizes the grace extended to them and the subsequent gravity of their unfaithfulness, demonstrating that divine blessing, though real, does not override the consequences of sin.