Joshua 13 31

Joshua 13:31 kjv

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

Joshua 13:31 nkjv

half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, for half of the children of Machir according to their families.

Joshua 13:31 niv

half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei (the royal cities of Og in Bashan). This was for the descendants of Makir son of Manasseh?for half of the sons of Makir, according to their clans.

Joshua 13:31 esv

and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. These were allotted to the people of Machir the son of Manasseh for the half of the people of Machir according to their clans.

Joshua 13:31 nlt

It also included half of Gilead and King Og's royal cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei. All this was given to the clans of the descendants of Makir, who was Manasseh's son.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 31 Meaning

This verse delineates a specific portion of the land east of the Jordan River assigned as an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It pinpoints Half of Gilead, and key cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei, which were significant parts of the former kingdom of Og in Bashan. The verse also specifies that this allotment belongs to the descendants of Machir, a prominent family within Manasseh, and clarifies that it includes all the surrounding cities and their dependent villages within that described half of Gilead.

Joshua 13 31 Context

Joshua chapter 13 serves as a pivotal point, transitioning from the military conquest of Canaan to the critical task of land distribution among the Israelite tribes. Although significant portions of the land remained unconquered in the west, God commanded Joshua to proceed with the inheritance division. This specific verse details the portion assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh situated east of the Jordan River. This allocation was not part of Joshua's direct conquests in western Canaan but was determined much earlier by Moses himself, following Israel's decisive victory over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (as recorded in Num 32 and Deut 3). The verse, therefore, formally records and confirms the long-standing possession of this territory, particularly Bashan and parts of Gilead, by this powerful tribe, emphasizing the fulfillment of prior divine decrees regarding their inheritance.

Joshua 13 31 Word analysis

• and Half of Gilead (וַחֲצִי הַגִּלְעָד - vaḥătsī haggil‘ād):
  • Half: This denotes the northern portion of the Gilead region, distinguishing it from the southern part given to the tribe of Gad. This precision highlights the careful and specific nature of the divine land allocation.
  • Gilead: A geographically significant and fertile Transjordanian region, known for its pastoral lands. Its inclusion speaks to the richness of the inheritance.
• and Ashtaroth (וְעַשְׁתָּרוֹת - və‘ashtārōṯ):
  • Ashtaroth: A prominent city in Bashan and one of the two royal cities of Og. More crucially, it was a significant cultic center dedicated to the Canaanite fertility goddess Ashtoreth (Astarte), a major deity in the surrounding pagan cultures.
  • Significance: Israel's possession of this idolatrous stronghold signifies Yahweh's supreme triumph over the false gods and the spiritual dominions of Canaan. It serves as a stark reminder of God's power over opposing deities and a call for His people to eradicate such practices from the land.
• and Edrei (וְאֶדְרְעִי - və’eḏrə‘ī):
  • Edrei: Another key royal city of Og in Bashan, famous as a battle site where Moses' forces delivered a decisive defeat to Og (Num 21:33, Deut 3:1).
  • Significance: Its mention solidifies the claim to the land through a clear historical victory given by God, linking present possession directly to divine intervention.
• cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan (עָרֵי מַמְלֶכֶת עוֹג בַּבָּשָׁן - ‘ārê mamleḵeṯ ‘ōg babbāshān):
  • Og: King of Bashan, described as a giant and a formidable adversary, whose defeat demonstrated God's miraculous power (Deut 3:11).
  • Bashan: A rich and fertile high plateau region, known for its strong cattle and thick forests. Its strategic importance and desirability underscore the generosity of God's gift.
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes that the inherited land was wrested from a powerful, intimidating pagan king not by Israel's might but by divine intervention, showcasing God's sovereign power and commitment to His covenant promises.
• and part of the children of Machir the son of Manasseh (וַחֲלֵק מִבְּנֵי מָכִיר בֶּן־מְנַשֶּׁה - vaḥăleq mibbənê māḵīr ben-mnašše):
  • Machir: The firstborn son of Manasseh. His descendants were recognized for their martial prowess and active role in conquering and settling parts of Gilead and Bashan (Num 32:39-40; Deut 3:15).
  • Significance: This specifies the exact clan within Manasseh assigned this territory, acknowledging their early initiatives and active participation in securing the land. It reinforces the internal tribal structure and careful designation of inheritance within the larger Manassite tribe.
• all the cities of that Half, and the villages thereof (כָּל־עָרֵי חֲצִי הַגִּלְעָד וַחֲצֵרֵיהֶם - kol-‘ārê ḥătsī haggil‘ād vaḥătsēreyhem):
  • All the cities... and the villages: This inclusive phrase highlights that the allocation encompassed not just the major mentioned cities but every settlement, great and small, within the defined northern Gilead territory.
  • Significance: This phrase ensures the completeness and undisputed nature of the possession, providing a clear boundary for the tribal inheritance and full dominion for the settlers over their allocated portion of the Promised Land.

Joshua 13 31 Bonus section

The allocation of this rich land to the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh (alongside Reuben and Gad, mentioned earlier in the chapter) underlines a unique aspect of Israel's settlement. These tribes chose to remain east of the Jordan River due to the suitability of the land for their extensive livestock. This decision was granted by Moses but came with the solemn condition that their fighting men would fully participate in the conquest of Canaan proper, west of the Jordan. Joshua 13:31 confirms God's upholding of this agreement, demonstrating that obedience to His commands brings forth the promised blessing and inheritance. The value of Bashan, known for its formidable defenses, fertile pastures, and prized livestock, represented a substantial gift, indicative of God's abundant provision for His people who trust and obey Him. This formal listing provides precise boundaries and solidifies their rightful claim, ensuring order and stability in their possession of the land.

Joshua 13 31 Commentary

Joshua 13:31 meticulously details the portion of land specifically allotted to the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. This inheritance includes the strategic and fertile regions of Half of Gilead and Bashan, incorporating vital cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei, which once formed part of the defeated kingdom of Og. This reiterates the decisive victory given by God over Og, a king of legendary might. The inclusion of Ashtaroth, a center of pagan worship, highlights the theological dimension of Israel's conquest—a divine victory over idolatry and a mandate to purify the land for the worship of the one true God. The specific mention of Machir's descendants underlines the historical recognition of this clan's instrumental role in the initial taking of this territory east of the Jordan. The verse stands as a testament to God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His faithfulness in providing a complete and secure inheritance.