Numbers 32 35

Numbers 32:35 kjv

And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,

Numbers 32:35 nkjv

Atroth and Shophan and Jazer and Jogbehah,

Numbers 32:35 niv

Atroth Shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,

Numbers 32:35 esv

Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,

Numbers 32:35 nlt

Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 35 Meaning

Numbers 32:35 lists specific cities that were either rebuilt or fortified by the sons of Gad, as part of their settling the land east of the Jordan River. These names—Atroth, Shophan, Jaazer, and Jogbehah—represent concrete locations where the Gadites established their presence and secured dwelling places for their families and livestock, fulfilling their commitment to possess and inhabit the territory allotted to them by Moses. This verse continues the enumeration of cities mentioned in Numbers 32:34, providing further details of the tribal re-establishment efforts.

Numbers 32 35 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, to settle in the fertile land east of the Jordan River (Gilead and Bashan), which Israel had recently conquered. Initially, Moses was displeased, seeing it as a lack of faith and a repeat of past disobedience (Num 32:6-15). However, the tribes clarified their intent: they desired to settle their families and livestock first but would then send all their armed men across the Jordan with the other tribes to help conquer the land of Canaan. Only after the entire conquest was complete would they return to their inheritance in Transjordan (Num 32:16-19). Moses agreed to this condition, warning them that failure to fulfill their pledge would be sin before the Lord (Num 32:20-23). Verses 34-38 detail the cities that Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh then built or rebuilt as part of establishing their tribal territories. Numbers 32:35 specifically continues the list of cities allocated to or rebuilt by the Gadites. This action marked a significant step in the Israelites' transition from nomadic wanderers to a settled nation, taking tangible possession of the promised land.

Numbers 32 35 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A simple conjunctive prefix. Here it links this verse directly to the preceding list, indicating a continuation of the cities that were built or fortified. It shows the cumulative nature of the settlement activities.
• Atroth (עֲטָרֹת, 'Atarot): Meaning "crowns" or "garlands." This suggests a place of prominence, perhaps on a hill or fortified site, metaphorically crowned. It was a well-known city in Gilead, part of Gad's territory, and is often mentioned alongside other significant regional places.
• Shophan (שֹׁפָן, Shophan): The exact meaning is obscure, possibly derived from a root meaning "hidden" or "rabbit/hyrax." It appears to be linked to Atroth, possibly Atroth-Shophan (as in Joshua 13:25), suggesting either a twin city, a district, or a descriptor for Atroth itself. Its inclusion here marks it as a distinct settlement fortified by the Gadites.
• and (וְ, ve): Another conjunctive, continuing the enumeration of cities.
• Jaazer (יַעְזֵר, Ya‘zēr): Meaning "He will help" or "helper." Jaazer was a strategically important city, later identified as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:39), indicating its administrative and religious significance in Israelite life. Its name might have been seen as a divine acknowledgment of help in securing the land. It was known for its pasturage and frequently mentioned in relation to Ammonite and Moabite territories, highlighting its geopolitical importance.
• and (וְ, ve): Yet another conjunctive, serving to add the final listed city in this verse.
• Jogbehah (יָגְבְּהָה, Yogbehah): Meaning "he will make high" or "raised place." This name likely refers to its topographical location, indicating it was situated on elevated ground, possibly for defensive purposes. Like Jaazer, it was an important city in Gad's territory, sometimes associated with Ammonite raids (Judges 8:11 for Gideon pursuing Midianites through it).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah": This sequence of names is a concise list of proper nouns representing specific locations. Their listing emphasizes the concrete nature of the Israelite settlement and their establishment of control over these territories. It reflects a practical administrative record of the land taken and fortified by the Gadites. The very act of naming or renaming these places solidifies Israel's claim and presence, transitioning them from abstract concepts of land promise to tangible realities of settled habitation and tribal inheritance. This list, alongside those in Numbers 32:34 and 32:36, provides vital geographical markers of the early Israelite presence beyond the Jordan.

Numbers 32 35 Bonus section

The specific enumeration of cities in Numbers 32, including those in verse 35, highlights a crucial aspect of Israel's transition from a nomadic desert people to a settled agricultural and pastoral society. This detailed list is an early example of tribal boundaries and the taking of formal possession, solidifying their claims on the land God had granted them. Furthermore, the act of "building" or "fortifying" these cities, often previously occupied by other peoples, symbolizes the act of sanctifying or reclaiming the land for Israel, removing the lingering vestiges of previous idolatrous cultures and making it their own in the Lord. It signifies stability, administrative control, and the literal groundwork for future generations. The inclusion of names like "Jaazer" ("He will help") might even implicitly testify to God's hand in their success in acquiring and securing these locations.

Numbers 32 35 Commentary

Numbers 32:35 is more than a mere geographical list; it's a testament to the tribes' diligent fulfillment of their initial promise to Moses to build and secure their inheritance. The rebuilding or fortifying of these specific cities—Atroth, Shophan, Jaazer, and Jogbehah—by the sons of Gad demonstrates the practical steps taken in possessing the promised land. Each name, whether referring to a "crowned" place, a "high" point, or a place where "help" was found, likely carried significance related to its characteristics or strategic value. This action served to create stable and protected environments for their families and extensive flocks before the fighting men joined the conquest of Canaan. It underlines the importance of order, security, and the establishment of settled community life as part of Israel's national development and faithfulness to their tribal responsibilities. These were not just nameless outposts but identifiable strongholds within their allotted territory.