Numbers 32 39

Numbers 32:39 kjv

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.

Numbers 32:39 nkjv

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were in it.

Numbers 32:39 niv

The descendants of Makir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it and drove out the Amorites who were there.

Numbers 32:39 esv

And the sons of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead and captured it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were in it.

Numbers 32:39 nlt

Then the descendants of Makir of the tribe of Manasseh went to Gilead and conquered it, and they drove out the Amorites living there.

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 39 Meaning

Numbers 32:39 details the specific act of conquest and settlement by the descendants of Machir, the firstborn son of Manasseh. It describes how this clan ventured into the region of Gilead, militarily captured it, and drove out its previous inhabitants, the Amorites. This verse confirms a step in Israel's territorial claim and early fulfillment of the land promise east of the Jordan River.

Numbers 32 39 Context

Numbers 32:39 is situated within the narrative of Israel's preparations to enter the Promised Land, specifically dealing with the allocation of territory east of the Jordan River.

Verse Context: This verse directly follows the listing of cities built and taken by the tribes of Reuben and Gad in Numbers 32:34-38. Verse 39 then focuses on the half-tribe of Manasseh, particularly the descendants of Machir, and their part in securing their own designated inheritance in Gilead, east of the Jordan. It highlights their active role in the conquest, solidifying the claims of the Transjordan tribes.

Chapter Context: Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan due to their abundant livestock. Initially, Moses rebukes them, fearing a repeat of the Kadesh-Barnea rebellion, which resulted in the wilderness wandering. However, after the tribes pledge to participate fully in the conquest of Canaan proper, fighting alongside the other tribes, Moses agrees. A portion of the tribe of Manasseh, specifically Machir's clan, also desires land in Transjordan. The chapter details the terms of this agreement and begins to list the specific territories and cities taken and settled by these tribes, validating their claim through conquest and active dispossession.

Historical Context: This event takes place near the end of the 40 years of wilderness wandering, immediately after the decisive victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan (Numbers 21). Israel has gained control of significant territory east of the Jordan. The "Amorite" were a prominent and powerful people group throughout Canaan and Transjordan, frequently mentioned as one of the indigenous nations God commanded Israel to dispossess. Their defeat and expulsion were not just military achievements but fulfillments of God's judgment upon the land's wicked inhabitants and His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:16) to give this land to his descendants. This early land acquisition sets the stage for the larger conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan under Joshua's leadership.

Numbers 32 39 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A simple conjunction, connecting this action to the previous verses which describe the conquests of Reuben and Gad. It signifies continuity in the broader narrative of territorial acquisition by the tribes.
• the children of Machir (בְּנֵי מָכִיר, b'ney Machir): Literally "sons of Machir," referring to the clan or descendants of Machir. Machir was Manasseh's firstborn son, holding a significant position within the tribe (Gen 50:23; Num 26:29; 1 Chr 7:14-15). Their explicit mention highlights their prominence, initiative, or the specific role they played in this particular military undertaking within the larger Manassehite half-tribe. It implies a distinct and effective military contingent.
• the son of Manasseh (בֶּן-מְנַשֶּׁה, ben-Menasheh): Specifies Machir's lineage, unequivocally identifying him with the tribe of Manasseh. Manasseh was Joseph's eldest son. This linkage places Machir's actions directly within the broader tribal and national inheritance context.
• went to Gilead (הָלְכוּ אֶל-גִּלְעָד, hal'chu el-Gil'ad): "Went" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies a deliberate movement or expedition. Gilead (גִּלְעָד, Gil'ad) is a historically and geographically significant region of mountains and fertile plains east of the Jordan River. It was highly desirable for its pasture lands, which aligns with the request of the pastoral tribes of Reuben and Gad, and also appeals to Machir's descendants for similar economic reasons. This movement marks the target area of their conquest.
• and took it (וַיִּלְכְּדֻהָ, vayyil'k'duha): "Took" (לָכַד, lakad) denotes capture, seizure, or conquering by military force, often implying a siege or violent engagement leading to the subjugation of a city or region. This term emphasizes that the acquisition was not passive or diplomatic, but active, requiring military prowess and God's assistance in battle.
• and dispossessed (וַיּוֹרֶשׁ, vayyorash): "Dispossessed" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) carries a dual meaning: to drive out, expel, or take possession from another, and also to inherit. In this context, it clearly means to drive out the previous occupants by force in order to take ownership of the land. This verb is crucial as it signifies the fulfillment of God's recurring command to Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land (e.g., Ex 23:28-30; Deut 7:1; Num 33:52). It underscores divine judgment on the former inhabitants and God's sovereign gift of the land to Israel.
• the Amorite (אֶת-הָאֱמֹרִי, et-ha'Emori): Refers to the specific people group inhabiting Gilead. The Amorites were a powerful and widespread group (sometimes used as a general term for all Canaanite inhabitants) and were among the wicked nations God condemned to expulsion due to their great iniquity (Gen 15:16). Their presence east of the Jordan highlights their broad influence. Their dispossession is a direct act of divine judgment executed through Israel.
• who was in it (אֲשֶׁר בָּהּ, asher bah): Lit. "who [was] in her" (Gilead is feminine). This phrase simply confirms the physical presence of the Amorites within Gilead before its conquest.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead": This phrase specifies the acting agent as a particular, distinguished clan within the larger tribe of Manasseh, underscoring their initiative and focused mission in targeting the region of Gilead. It's not a generic tribal movement, but a specific sub-group undertaking this task.
• "and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite who was in it": This sequence describes the two-pronged action: successful military conquest ("took it") followed by the complete removal of the prior inhabitants ("dispossessed the Amorite"). This signifies a total transfer of ownership and the active fulfillment of the divine mandate to cleanse the land. It emphasizes the violence inherent in the divinely-sanctioned land taking.

Numbers 32 39 Bonus section

• The conquest of Gilead by Machir's descendants is noteworthy as it illustrates the specific contributions of prominent clans within a larger tribal framework. It might imply Machir's lineage provided notable warriors or leadership for this endeavor.
• Gilead, once taken, becomes a significant part of Israelite territory, rich in resources and strategically important as a frontier region throughout much of Israel's history. Its acquisition here foundational for later events involving Manasseh, Gad, and Reuben.
• The continued presence and need to "dispossess the Amorite" indicates that the initial victories over Sihon and Og (Num 21) were major but did not automatically clear all inhabitants; local populations still needed to be expelled through further targeted efforts.
• This verse prefigures the detailed land distribution that would occur under Joshua, emphasizing that the tribes needed to actively take possession, even though God had promised the land. This blend of divine promise and human action is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative.

Numbers 32 39 Commentary

Numbers 32:39 is a concise and factual historical record, yet it conveys profound theological and practical implications. It records a partial but significant fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants. By focusing on the "children of Machir," the verse highlights specific tribal responsibility and the effective implementation of the cooperative agreement for settling the Transjordan lands. Their active conquest and dispossession of the Amorites underscore Israel's role as God's instrument of judgment against wicked nations. The use of "dispossessed" (yarash) resonates with God's repeated commands for His people to actively drive out the land's inhabitants, implying that true inheritance of divine promises often requires diligent, often arduous, action guided by God. This brief statement thus confirms God's faithfulness, Israel's obedience (in this instance), and the strategic establishment of a significant Israelite presence east of the Jordan. It serves as an example that corporate tribal responsibilities are executed through the actions of specific, identifiable units within the community.