Why did the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh settle east of the Jordan River?

These tribes chose to settle east of the Jordan River primarily because the land was well-suited for their large herds of livestock. As recorded in Numbers 32:1-5, they observed that the land of Jazer and Gilead (which included Bashan) was excellent for grazing and requested it from Moses. Moses granted their request on the condition that their fighting men would cross the Jordan with the other tribes and help conquer Canaan before returning to their inheritance. This arrangement is detailed further in Joshua 13.

What was the significance of Bashan as a territory?

Bashan was a highly significant territory due to its exceptional fertility and strategic location. It was renowned for its rich pastures, which supported large herds of cattle (often referred to as "bulls of Bashan" or "cows of Bashan" in prophetic literature, e.g., Psalm 22:12), and its dense oak forests. Conquering Bashan from Og, its powerful king, was a major military victory for Israel (as described in Deuteronomy 3:1-7). Its possession represented a substantial and valuable part of the tribal inheritance, providing economic prosperity and a strong defensive position for the Transjordanian tribes.

How does the Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies and land relate to the original audience?

The Chronicler, writing likely after the Babylonian exile, addressed a community that had returned to Judah and was seeking to re-establish its identity and connection to its past. The meticulous genealogies and land descriptions, like that in 1 Chronicles 5:11, served several crucial purposes for this audience. They reaffirmed the continuity of God's covenant with Israel despite the exile, demonstrated God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of land, and established the legitimate claims of the returning exiles to their ancestral heritage. This provided a sense of hope, stability, and divine purpose, reminding them that they were still God's chosen people with a divinely appointed place in the land.

5:10 5:10

1 Chronicles 5:11

5:12 5:12

Bible Versions

And the children of Gad dwelt over against them, in the land of Bashan unto Salchah:

And the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410} dwelt {H3427} over against them, in the land {H776} of Bashan {H1316} unto Salchah {H5548}:

The descendants of Gad lived across from them, in the territory from Bashan to Salkhah:

The descendants of Gad lived next to the Reubenites in the land of Bashan, as far as Salecah:

And the sons of Gad dwelt over against them, in the land of Bashan unto Salecah:

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Joshua 13:11

And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
Joshua 13:24

And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the tribe of Gad, [even] unto the children of Gad according to their families.
Joshua 13:28

This [is] the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.
Deuteronomy 3:10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
Deuteronomy 3:17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.
Numbers 32:34

And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,
Numbers 32:36

And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.

Bible Versions

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