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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519} dwelt {H3427} in the land {H776}: they increased {H7235} from Bashan {H1316} unto Baalhermon {H1179} and Senir {H8149}, and unto mount {H2022} Hermon {H2768}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of the half-tribe of M'nasheh lived and increased in the territory from Bashan to Ba'al-Hermon, S'nir and Mount Hermon.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon).

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:23 meticulously outlines the extensive northern territorial reach and significant population growth of the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. This verse, situated within the detailed genealogies of the Transjordanian tribes, serves as a testament to their prosperity and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land, marking their influence from the fertile plains of Bashan up to the prominent peaks of Mount Hermon, including Baalhermon and Senir.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the tribes who settled east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:1-26). The chronicler's primary aim in these opening chapters is to establish the legitimate lineage and territorial claims of Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community. By detailing the boundaries and prosperity of Manasseh, the text underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises concerning the land and the multiplication of His people, even for those tribes who chose to settle outside the main land grant west of the Jordan. This emphasis on land, blessing, and tribal identity sets the stage for the later historical narratives of the united monarchy and the Davidic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The settlement of the Transjordanian tribes occurred during the initial conquest and allotment of the land under Joshua (Joshua 13:29-31). The region described in 1 Chronicles 5:23—from Bashan to Mount Hermon—was known for its strategic importance and agricultural richness. Bashan, in particular, was famed for its fertile pastures and robust cattle (Deuteronomy 32:14; Psalm 22:12). Mount Hermon, a majestic and snow-capped range, formed a natural northern boundary for Israel's influence, encompassing various peaks and sub-ranges, including Baalhermon and Senir. Culturally, the "increase" (Hebrew: _ravah_) of a tribe signified divine favor, strength, and the successful establishment of their presence in the land, reflecting a fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant's promise of numerous descendants (Genesis 12:2; 17:6).
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness** to the covenant promises, particularly the land grant made to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18). The successful settlement and growth of the half-tribe of Manasseh in their allotted territory demonstrate God's reliability. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Territorial Inheritance and Prosperity**. The detailed geographical markers emphasize the vastness and richness of the land God provided, signifying His blessing upon His people. This prosperity was often seen as a direct result of covenant obedience, even though the chronicler later notes their unfaithfulness leading to exile (1 Chronicles 5:25-26). Lastly, the meticulous record of tribal boundaries reinforces the theme of **Israel's Identity and Unity**, even as tribes were geographically dispersed. The chronicler's careful documentation of each tribe's portion, including those across the Jordan, serves to knit together the entire nation under God's overarching plan for His people, as seen in the broader context of [the division of the land](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - The Division of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **increased (Hebrew, _ravah_):** This verb signifies multiplication, abundance, and becoming numerous. It is a key term used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's blessing, particularly in relation to population growth and prosperity. In this context, it indicates that the half-tribe of Manasseh flourished and expanded, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a great nation. The "increase" here is not merely natural growth but implies divine favor and enablement in their settlement and expansion.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan_):** A highly fertile and productive region east of the Sea of Galilee, known for its rich pastures, forests, and strong cattle. Its inclusion as the starting point of their territory emphasizes the quality and abundance of the land Manasseh occupied. It was a desirable region, indicating the significant blessing bestowed upon the tribe.
* **Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon (Hebrew, _Ba'al Hermon_, _Senir_, _Har Hermon_):** These names refer to different peaks or parts of the majestic Mount Hermon range, which forms the northernmost natural boundary of ancient Israel. "Senir" is identified in [Deuteronomy 3:9](/deuteronomy/3-9 "Deuteronomy 3:9 - Sidonian Name for Hermon") as the Sidonian name for Mount Hermon, while "Baalhermon" likely refers to a specific peak or sanctuary associated with the local deity Baal within the Hermon range. Their mention precisely delineates the northern extent of Manasseh's influence, highlighting the vastness of their territory from the fertile south (Bashan) to the imposing northern mountains.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land:"** This opening clause establishes the subject of the verse: the descendants of the half-tribe of Manasseh who chose to settle east of the Jordan River. It confirms their established presence and habitation in a specific geographical area, signifying their successful occupation and integration into the land allotted to them.
* **"they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon."** This second clause details the extent of their prosperity and territorial expansion. The verb "increased" (רָבָה, _ravah_) denotes a significant growth in population and influence, indicating that the tribe was flourishing. The geographical markers "from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon" precisely delineate the vast northern boundaries of their dwelling place. This span underscores the considerable portion of land they occupied, stretching from the fertile plains of Bashan in the south to the high, prominent peaks of the Hermon range in the north, symbolizing a comprehensive and divinely blessed inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The chronicler employs **Topography** and **Geography** as primary literary devices in 1 Chronicles 5:23. By meticulously listing specific place names like "Bashan," "Baalhermon," "Senir," and "Mount Hermon," the text creates a vivid geographical map of the half-tribe of Manasseh's extensive territory. This precise mapping is not merely descriptive; it serves to underscore the vastness of the land and, by extension, the magnitude of God's blessing and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of inheritance. The use of these specific, well-known landmarks lends an air of historical accuracy and verifiable reality to the account. Furthermore, the phrase "they increased" functions as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, indicating that the divine promise of multiplication and prosperity (e.g., Genesis 1:28; 9:1) was being realized for this particular tribe, reinforcing a central theological theme of the chronicler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:23, while seemingly a dry geographical detail, is profoundly theological. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the land grant made to Abraham and his descendants. The "increase" of the half-tribe of Manasseh and their occupation of such a vast and fertile territory from Bashan to Mount Hermon directly illustrates God's meticulous care in fulfilling His word, even to the precise boundaries of tribal inheritances. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed commitments that He brings to fruition in history. It underscores the biblical principle that prosperity and increase are often signs of divine blessing, contingent upon God's sovereign will and sometimes upon the people's covenant faithfulness, though the chronicler later notes their unfaithfulness leading to exile.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Allotment to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh")
* [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29-31 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Inheritance of the Half-Tribe of Manasseh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the half-tribe of Manasseh's territory and increase in 1 Chronicles 5:23 offers a profound lesson in God's faithfulness and the nature of blessing. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His promises to Israel regarding their land and multiplication, He remains faithful to His promises to us today. This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the specific, tangible ways God has blessed us, whether in our families, our work, our communities, or our spiritual growth. The "increase" of Manasseh was not just about physical space but about flourishing. We are called to "increase" in our faith, knowledge, and love, stewarding the spiritual and material "territories" God has entrusted to us for His glory. This includes using our gifts, resources, and influence to expand His Kingdom, just as Manasseh expanded their dwelling. The responsibility that came with their blessing reminds us that every gift from God carries a corresponding call to faithfulness and stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even in seemingly small or historical details?**
* **What "territories" or blessings (spiritual gifts, relationships, resources) has God entrusted to us, and how are we stewarding them for His glory?**
* **In what ways are we called to "increase" (grow) in our faith, character, and impact for the Kingdom of God today?**

### FAQ

**Why is so much detail given to genealogies and tribal boundaries in Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies and tribal boundaries in Chronicles serve several crucial purposes for the chronicler's original audience, who were returning exiles. Firstly, they established the legitimate claims of the people to the land of Israel and their tribal inheritances, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. Secondly, they demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing that despite exile, the lineage and land promises remained valid. Thirdly, they provided a sense of continuity with their past, connecting the post-exilic community back to the patriarchs, the Exodus, and the Davidic monarchy. This meticulous record underscored the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, even in their fragmented state, and provided a foundation for national and spiritual restoration, as seen in the chronicler's emphasis on [the restoration of the temple](/2_chronicles/36-23 "2 Chronicles 36:23 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Restoration").

**What was the significance of the "half tribe" of Manasseh?**

Answer: The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two halves, with one half settling west of the Jordan River in Canaan proper (Joshua 17:1-13) and the other half, along with Reuben and Gad, choosing to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33). This division stemmed from their request to Moses for land in the fertile Transjordan region before crossing into Canaan. The "half tribe" mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:23 specifically refers to this eastern contingent. Their decision to settle outside the primary land of Canaan had both blessings and challenges. While they enjoyed rich pastures and expanded territory, they were also more exposed to foreign influences and conflicts, eventually being among the first to be exiled (1 Chronicles 5:26). Their story highlights the complexities of Israel's tribal history and the consequences of their choices, even within the context of God's overarching plan for the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:23 describes a literal, earthly inheritance and expansion for the half-tribe of Manasseh, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ and the spiritual inheritance of His Kingdom. The "land" promised to Israel, with its specific boundaries and the "increase" of its people, foreshadows the boundless spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Through Him, we are granted an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). The territorial expansion of Manasseh points to the global expansion of the Church, as Christ commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations, extending the "boundaries" of His spiritual dominion (Matthew 28:19-20). The "increase" of the tribe finds its true meaning in the spiritual multiplication of believers, the growth in grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18), and the abundant life He offers (John 10:10). Christ Himself is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, including the promise of an everlasting inheritance and a people who "increase" not just in number, but in spiritual vitality and the knowledge of God, bringing glory to His name across all creation, as we are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to [the kingdom of His beloved Son](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom").

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.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 3:8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

Deuteronomy 3:9

([Which] Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

Song Of Solomon 4:8

¶ Come with me from Lebanon, [my] spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.

Joshua 13:11

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

Joshua 13:29

And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and [this] was [the possession] of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

Joshua 13:31

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.