1 Chronicles 7:29

And by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel.

And by the borders {H3027} of the children {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, Bethshean {H1052} and her towns {H1323}, Taanach {H8590} and her towns {H1323}, Megiddo {H4023} and her towns {H1323}, Dor {H1756} and her towns {H1323}. In these dwelt {H3427} the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} the son {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

and, near the territory of the descendants of M'nasheh, Beit-Sh'an with its towns, Ta'nakh with its towns, Megiddo with its towns and Dor with its towns. In these places lived the descendants of Yosef the son of Isra'el.

And along the borders of Manasseh were Beth-shean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns.

and by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Beth-shean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its towns. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:29 details specific cities and their surrounding settlements that were part of the territory allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, highlighting their strategic importance and inhabitants. The verse specifies Bethshean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, noting that "the children of Joseph the son of Israel" (referring to the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh) dwelt in them.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive genealogical records and tribal settlements found in the book of 1 Chronicles, particularly in chapters 7 and 8. These chapters meticulously document the lineages and geographical allocations of the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. The Chronicler emphasizes the tribal identities and their assigned territories, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the descendants and territories of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher, providing a historical snapshot of Israel's early settlement period.

Key Themes

  • Territorial Inheritance: The verse highlights the division of the promised land among the Israelite tribes, particularly the strategic cities within Manasseh's lot. This division was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel.
  • Tribal Identity and Boundaries: The meticulous listing of cities reinforces the importance of tribal boundaries and the distinct heritage of each tribe within ancient Israel. The phrase "children of Joseph" emphasizes the shared ancestry of Ephraim and Manasseh.
  • Strategic Significance: The cities mentioned—Bethshean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor—were highly strategic locations, often situated in fertile valleys (like the Jezreel Valley for Bethshean, Taanach, and Megiddo) or along vital trade routes (like Dor on the Mediterranean coast). Their control was crucial for defense and commerce.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "her towns" (as in "Bethshean and her towns") translates the Hebrew word b'noteyha (בְּנֹתֶיהָ), literally meaning "her daughters." This is a common biblical idiom referring to the dependent villages or smaller settlements surrounding a main city. It indicates that the main city was the administrative and economic center, with smaller communities relying on it.

Historical Significance and Cross-References

The allocation of these cities to Manasseh is also detailed in the book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 17:11. Interestingly, despite being allotted these cities, the Israelites did not fully drive out the original inhabitants from these strategic locations. The book of Judges records this incomplete conquest, stating in Judges 1:27 that "Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns." This failure led to ongoing struggles and became a source of future conflict for Israel. Megiddo and Taanach, in particular, are famous for being the sites of significant battles, such as the victory of Deborah and Barak against the Canaanites.

Practical Application

While a genealogical list, this verse offers insights into God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people by giving them the land. It also subtly reminds us of the challenges faced by the Israelites in fully possessing their inheritance due to disobedience. For us today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Stewardship: Recognizing that all we have, including our physical dwelling places and resources, are gifts from God for which we are stewards.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Just as the Israelites faced challenges in fully possessing their land, we too encounter obstacles in our spiritual walk. This verse encourages us to persevere and fully embrace God's will and promises for our lives.
  • Understanding History: The meticulous record-keeping in Chronicles highlights the value of understanding our past and the historical context of God's dealings with humanity.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 1:22 (3 votes)

    And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

  • Judges 1:29 (3 votes)

    Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

  • 1 Samuel 31:10 (2 votes)

    And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.

  • Judges 5:19 (2 votes)

    The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

  • 2 Kings 9:27 (2 votes)

    But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw [this], he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. [And they did so] at the going up to Gur, which [is] by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:22 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

  • Joshua 17:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that [lieth] before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.