1 Chronicles 7:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:29 meticulously delineates the strategic cities and their dependent settlements allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh within the promised land. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogical and territorial records of Chronicles, underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land inheritance while also highlighting the specific geographical boundaries and inhabitants of these key locations, including Bethshean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, affirming that they were settled by the descendants of Joseph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapters 7-8, which detail the descendants and territorial allocations of various Israelite tribes. Following the genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, and Naphtali, chapter 7 shifts to the half-tribe of Manasseh (verses 14-19), then Ephraim (verses 20-29), and Asher (verses 30-40). Verse 29 concludes the section on Ephraim and Manasseh, acting as a summary statement for the cities shared or held by these two tribes, both descendants of Joseph. The Chronicler's emphasis on these lists serves to establish the legitimacy of the post-exilic community's claim to the land and their continuity with ancient Israel, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Chronicles 7:29 refers to the initial settlement of Canaan by the Israelite tribes after the conquest under Joshua. The cities mentioned—Bethshean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor—were highly strategic locations. Bethshean, Taanach, and Megiddo are situated in or near the fertile Jezreel Valley (also known as the Valley of Esdraelon), a crucial east-west passage and a frequent battleground throughout Israelite history. Dor was a significant coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea, providing access to maritime trade routes. Culturally, the allocation of land was central to Israelite identity and worship, as it represented the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")) and the subsequent generations. The phrase "her towns" reflects the common ancient Near Eastern urban structure where a major city served as the administrative and economic hub for surrounding smaller villages or agricultural settlements.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles. Firstly, **Territorial Inheritance** is paramount, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to grant Israel the land of Canaan, as detailed in [Joshua 17:11](/joshua/17-11 "Joshua 17:11 - Manasseh's Allotted Territory"). Secondly, **Tribal Identity and Continuity** is reinforced through the meticulous listing of territories and the explicit mention of "the children of Joseph the son of Israel," highlighting the enduring lineage and shared heritage of Ephraim and Manasseh. This reinforces the unity of Israel, even across its tribal divisions. Lastly, the strategic importance of these cities subtly introduces the theme of **Incomplete Conquest**, as later narratives, particularly in [Judges 1:27](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27 - Manasseh's Failure to Dispossess"), reveal that these very cities were not fully dispossessed of their Canaanite inhabitants, leading to ongoing challenges and conflicts for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Towns (Hebrew, _bānōt_):** The KJV translation "her towns" for the Hebrew word בְּנֹתֶיהָ (_bānōt_ "daughters") is a common biblical idiom. It refers to the dependent villages, hamlets, or smaller agricultural settlements that were administratively and economically subservient to a larger, central "mother city." This usage emphasizes the hierarchical structure of ancient urban centers and their surrounding agricultural hinterlands, indicating the extent of the primary city's influence and control.
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Mənaššeh_):** Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph, alongside Ephraim, who were adopted by Jacob and received tribal inheritances in Israel. The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it received territory on both sides of the Jordan River (east and west), reflecting its significant size and influence. The mention of "the children of Manasseh" here specifically refers to the western half-tribe, whose territory included these key cities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by the borders of the children of Manasseh":** This phrase establishes the geographical context, specifying that the cities listed are situated within or directly adjacent to the territorial boundaries allocated to the tribe of Manasseh. It indicates a precise demarcation of tribal land, a crucial aspect of Israelite identity and inheritance.
* **"Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns.":** This is an enumeration of four highly strategic cities and their surrounding dependent settlements. Bethshean was in the Jordan Valley, Taanach and Megiddo were in the Jezreel Valley, and Dor was on the Mediterranean coast. These locations were vital for trade, agriculture, and military control, underscoring the value and importance of the land allotted to Manasseh.
* **"In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel.":** This concluding statement clarifies the inhabitants of these territories. "The children of Joseph" refers collectively to the descendants of Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This highlights the shared lineage and common heritage of these two powerful tribes, emphasizing their joint claim and settlement in these strategically significant areas of the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing the specific cities and their associated settlements to provide a detailed geographical and demographic account of Manasseh's territory. The repetitive phrase "and her towns" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "daughters" (Hebrew _bānōt_) stands for the dependent villages, effectively conveying the relationship between a central city and its satellite communities. This precise listing contributes to the Chronicler's overall goal of establishing historical and genealogical legitimacy, using **Geographical Listing** to solidify the tribal claims to the promised land and underscore the fulfillment of divine promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:29, though a seemingly dry list of names, is deeply theological. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, specifically the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants. The meticulous detail of tribal boundaries and settlements underscores the divine order and provision for Israel, demonstrating that God is true to His word. However, this verse also subtly anticipates the challenges of incomplete obedience, as these very cities, though allotted, were not fully conquered by Manasseh, leading to ongoing struggles and compromises for Israel, a theme echoed throughout the book of Judges. It reminds us that while God provides, human responsibility in possessing and stewarding His gifts is paramount.

* [Joshua 17:11](/joshua/17-11 "Joshua 17:11 - Manasseh's Allotment and Unconquered Cities")
* [Judges 1:27](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27 - Manasseh's Failure to Dispossess Inhabitants")
* [Numbers 26:28-34](/numbers/26-28 "Numbers 26:28-34 - Census and Lineage of Joseph's Sons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, while rooted in ancient geography and lineage, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It speaks to the faithfulness of God in providing for His people, reminding us that He is a covenant-keeping God who fulfills His promises, even across generations. Just as Israel received a tangible inheritance, believers today have an inheritance in Christ, both spiritual and eternal. The mention of specific cities, however, also implicitly points to the challenges Israel faced in fully possessing their inheritance due to their failure to dispossess the inhabitants. This serves as a powerful reminder that while God's promises are sure, our active faith, obedience, and perseverance are required to fully walk in the blessings and callings He has for us. It encourages us to identify areas in our lives where we might be holding back from fully embracing God's will, to press forward in faith, and to trust in His provision for every step of our journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for Israel's land inheritance encourage your trust in His faithfulness for your own life?**
* **What "territories" or areas of your life has God called you to fully possess for His glory, and what obstacles might be preventing you from doing so?**
* **In what ways can understanding the historical context of God's dealings with Israel inform your own spiritual walk and understanding of His character?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific cities mentioned as belonging to Manasseh, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The cities of Bethshean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor were highly strategic locations in ancient Canaan. Bethshean was a key city in the Jordan Valley, controlling access between the Jordan River and the Jezreel Valley. Taanach and Megiddo were situated within the Jezreel Valley itself, a fertile plain and a critical east-west trade route, making them vital for agriculture, commerce, and military control. Megiddo, in particular, was famed for its strategic position and numerous battles fought there throughout history, earning it the name "Armageddon" in the New Testament ([Revelation 16:16](/revelation/16-16 "Revelation 16:16 - Armageddon")). Dor was an important coastal city, providing access to maritime trade routes along the Mediterranean. Their inclusion in Manasseh's territory highlights the tribe's significant and strategically important land allocation, which was key to controlling vital regions of Canaan.

**What does "her towns" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "her towns" translates the Hebrew word _bānōt_ (בְּנֹתֶיהָ), which literally means "her daughters." This is a common idiom in biblical Hebrew used to refer to the smaller villages, hamlets, or dependent settlements that were administratively, economically, and sometimes militarily subservient to a larger, central "mother city." It indicates that the main city served as the primary hub, with the surrounding "daughters" relying on it for defense, trade, and governance. This detail paints a picture of the urban and agricultural landscape of ancient Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:29 details the physical land inheritance of Manasseh, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate inheritance found in Christ. The promise of land to Israel was a shadow of a greater, spiritual reality: the kingdom of God and the eternal inheritance for all who are in Christ. Just as the "children of Joseph" dwelt in these strategic cities, believers today are called to dwell in Christ, who is our true "land" and spiritual inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The incomplete possession of these cities by Manasseh, as noted in [Judges 1:27](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27 - Manasseh's Failure to Dispossess"), foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle believers face in fully walking in the freedom and victory Christ has secured. We are given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), yet we must actively contend for and possess these realities in our daily lives, casting down strongholds and living out our identity as citizens of heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). Ultimately, the promise of a physical land finds its glorious fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ reigns supreme and His people inherit an eternal dwelling place, free from all foreign inhabitants and sin ([Revelation 21:1-7](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-7 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Judges 1:22

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

Judges 1:29

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

1 Samuel 31:10

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

Judges 5:19

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

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

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

¶ 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.