2 Kings 10:33

From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

From Jordan {H3383} eastward {H4217}{H8121}, all the land {H776} of Gilead {H1568}, the Gadites {H1425}, and the Reubenites {H7206}, and the Manassites {H4520}, from Aroer {H6177}, which is by the river {H5158} Arnon {H769}, even Gilead {H1568} and Bashan {H1316}.

east of the Yarden - all the land of Gil'ad, the Gadi, Re'uveni and M'nashi, from 'Aro'er by the Arnon River, including Gil'ad and Bashan.

from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan.

from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

Commentary

2 Kings 10:33 KJV provides a detailed geographical description of the Israelite territory that King Hazael of Syria began to conquer from Israel during the reign of King Jehu. This verse highlights the significant territorial losses suffered by the northern kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse immediately follows a statement in 2 Kings 10:32 indicating that "the Lord began to cut Israel short" through Hazael. Despite King Jehu's zeal in eradicating the worship of Baal, he did not completely turn from the sins of Jeroboam, particularly the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. As a consequence of this partial obedience and continued idolatry, God allowed Syria to weaken Israel, beginning with the eastern territories.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The loss of land is presented as a direct result of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and Jehu's failure to fully obey God's commands. It demonstrates God's sovereignty in using foreign powers to discipline His people.
  • Territorial Loss: The verse meticulously lists the areas taken: "From Jordan eastward," encompassing "all the land of Gilead," belonging to the tribes of "the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites" (specifically, the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan). The southern border is specified as "from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon," extending north through "Gilead and Bashan." These were historically rich and strategic lands allocated to these tribes, as detailed in texts like Joshua 13:24-31.
  • Historical Decline: This passage marks the beginning of a period of severe oppression for Israel under Syrian rule, foreshadowing further decline and eventual exile.

Linguistic Insights

The geographical terms used in this verse are precise and historically significant. Gilead refers to the mountainous region east of the Jordan, known for its fertility and strategic importance. Bashan, to its north, was famous for its robust oak trees and strong cattle. Aroer on the Arnon River marked the southern boundary of Transjordanian Israel, bordering Moab.

Practical Application

This historical account serves as a powerful reminder that God's covenant faithfulness also includes discipline for disobedience. Even partial obedience, while commendable in some aspects, does not exempt individuals or nations from the consequences of unaddressed sin. It encourages believers to pursue wholehearted obedience to God's Word, understanding that compromise can lead to significant loss and hardship.

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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

  • Amos 1:3

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:

  • Amos 1:4

    But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad.

  • Deuteronomy 2:36

    From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

  • Numbers 32:33

    And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

  • Numbers 32:42

    And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

  • Joshua 13:9

    From Aroer, that [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

  • Joshua 13:12

    All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
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