Deuteronomy 3:15

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

And I gave {H5414} Gilead {H1568} unto Machir {H4353}.

"I gave Gil'ad to Machir;

To Machir I gave Gilead,

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 3:15 is a concise declaration within Moses' recount of the conquest and division of the Transjordanian territory. It specifically details the allocation of the fertile region of Gilead.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' final address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, before they enter the Promised Land. He is reviewing their journey, God's faithfulness, and the initial distribution of conquered lands east of the Jordan River. Following the decisive victories over Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, Moses was tasked with dividing their vast territories. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, had requested land on this side of the Jordan, as it was suitable for their livestock (see Numbers 32:1-5).

Deuteronomy 3:15 specifically states, "And I gave Gilead unto Machir." This refers to the northern part of the conquered territory, which included the kingdom of Og, king of Bashan, and the northern part of Sihon's kingdom. Moses himself, under divine instruction, was the one who distributed this land (Deuteronomy 3:12-17).

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment and Provision: The giving of Gilead to Machir's descendants signifies God's faithfulness in providing a homeland for His people, fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:7).
  • Orderly Inheritance: The distribution was not chaotic but an orderly allotment of territory based on tribal lineage. Machir, as the firstborn son of Manasseh (Numbers 26:29), represented a significant clan within the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan.
  • Leadership and Distribution: Moses, as God's chosen leader, actively participated in the practical outworking of God's plan for the land, demonstrating his role in guiding the nation into its inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Gilead" (Hebrew: ื’ึผึดืœึฐืขึธื“, Gil'ad) refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and valuable balm (cf. Jeremiah 8:22). "Machir" (Hebrew: ืžึธื›ึดื™ืจ, Machir) was a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh, whose descendants were among the first to settle and develop this region.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, reminds us of God's meticulous care in providing for His people and fulfilling His promises. Just as He precisely allocated land to the tribes of Israel, He continues to work in our lives with purpose and order. It encourages us to trust in God's provision and His plan for our lives, knowing that He is faithful to His word and brings His intentions to fruition.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 32:39

    And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

  • Numbers 32:40

    And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

  • Genesis 50:23

    And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third [generation]: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

  • Numbers 26:29

    Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

  • Joshua 22:7

    Now to the [one] half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given [possession] in Bashan: but unto the [other] half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,

  • Joshua 17:1

    ยถ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

  • Joshua 17:3

    But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these [are] the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
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