Joshua 13:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} gave {H5414} inheritance unto the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519}: and this was the possession of the half {H2677} tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519} by their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of the M'nasheh; it was for the half-tribe of the descendants of M'nasheh by clans.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh:

American Standard Version

And Moses gaveinheritance unto the half-tribe of Manasseh: and it was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:29 meticulously records the specific allocation of territory to the half-tribe of Manasseh in the Transjordanian region, emphasizing that this inheritance was granted directly by Moses. This verse underscores the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating divine faithfulness and the orderly distribution of the land according to tribal families, even for those who settled east of the Jordan River before the main conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a significant transition in the book of Joshua. Following the major military campaigns of conquest described in chapters 1-12, this chapter initiates the detailed account of the land's distribution among the tribes of Israel. It serves as a meticulous record of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give Israel the land. Specifically, Joshua 13:8-33 focuses on the allocation of territories east of the Jordan River (Transjordan), which had been conquered under Moses' leadership. This section precedes the more extensive division of land west of the Jordan under Joshua's direct supervision, highlighting the continuity of God's plan and the administrative precision involved in settling the Promised Land. The verse, therefore, is not merely a geographical detail but a theological statement about divine promise-keeping.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land was central to ancient Israelite identity and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. Land ownership was not merely economic but deeply theological, representing God's gift and the basis of their national existence. The Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) had requested this territory earlier, as detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Settlement") and [Deuteronomy 3:12-17](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Deuteronomy 3:12-17 - Moses' Distribution of Transjordanian Land"). Moses granted their request on the condition that they would assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan River before settling permanently. This historical arrangement, confirmed by Moses, underscores the unity of the twelve tribes despite their geographical separation and the importance of fulfilling their covenant obligations. The mention of distribution "by their families" reflects the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where land was inherited through family lines, ensuring the perpetuation of tribal identity and economic stability.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 13:29 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**. The meticulous distribution of land, including the Transjordanian territories, is a direct fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")) and subsequent generations. Secondly, the verse highlights **Orderly Distribution and Divine Providence**. The precise naming of the tribe and the emphasis on distribution "by their families" (Hebrew: *lemishpechotam*) underscore the meticulous, divinely guided, and structured process of land allocation, reflecting God's sovereign hand in every detail of Israel's establishment. Thirdly, it reaffirms **Moses' Enduring Legacy**. The explicit statement that "Moses gave" this inheritance reinforces his pivotal role as God's chosen leader in bringing Israel to the borders of the promised land and initiating its settlement, even though he himself did not enter Canaan (as seen in [Deuteronomy 34:4](/deuteronomy/34-4 "Deuteronomy 34:4 - Moses Views the Promised Land")). This continuity emphasizes that God's plan transcends any single human leader.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** This term (נַחֲלָה) is central to the concept of land in the Old Testament. It denotes more than mere property or possession; it signifies an ancestral, permanent, and often divinely appointed portion. It implies a lasting legacy, a gift from God, and a secure, inalienable holding passed down through generations. In this context, it emphasizes God's provision and the enduring nature of the tribal allotments as a foundational element of Israel's covenant relationship with Him.
* **Gave (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The verb (נָתַן) "gave" is a simple yet powerful word, indicating a direct act of bestowal. Here, it highlights Moses' authority as God's appointed mediator. It is not merely a transfer of property but a formal, authoritative act of granting a divinely sanctioned portion. This underscores the legitimacy and divine backing of the land distribution, even for territories assigned prior to Joshua's leadership in Canaan proper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the half tribe of Manasseh:"** This clause explicitly identifies the benefactor (Moses) and the recipient (the half-tribe of Manasseh). The act of "giving" is authoritative and carries the weight of divine sanction, as Moses acted under God's direct instruction. The term "inheritance" (implied by the context and the Hebrew *naḥălāh*) signifies a permanent, divinely appointed possession, not merely a temporary allocation. This half-tribe was distinct from the other half that settled west of the Jordan, necessitating a clear demarcation of their territory.
* **"and [this] was [the possession] of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families."** This second clause confirms and reiterates the nature of the allocation. The repetition of "half tribe of Manasseh" emphasizes clarity and precision in the record. The phrase "by their families" (Hebrew: *lemishpechotam*) is crucial, indicating that the land was not given as a general tribal block but was meticulously divided among the individual family units within that half-tribe. This detail reinforces the orderly and equitable nature of the distribution, ensuring that each household received its rightful, permanent portion according to its lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "the half tribe of Manasseh," which serves to emphasize the specific recipient and reinforce the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. This repetition ensures clarity and leaves no ambiguity regarding the designated beneficiaries. **Emphasis** is achieved through the explicit naming of Moses as the one who "gave" the inheritance, highlighting his authoritative role in the initial stages of land distribution. This serves to connect the current reality of the land's possession back to the foundational leadership of Moses and the divine commands he received. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Legal/Administrative Language**, characteristic of the entire land distribution section in Joshua. Terms like "inheritance," "possession," and "by their families" reflect the precise and formal nature of the land allocation, akin to a legal deed or a census record. This precise language underscores the divine order and the permanent, covenantal basis of Israel's claim to the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:29, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous division of the land, down to individual families, demonstrates God's sovereign care and precision in fulfilling His word. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, tangible realities that He brings to pass with perfect order. This verse underscores the truth that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His plans for His people are detailed and purposeful. The concept of "inheritance" here is deeply theological, representing God's gracious provision and the secure future He establishes for His people, rooted in His unchangeable character.

* [Numbers 34:16-29](/numbers/34-16 "Numbers 34:16-29 - The Appointment of Land Distributors")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Allotment of Land to Israel")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:29, despite its administrative nature, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as He ensured every family within the half-tribe of Manasseh received its designated, permanent inheritance, we can trust in His unwavering commitment to provide for our needs and to fulfill His spiritual promises to us. This verse encourages us to live with confidence in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He is faithful to His word and brings His purposes to pass with perfect order and precision. It prompts us to consider our own spiritual inheritance in Christ—a far greater and more enduring possession than any physical land—and to rest in the security of God's provision for our eternal future. It also challenges us to live orderly lives, reflecting the divine precision seen in God's dealings with Israel, trusting that He orchestrates even the seemingly minor details of our lives for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of land distribution in Joshua 13:29 enhance your understanding of God's character and His faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a divinely given "inheritance" in this verse relate to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ?**
* **How can the emphasis on "by their families" encourage us to consider the importance of generational faithfulness and legacy in our own lives?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with greater trust in God's orderly provision and the fulfillment of His promises, even amidst uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Why was Manasseh divided into two half-tribes, one east and one west of the Jordan?**

Answer: The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two half-tribes was a unique arrangement stemming from their request, along with Reuben and Gad, to settle in the fertile Transjordanian region. As recorded in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Settlement"), these tribes possessed large herds and found the pastures east of the Jordan suitable. Moses granted their request on the condition that their fighting men would cross the Jordan and assist the other tribes in conquering Canaan before returning to their inheritance. This division effectively doubled Manasseh's territorial reach, though it also posed challenges for tribal unity and identity, as seen in later biblical history. The half-tribe mentioned in [Joshua 13:29](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29 - Inheritance of Half-Tribe of Manasseh") is specifically the one that settled east of the Jordan.

**What is the significance of Moses giving the inheritance, rather than Joshua?**

Answer: The explicit mention that "Moses gave" this inheritance in [Joshua 13:29](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29 - Inheritance of Half-Tribe of Manasseh") is highly significant. It underscores the continuity of God's plan and leadership. While Joshua was God's chosen leader for the conquest and primary distribution of land west of the Jordan, Moses had already, under divine instruction, allocated the Transjordanian territories to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh before his death (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 3:12-17](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Deuteronomy 3:12-17 - Moses' Allocation of Transjordanian Land")). This detail in Joshua 13 serves to legitimize these earlier allocations and integrate them seamlessly into the broader narrative of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating that the entire process was divinely orchestrated from beginning to end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous allocation of land to the half-tribe of Manasseh by Moses, as recorded in Joshua 13:29, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect inheritance provided through Jesus Christ. Just as the physical land was a tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, Christ Himself is the supreme fulfillment of all God's promises, becoming our spiritual inheritance. The Old Testament concept of *naḥălāh* (inheritance) finds its truest and most enduring reality in Christ, who is not merely a portion of land but the fullness of God's blessing. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has secured for believers an eternal inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). We, as believers, are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving not a geographical territory but a spiritual kingdom and eternal life. This spiritual inheritance, unlike the physical land, cannot be lost or taken away, and it transcends all earthly boundaries, uniting believers from every tribe and nation into one family in Christ ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - The Believer's Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, the precise administrative detail of Joshua 13:29 points beyond itself to the glorious, Christ-centered reality of our secure and eternal possession in Him.

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.