Joshua 13:29

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.

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}.

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.

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:

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

Joshua 13:29 details the specific land portion allocated to the half tribe of Manasseh. This verse emphasizes that this inheritance was granted by Moses himself, distinguishing it as part of the territory distributed east of the Jordan River before the main conquest of Canaan under Joshua.

Context

This verse is part of Joshua chapter 13, which meticulously outlines the tribal inheritances in the Transjordanian region (east of the Jordan River). The decision for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle here was made earlier, during the wilderness wanderings, as recorded in Numbers 32:33 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 3:12-17. Moses, acting under divine instruction, granted them this territory on the condition that they would assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan before settling permanently.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment: The meticulous allocation of this land, even prior to the full conquest of Canaan, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to Israel. This land was a permanent inheritance promised to Abraham's descendants.
  • Orderly Distribution: The precise naming of the tribe and the acknowledgment that it was "by their families" (Hebrew: lemishpechotam) highlights the meticulous and organized manner in which God orchestrated the division of the promised land. This was a divinely guided and structured process, ensuring each family line received its designated portion.
  • Moses' Enduring Legacy: The specific mention that "Moses gave" this inheritance reaffirms his crucial 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 (Deuteronomy 34:4).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "inheritance" or "possession" in this verse is nachalah (Χ Φ·Χ—Φ²ΧœΦΈΧ”). This term signifies more than mere property ownership; it implies an ancestral, permanent possession, often divinely appointed. It speaks to a lasting legacy and a portion received as a gift from God, emphasizing the idea of His provision and the enduring nature of the tribal allotments.

Practical Application

While seemingly a detailed administrative record, Joshua 13:29 offers valuable insights. It reminds us of God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises, down to the smallest detail. Just as He ensured each family received its designated inheritance, we can trust in His faithfulness to provide for our needs and to fulfill His spiritual promises, including our spiritual inheritance in Christ Jesus. 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.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.