Joshua 13:31

KJV

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

And half {H2677} Gilead {H1568}, and Ashtaroth {H6252}, and Edrei {H154}, cities {H5892} of the kingdom {H4468} of Og {H5747} in Bashan {H1316}, were pertaining unto the children {H1121} of Machir {H4353} the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, even to the one half {H2677} of the children {H1121} of Machir {H4353} by their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

half of Gil'ad; and 'Ashtarot and Edre'i, the cities of the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan. All this was for the descendants of Makhir the son of M'nasheh, or, rather, for half of the descendants of Makhir, by clans.

Berean Standard Bible

half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir.

American Standard Version

and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even for the half of the children of Machir according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:31 meticulously details the specific territorial inheritance granted to a significant portion of the half-tribe of Manasseh, particularly the descendants of Machir, Manasseh's firstborn son. This allotment encompassed "half Gilead" along with the strategically important cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei, all of which were formerly integral parts of the formidable kingdom of Og in Bashan. The verse underscores the precise fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land, even down to the allocation for specific clans within the larger tribal structure, solidifying their possession of conquered territories east of the Jordan River.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua chapter 13 marks a pivotal transition in the book, shifting from the narrative of conquest (chapters 1-12) to the meticulous process of land distribution (chapters 13-21). Despite the fact that "there remains yet very much land to be possessed" [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - Remaining Land to be Possessed"), the Lord commands Joshua to begin the division. This particular chapter focuses on the territories east of the Jordan River, which Moses had already allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh before his death [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - Request for Land East of Jordan"). Joshua 13:31 specifically clarifies the boundaries and key cities designated for the Machirite clan of Manasseh, distinguishing their portion from that of the other half of Manasseh, who would receive land west of the Jordan later in the narrative [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - Manasseh's Inheritance West of Jordan"). This detailed accounting underscores the divine order and precision in fulfilling the covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The land described in Joshua 13:31 was part of Bashan, a fertile and strategically vital region east of the Jordan River. This area was previously under the dominion of Og, the Amorite king of Bashan, a king renowned for his giant stature and formidable power [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead"). Israel's decisive victory over Og at Edrei, as recounted in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og"), was a monumental triumph that secured this territory for the Israelites. The cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei were significant administrative and religious centers within Og's kingdom, and their inclusion in Israel's inheritance signified a complete displacement of the former pagan authority. Culturally, the meticulous division of land by families and clans (like the children of Machir) was crucial for establishing identity, social structure, and economic stability within ancient Israel, reflecting the patriarchal and tribal organization of their society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the land distribution narrative, powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of God's Promise**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant oath made to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Secondly, the meticulous detail of the allocation underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, revealing God's precise hand in orchestrating every aspect of Israel's inheritance, down to specific cities and clans. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Inheritance and Possession**, moving from a divine promise to a tangible, physical reality for the tribes. This act of receiving and settling in the promised land is a foundational concept throughout the book of Joshua. Lastly, the mention of "cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan" serves as a powerful reminder of the preceding **Conquest and Settlement**, affirming that the Israelites were now settling in lands they had fought for and won by God's miraculous power, not by their own strength [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not by Your Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil'ad'_):** A prominent mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and strategic importance. The phrase "half Gilead" indicates a specific portion, distinguishing it from other parts of Gilead allocated to other tribes (e.g., Gad). It was a fertile and desirable territory, often associated with balm and healing [Jeremiah 8:22](/jeremiah/8-22 "Jeremiah 8:22 - Balm in Gilead").
* **Ashtaroth (Hebrew, _'Ashtarot'_):** A significant city in Bashan, named after the Canaanite fertility goddess Ashtoreth (Astarte). Its name itself signifies the pagan worship prevalent in the region before Israel's conquest. Its inclusion in Israel's territory marked a decisive victory over idolatry and the establishment of Yahweh's dominion. It was also one of the cities of the Rephaim, a race of giants [Deuteronomy 1:4](/deuteronomy/1-4 "Deuteronomy 1:4 - Og, King of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth").
* **Machir (Hebrew, _Machir'_):** The firstborn son of Manasseh [Genesis 50:23](/genesis/50-23 "Genesis 50:23 - Joseph Sees Machir's Children"). His descendants were particularly strong and prominent, playing a significant role in the conquest of Gilead [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machirites Conquer Gilead"). Their prominence is why their specific inheritance is detailed, distinguishing them from the other half of Manasseh's tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan,"**: This clause precisely delineates the geographical extent and key urban centers of the inheritance. "Half Gilead" indicates a division of this large region. Ashtaroth and Edrei are specified as major cities, emphasizing their strategic and historical importance as former strongholds of King Og, whose kingdom in Bashan was a formidable enemy conquered by Israel. This detail reinforces the reality of Israel's possession of formerly hostile territory.
* **"[were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh,"**: This phrase identifies the specific recipients of this land. It clarifies that this particular portion of the half-tribe of Manasseh's inheritance was designated for the descendants of Machir, Manasseh's eldest son. This highlights the genealogical basis of the land distribution, ensuring that each family received its rightful share according to their lineage.
* **"[even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families."**: This final clause further refines the allocation, emphasizing that this land was given to *one half* of the Machirites, organized by their family units. This distinction is crucial because it accounts for the fact that the tribe of Manasseh was indeed divided, with one half settling east of the Jordan and the other half settling west, ensuring an equitable and orderly distribution based on their internal family structures.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Topographical Detail** is paramount, as the verse is essentially a precise geographical and genealogical register, listing specific regions ("half Gilead," "Bashan") and cities ("Ashtaroth," "Edrei"). This meticulous naming lends an air of historical veracity and divine precision to the narrative of land distribution. **Historical Allusion** is evident in the phrase "cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan," which immediately recalls the momentous victory over King Og, a pivotal event in Israel's journey from slavery to settlement. This brief phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and strength in battle. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "half" (implied in "half Gilead" and explicit in "one half of the children of Machir") emphasizes the unique division of the Manasseh tribe, a distinctive feature of their inheritance. This careful demarcation underscores the orderly and purposeful nature of God's provision for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:31, while seemingly a dry list of places and people, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It stands as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, specifically the promise of land to Abraham's descendants. The meticulous detail in the allocation, even down to specific clans and former enemy strongholds, underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to bring His plans to fruition with precision and power. This verse is not merely about real estate; it's about divine ownership, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the establishment of Israel's identity as a people dwelling in God's promised inheritance. It demonstrates that God's blessings are concrete and specific, transforming a nomadic people into a settled nation with a divinely appointed homeland, secured through His might.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Boundaries of the Land")
* [Psalm 105:42-45](/psalm/105-42 "Psalm 105:42-45 - God Remembers His Holy Promise")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though rooted in ancient geography and tribal allocations, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously delineated the land for each tribe, even specifying the portion for the Machirites, He has specific and detailed plans for our lives and a precise spiritual inheritance for us in Christ. We are called to trust in His sovereign provision and to actively "possess" the spiritual blessings and callings He has given us, rather than passively waiting. The fact that this land was once the formidable kingdom of Og reminds us that God often grants us victory and blessing in areas where there were once strongholds of opposition, whether spiritual, emotional, or relational. Our inheritance in Christ includes authority to overcome such strongholds, transforming former battlegrounds into places of peace and flourishing. This also calls us to faithful stewardship of the spiritual gifts, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to us, managing them wisely for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to actively "possess" the promises God has given you, moving from belief to experience?**
* **How does the precision of God's land allocation in Joshua 13:31 encourage your trust in His detailed plan for your life?**
* **Considering that the Machirites inherited land from a defeated enemy, where might God be calling you to claim victory over past strongholds in your own life?**
* **What spiritual "inheritance" have you received in Christ, and how are you stewarding it for God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why was the tribe of Manasseh divided, with half settling east and half west of the Jordan?**

Answer: The division of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, was a unique arrangement that arose from their request to Moses. As recounted in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordan Tribes' Request"), these tribes possessed large numbers of livestock and saw the rich pastures of Gilead and Bashan (east of the Jordan) as ideal for their flocks. They requested this land as their inheritance, promising in return to participate fully in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan alongside their brethren. Moses granted their request, with the understanding that they would fulfill their military obligations. Joshua 13:31 specifically details the Machirite clan's portion, which was part of this eastern inheritance, highlighting their prominence in settling this region. This division allowed for strategic occupation of both sides of the Jordan, catering to the specific needs and strengths of these tribes while maintaining tribal unity in the broader conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed land distribution in Joshua 13:31, though seemingly a historical account of ancient real estate, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as the Israelites were given a tangible land to possess, a place of rest and blessing after their wilderness wanderings and battles, so too are believers granted an eternal, spiritual inheritance through their union with Jesus. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, not merely providing a physical land, but ushering in a new covenant where the "land" is the very presence and kingdom of God. Our true rest is found not in a geographical location, but in Him, as the author of Hebrews reminds us that "there remains therefore a rest for the people of God" [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest"). Through His atoning work, Jesus has conquered the ultimate enemy, sin and death, just as Og's kingdom was conquered, thereby securing for us an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance"). Our identity is no longer defined by a tribal land claim, but by our adoption as children of God, co-heirs with Christ, who has "blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Thus, Joshua 13:31 points beyond a physical inheritance to the glorious, eternal inheritance we possess in Christ, the true Lamb of God who leads us into ultimate rest and everlasting life.

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

Joshua 12:4

And the coast of Og king of Bashan, [which was] of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

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.