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,

Now to the one half {H2677} of the tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519} Moses {H4872} had given {H5414} possession in Bashan {H1316}: but unto the other half {H2677} thereof gave {H5414} Joshua {H3091} among {H5973} their brethren {H251} on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} westward {H3220}. And when Joshua {H3091} sent them away {H7971} also unto their tents {H168}, then he blessed {H1288} them,

(To the one half-tribe of M'nasheh, Moshe had given an inheritance in Bashan; but to the other half, Y'hoshua gave one among their kinsmen on the west side of the Yarden.) When Y'hoshua sent them away to their tents he blessed them,

(To the half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given land in Bashan, and to the other half Joshua gave land on the west side of the Jordan among their brothers.) When Joshua sent them to their homes he blessed them,

Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had giveninheritancein Bashan; but unto the other half gave Joshua among their brethren beyond the Jordan westward. Moreover when Joshua sent them away unto their tents, he blessed them,

Commentary

Joshua 22:7 marks a significant moment in Israel's history, detailing the final distribution of land and the dismissal of the Transjordanian tribes by Joshua. Specifically, it focuses on the unique situation of the tribe of Manasseh, whose inheritance was split on both sides of the Jordan River.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse concludes the arduous task of settling the twelve tribes of Israel in their promised land. The tribe of Manasseh, a son of Joseph, was unique in that it received territory on both the eastern and western sides of the Jordan. The "one half" of Manasseh, along with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, had received their inheritance in Bashan and Gilead on the east side of the Jordan from Moses before his death, as recorded in Numbers 32:33. However, they had committed to cross the Jordan with their brethren and help conquer the land of Canaan before returning to their homes. This commitment is highlighted in Joshua 1:12-18. Now, after years of warfare and the division of the land, the "other half" of Manasseh received their portion alongside the other tribes "on this side Jordan westward." The verse signifies the culmination of their faithful service and the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel through Joshua.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Promises: The verse powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness in providing the land of Canaan as promised to Abraham's descendants. The successful settlement of Manasseh's two halves, one under Moses and the other under Joshua, underscores divine consistency and the completion of the covenant promises.
  • Unity Amidst Division: Despite the geographical separation of Manasseh's territory, the narrative emphasizes their unity as "brethren." Their willingness to fight alongside the other tribes for years demonstrates a strong sense of national and spiritual solidarity, a vital lesson for a nascent nation.
  • Faithful Leadership: Joshua's actions here reflect his role as a faithful successor to Moses, completing the work his predecessor began. His blessing upon the departing warriors (also mentioned in Joshua 22:6) signifies a peaceful and honorable conclusion to their shared mission.
  • Rest After Labor: The phrase "sent them away also unto their tents" signifies the end of their military service and their return to a settled, peaceful life. This concept of rest after arduous labor is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate rest found in God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sent them away also unto their tents" is significant. The Hebrew word for "tents" (ืึนื”ึถืœ, 'ohel) often refers to dwellings or homes, not necessarily nomadic tents at this stage. It symbolizes their return to their permanent residences and family life, marking the transition from a military campaign to settling into their inheritance. Joshua's act of "blessing them" (ื•ึทื™ึฐื‘ึธืจึฐื›ึตื, vay'varechem) carries deep theological weight, signifying an invocation of divine favor, prosperity, and peace upon them as they returned home.

Practical Application

Joshua 22:7 offers several timeless applications. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our commitments, just as the Transjordanian tribes honored their pledge to help their brethren. Secondly, it highlights the blessing that comes from faithful service and obedience to God's call. Just as Joshua blessed the warriors, God desires to bless those who diligently serve Him and their community. Finally, the verse speaks to the idea of finding rest and peace after a period of intense effort or spiritual struggle. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to bring us to our own "tents" of peace and fulfillment, just as He brought Israel into their promised land.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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 17:12

    Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out [the inhabitants of] those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Joshua 13:31

    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.
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