What number verse is Joshua 22:7 in the Bible?

Joshua 22:7 is the 6,434th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 22:7 sits at position 6,434.

22:622:6 22:822:8

Joshua 22:7

“Joshua Dismisses the Eastern Tribes”· Joshua 22:1–9Read in context

King James Version

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,

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KJV (with Strong's)

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,

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Complete Jewish Bible

(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,

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Berean Standard Bible

(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,

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American Standard Version

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,

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World English Bible Messianic

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

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Nowe vnto one halfe of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had giuen a possession in Bashan: and vnto the other halfe thereof gaue Ioshua among their brethren on this side Iorden Westwarde: therefore when Ioshua sent them away vnto their tents, and blessed them,

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Young's Literal Translation

And to the half of the tribe of Manasseh hath Moses given, in Bashan, and to its other half hath Joshua given with their brethren beyond the Jordan westward; and also when Joshua hath sent them away unto their tents, then he doth bless them,

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Translation

Cross-References

Joshua 17:1
¶ 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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Summary

Joshua 22:7 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's post-conquest history, marking the culmination of the land distribution and the honorable discharge of the Transjordanian tribes. The verse meticulously details the unique inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, whose territory was split, with one half receiving land from Moses in Bashan on the eastern side of the Jordan River, and the other half receiving their portion from Joshua among their brethren on the western side. It concludes with Joshua's formal dismissal and profound blessing of these faithful warriors, signifying the completion of their arduous military service and their peaceful return to their designated homes, underscoring God's faithfulness in providing rest and inheritance.

Context

Literary Context

Joshua 22:7 is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the Book of Joshua, serving as a narrative bridge between the successful military conquest and land allocation (Joshua 6-21) and the subsequent challenges of settled life in the promised land. Specifically, this verse concludes the account of the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—who had faithfully fulfilled their vow to assist their fellow Israelites in conquering Canaan. Their formal dismissal and Joshua's blessing in this verse set the immediate stage for the significant altar controversy (Joshua 22:10-34), a pivotal event that tests the fragile unity of the nascent nation and highlights the ongoing importance of covenant fidelity and proper worship. The verse's placement emphasizes the divine fulfillment of promises and the establishment of Israel in their long-awaited inheritance, bringing closure to a major historical period.

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting for Joshua 22:7 is the period immediately following the successful campaigns to subdue Canaan, approximately seven years after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. The "one half of the tribe of Manasseh," along with Reuben and Gad, had received their inheritance east of the Jordan from Moses, as meticulously recorded in Numbers 32:33 and further detailed in Deuteronomy 3:12-17. However, they had made a solemn vow to Moses, and later reaffirmed to Joshua (as seen in Joshua 1:12-18), that they would cross the Jordan and fight alongside the other tribes until the entire land of Canaan was subdued and distributed. This verse marks the honorable discharge of this commitment, a testament to their unwavering loyalty and perseverance. Joshua's act of "blessing them" was a profound cultural and spiritual practice, a formal invocation of divine favor, prosperity, and well-being upon individuals or groups, typically performed by a revered leader or patriarch, signifying a peaceful and divinely approved departure.

Key Themes

This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. Firstly, it underscores the Fulfillment of God's Promises, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing Israel into the promised land, providing them rest, and securing their inheritance, just as He had promised to Abraham generations prior. The dual allocation to Manasseh, initiated by Moses and completed by Joshua, highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan through successive faithful leaders. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the Unity and Solidarity of Israel. Despite the geographical division of Manasseh's territory and the return of the Transjordanian tribes to their homes, the narrative consistently portrays them as "brethren," underscoring the vital importance of national and spiritual cohesion in the face of potential fragmentation. Thirdly, it showcases Faithful Leadership and Obedience. Joshua's actions reflect his diligent execution of God's commands and his pastoral care for the tribes, mirroring Moses' earlier leadership. The tribes' commitment to fight for their brethren for years exemplifies their obedience and dedication to the covenant. Finally, the phrase "sent them away also unto their tents" signifies the theme of Rest After Labor, a recurring motif in biblical theology, pointing to the cessation of warfare and the beginning of a settled, peaceful life in their God-given inheritance, a concept powerfully echoed in Joshua 21:44.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Bashan Bâshân' H1316

This refers to a highly fertile and strategically important region located east of the Jordan River. Known for its rich pastures, strong oaks, and robust cattle, Bashan was part of the territory conquered by Moses from Og, its king, and subsequently allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad. Its mention here anchors the historical continuity of the land distribution, explicitly linking Joshua's work to Moses' prior allocation and affirming the fulfillment of God's promise of land on both sides of the Jordan.

tents ʼôhel' H168

While literally meaning "tent," this word in this context functions as a metonym for "homes," "dwellings," or "settled residences." The phrase "sent them away also unto their tents" signifies their return not to a nomadic existence, but to their established, permanent family homes and domestic lives after years of military campaigning. It powerfully symbolizes the transition from a transient, wartime encampment to a peaceful, inherited dwelling and the security of settled life in their own land.

blessed bârak' H1288

The Hebrew verb bârak carries profound theological weight, meaning "to kneel" and, by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." Joshua's act of blessing was far more than a simple farewell; it was a formal, authoritative pronouncement of divine favor, prosperity, and well-being upon the Transjordanian tribes. It served as an acknowledgment of their faithful service, an affirmation of their standing before God, and a pastoral invocation of peace and success as they returned to their homes, sealing the completion of their shared mission with divine approval.

Verse Breakdown

"Now to the [one] half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given [possession] in Bashan"

This opening clause serves as a crucial historical antecedent, providing the necessary background for understanding Manasseh's unique inheritance. It reminds the reader that a significant portion of Manasseh's tribal inheritance was already secured by Moses on the eastern side of the Jordan, specifically in the fertile region of Bashan. This establishes a vital continuity in leadership and divine provision, linking the past actions of Moses with the present work of Joshua and highlighting the dual, split nature of Manasseh's tribal allocation.

"but unto the [other] half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward."

This clause details the completion of Manasseh's land allocation. It clarifies that the remaining half of the tribe received their portion on the western side of the Jordan, within the main body of Canaan, nestled among the other Israelite tribes. This emphasizes Joshua's indispensable role in fulfilling the divine promise of land for all Israel, ensuring that every tribal division, even those with split inheritances, received their due portion. The phrase "among their brethren" powerfully reinforces the enduring unity of the tribes despite their geographical separation.

"And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,"

This final clause describes the solemn and formal dismissal of the Transjordanian warriors. "Sent them away" signifies their honorable discharge from military duty, marking the end of their years of loyal service. Their return "unto their tents" symbolizes their transition from active combatants to settled inhabitants of their land, returning to their domestic lives and families. Joshua's subsequent act of "blessing them" is a profound pastoral gesture, conveying divine favor, peace, and affirmation for their years of faithful service, marking a proper and gracious conclusion to their shared mission and sending them forth with divine approval.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its message. Juxtaposition is evident in the contrasting actions of Moses and Joshua in distributing land, highlighting both the continuity of God's plan and the progression of leadership in Israel. The division of Manasseh's inheritance "in Bashan" (east of Jordan) and "on this side Jordan westward" creates a geographical parallelism that underscores the unique situation of this tribe and the comprehensive nature of the land distribution. The phrase "unto their tents" functions as metonymy, where "tents" (a type of dwelling associated with temporary encampment) stands in for "homes" or "settled life," symbolizing the profound transition from a nomadic or military existence to permanent habitation and rest in their inheritance. Furthermore, the entire verse, as a concluding statement of a major phase of Israel's history, serves as a capstone or summary statement, bringing a sense of closure to the conquest and land division narratives and setting the stage for the subsequent challenges of settled life and national identity.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Joshua 22:7 is a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His meticulous fulfillment of promises. The distribution of the land, culminating in the complete allocation to Manasseh, demonstrates that God always keeps His word, providing rest and an inheritance for His people. This verse also underscores the importance of corporate unity within God's people; despite geographical separation, the tribes remained "brethren," bound by a shared covenant and mission. Joshua's blessing signifies divine approval and the peace that accompanies obedience and faithful service, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, where God's blessing is bestowed upon those who walk in His ways and diligently serve His purposes. It speaks to the divine provision of both physical and spiritual inheritance for His chosen people.

Numbers 32:33 Deuteronomy 3:18-20 Hebrews 4:9-11

Reflection and Application

Joshua 22:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider our own commitments and the nature of our spiritual journey. The faithful service of the Transjordanian tribes, who honored their pledge to their brethren for years before returning to their own inheritance, calls us to examine our willingness to labor alongside others within the body of Christ. Are we prepared to put aside our immediate desires or "inheritances" to serve the greater good of the community, even when our primary calling might seem distinct or geographically separate? The verse also speaks powerfully to the concept of "rest" after arduous labor. Just as God brought Israel into their promised land and provided them rest from warfare, He promises spiritual rest to those who trust and obey Him. This encourages us to persevere through seasons of struggle, intense effort, or spiritual battles, trusting that God will ultimately lead us to a place of peace, fulfillment, and lasting rest in His timing. Finally, Joshua's blessing reminds us that faithful service is never in vain; God sees and honors our commitment, bestowing His favor and peace upon those who diligently serve Him and His people, enabling us to return to our "tents" with a sense of peace and divine approval.

Questions for Reflection

How does the faithfulness of the Transjordanian tribes challenge me to honor my own commitments, especially in service to God and others within my community or church?
In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing a period of "labor" or "struggle," and how can I trust God to bring me into His promised "rest" and peace?
How can I actively foster unity and a sense of "brethren" within my spiritual community, even when there are differences in roles, gifts, or geographical locations?

FAQ

Why was Manasseh's inheritance split between the east and west sides of the Jordan?

Manasseh's inheritance was split primarily due to a combination of historical circumstances, strategic land allocation, and tribal initiative. The initial request for territory east of the Jordan came from the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who recognized the fertile lands of Gilead and Bashan as ideal for their large livestock. A significant portion of the tribe of Manasseh also joined this request, likely due to the sheer size of their tribe and the appeal of the available, rich pasturelands. Moses granted this request on the explicit condition that they would cross the Jordan and help their brethren conquer the land of Canaan (as detailed in Numbers 32). Thus, the "one half" of Manasseh received land from Moses in Bashan. The "other half" then received their portion on the western side of the Jordan from Joshua as part of the general land distribution among the remaining tribes, ensuring that all of Manasseh received their full, God-ordained inheritance. This unique arrangement highlights both divine provision and the practical considerations of tribal autonomy within the larger framework of the covenant.

What is the significance of Joshua "blessing" the Transjordanian tribes upon their dismissal?

Joshua's act of "blessing" the Transjordanian tribes (also mentioned in Joshua 22:6) was far more than a simple farewell; it was a formal, theologically profound act carrying deep significance. Firstly, it served as a public acknowledgment of their faithful service. For years, these warriors had fought alongside their brethren, fulfilling their solemn vow, and Joshua's blessing was a public affirmation of their obedience, dedication, and perseverance. Secondly, it was a powerful invocation of divine favor and prosperity. As a leader appointed by God, Joshua was invoking God's continued blessing upon them as they returned to their homes and settled into their inheritance, encompassing wishes for peace, fruitfulness, and overall well-being. Thirdly, it functioned as a crucial pastoral and unifying gesture. In light of the geographical separation that could potentially lead to alienation, the blessing reinforced their continued status as an integral part of the unified nation of Israel, despite living across the Jordan. It set a tone of peace and reconciliation, which would be immediately challenged by the altar incident later in the chapter, making the blessing all the more poignant as a foundational act for continued unity. It marked the proper and honorable conclusion to their shared mission, sending them to their tents with God's favor and peace.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Joshua 22:7, while detailing a specific historical event of land distribution and tribal dismissal, powerfully points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The "rest" that Israel found in the promised land, after years of wandering and warfare, foreshadows the deeper, spiritual rest that Christ offers to His people. Just as Joshua (whose name is the Greek equivalent of Jesus) led Israel into their earthly inheritance, Jesus leads believers into their true spiritual inheritance: salvation, peace with God, and eternal life in His heavenly kingdom. The division of Manasseh's land, with one half given by Moses and the other by Joshua, can be seen as a type of the beautiful continuity of God's redemptive plan, spanning the Old Covenant (mediated by Moses and the Law) and the New Covenant (inaugurated by Christ and grace). Ultimately, it is through Christ that all of God's promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). The abundant blessing Joshua bestowed upon the tribes anticipates the even greater spiritual blessings poured out upon believers in Christ, who are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). Furthermore, the unity of the tribes, despite their geographical separation, prefigures the profound unity of the Church, the body of Christ, where believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation are made one in Him, transcending all earthly divisions and distinctions (Galatians 3:28). Our ultimate "tents" or home are found not in an earthly land, but eternally in the presence of Christ, who promises to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3) and to give rest to the weary and heavy-laden souls who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

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Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.

1 quote · AD 253

AD 253Origen of AlexandriaAnte-NiceneSourceHOMILIES ON JOSHUA 26.2

After these things Jesus [Joshua] assembles the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had served as soldiers with him to overcome the foes of the Israelites, and he dismisses them to go to their inheritance with certain gifts given to them, as it is written. Whereby this seems to indicate the mystery that “when the fullness of the nations will come in,” they receive from the Lord Jesus what was promised to them, those who had been taught and instructed by Moses and who by prayers and entreaties brought aid to us who are placed in the contest. They have not yet “attained the promises,” waiting so that our calling might also be fulfilled, as the apostle says. But now at last with the gifts they receive from Jesus they may attain the perfection that had been deferred for them so that each one may dwell in peace with every war and every battle ceasing.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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