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.

And the children {H1121} of Machir {H4353} the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519} went {H3212} to Gilead {H1568}, and took {H3920} it, and dispossessed {H3423} the Amorite {H567} which was in it.

The descendants of Machir the son of M'nasheh went to Gil'ad and conquered it, dispossessing the Emori who were there.

The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there.

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites that were therein.

Commentary

Numbers 32:39 describes a significant event in the tribal allocation of land for the Israelites before they fully crossed the Jordan River. This verse specifically highlights the successful conquest and settlement of the region of Gilead by a particular clan within the tribe of Manasseh: the descendants of Machir.

Context

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Numbers chapter 32, which addresses the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh to settle in the fertile Transjordan region (east of the Jordan River). After Moses initially questioned their intentions, fearing it would discourage the other tribes from entering Canaan proper, these tribes pledged to assist their brethren in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:17). Upon this agreement, Moses granted them the land. Verse 39 serves as a confirmation of this arrangement being fulfilled, specifically noting that the children of Machir, a powerful and prominent clan of Manasseh, successfully took possession of their allotted territory in Gilead by driving out its previous inhabitants, the Amorites.

Key Themes

  • Inheritance and Possession: The verse vividly illustrates the active process of taking possession of the land promised by God to Israel. It wasn't merely granted; it had to be conquered and occupied through effort.
  • Tribal Allocation and Identity: It underscores the specific division of territory among the tribes, even for those who chose to settle east of the Jordan. The children of Machir were specifically designated to inherit Gilead, highlighting their distinct role within the larger Manassehite tribe.
  • Fulfillment of Divine Promise: The successful "dispossessing" of the Amorites signifies God's faithfulness in empowering His people to take possession of the land promised to their forefathers, reinforcing the theme of divine enablement in human endeavor.

Linguistic Insights

The term "dispossessed" (Hebrew: יָרַשׁ, yarash) is crucial here. It means to inherit, to take possession, or to drive out. It implies not just settling in an empty land, but actively removing existing inhabitants to claim the territory as one's own. This action was a direct command from God to the Israelites regarding the inhabitants of Canaan, emphasizing the divine judgment against the wickedness of the Amorites and other nations.

Practical Application

While believers today do not engage in literal territorial conquest, the principles embedded in this verse offer spiritual insights. We are called to "dispossess" or overcome the spiritual obstacles and influences that hinder our walk with God. Just as the children of Machir had to actively take their promised land, we are called to stand firm and actively appropriate the spiritual inheritance and blessings God has given us in Christ. This involves faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's power to overcome sin, temptation, and the schemes of the enemy, living fully in the "promised land" of God's grace and purpose for our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 50:23

    And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third [generation]: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

  • Numbers 26:29

    Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

  • Joshua 17:1

    ΒΆ 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.
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