Numbers 32:39

KJV

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 32:39 records a pivotal moment in Israel's settlement of the Transjordan region, specifically detailing the successful conquest and occupation of Gilead by the descendants of Machir, a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh. This verse highlights their initiative and divine enablement in taking possession of the land east of the Jordan River, fulfilling the terms of their agreement with Moses and demonstrating God's faithfulness in granting inheritance to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 32:39 is situated within a crucial narrative concerning the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes, observing the fertile pasturelands east of the Jordan, requested permission from Moses to settle there rather than cross into Canaan proper with the other tribes. Moses initially expressed strong disapproval, fearing their request would demoralize the rest of Israel and repeat the sin of the spies (Numbers 32:6-15). However, the tribes clarified their intent, pledging to build fortified cities for their families and flocks, and then arm themselves and lead the vanguard of the Israelite army across the Jordan to assist in the conquest of Canaan, only returning to their inheritance once the land was fully subdued (Numbers 32:16-19). Satisfied with this commitment, Moses granted them the Transjordan territory (Numbers 32:20-33). Verse 39, along with the subsequent verses (Numbers 32:40-42), serves as a confirmation and specific account of this agreement being put into action, detailing which clans took possession of which territories, thereby solidifying their claim and demonstrating their initial fulfillment of the covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the end of the forty-year wilderness wandering, as Israel stands on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. The Transjordan region, particularly Gilead, was known for its rich pasturage, making it highly desirable for tribes with large livestock holdings like Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. The inhabitants of this region, primarily the Amorites, were one of the indigenous peoples whom God had commanded Israel to dispossess due to their wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). The concept of "dispossessing" was not merely about territorial acquisition but also about divine judgment against idolatry and immorality prevalent among the Canaanite peoples. Tribal identity and land inheritance were foundational to Israelite society, directly linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their identity as His chosen people. The division of land, even before the main conquest, underscored the importance of each tribe's unique inheritance and contribution to the national endeavor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Inheritance and Possession**, demonstrating the active and often forceful means by which God's promises of land were realized. The land was a gift, but its possession required human effort and divine empowerment, as seen in the children of Machir taking Gilead. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, both God's faithfulness in providing the land as promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and Israel's faithfulness (or lack thereof) in obeying His commands to take it. The successful dispossessing of the Amorites foreshadows the broader conquest of Canaan, emphasizing that God would indeed enable His people to inherit their promised dwelling place, as also seen in [Joshua's summary of God's faithfulness](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled"). Thirdly, the verse touches upon **Tribal Identity and Responsibility**, as the children of Machir, a specific clan of Manasseh, are singled out for their role in this conquest, reinforcing the idea that each tribal unit had a unique part to play in the larger national narrative and the fulfillment of God's purposes for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Machir (Hebrew, _māḵîr'_):** Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh (Genesis 50:23; Joshua 17:1). His descendants, the Machirites, became a prominent and powerful clan within the half-tribe of Manasseh. Their taking of Gilead is significant because it highlights the strength and initiative of this particular family unit, demonstrating their active role in securing their inheritance and contributing to the broader tribal allocation. The naming of the territory "Gilead" after Machir's son, also named Gilead (Numbers 26:29), further solidifies their claim and historical connection to the region.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _gil‘āḏ'_):** A fertile, mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and balm (Jeremiah 8:22). Its strategic location and agricultural value made it a highly desirable territory. The conquest of Gilead by Machir's descendants established their presence in a significant Transjordan area, distinguishing them from the Manassehites who would settle west of the Jordan.
* **Dispossessed (Hebrew, יָרַשׁ, _yāraš'_):** This verb is crucial and multifaceted. It means "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to drive out/dispossess." In the context of the conquest, it carries the strong connotation of actively expelling the previous inhabitants to claim the land as one's own. This act was a divine command, part of God's judgment against the wickedness of the Amorites and other Canaanite peoples, and essential for Israel to establish its covenantal purity in the land. It implies a forceful, decisive action, not merely a peaceful settlement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh":** This phrase precisely identifies the specific group responsible for the action. It's not the entire tribe of Manasseh, but a particular, powerful clan descended from Machir, Manasseh's firstborn. This specificity underscores the internal organization and distinct contributions of various tribal families to the overall conquest and settlement.
* **"went to Gilead, and took it":** This indicates both the geographical movement and the successful military action. "Went to Gilead" signifies their intentional journey to this specific region. "And took it" implies a deliberate act of conquest and appropriation, not merely entering or occupying. It suggests a military engagement and subsequent control over the territory.
* **"and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it":** This final clause clarifies the nature of "taking it." It was not an empty land but one inhabited by the Amorites. The act of "dispossessing" them means driving them out, removing their presence and authority from the land. This action aligns with God's broader command to Israel to clear the land of its idolatrous inhabitants, making way for a holy nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** and **Direct Statement** to convey a significant historical event with efficiency. It acts as a factual report, devoid of elaborate rhetoric, focusing directly on the agents ("children of Machir"), the action ("went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed"), and the object ("the Amorite"). The use of **Synecdoche** is also present, where "the Amorite" stands for the Amorite people or inhabitants of Gilead, rather than a single individual. This straightforward, declarative style lends an authoritative tone to the historical account, emphasizing the successful completion of a divinely ordained task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 32:39 powerfully illustrates the principle that God's promises often require human action and cooperation for their fulfillment. The land was promised, but it had to be "taken" and its inhabitants "dispossessed." This highlights a recurring biblical pattern: divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. Furthermore, the dispossessing of the Amorites underscores God's justice and judgment against the wickedness of the nations, while simultaneously demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people. This event is a microcosm of the larger conquest narrative, where God empowers His people to overcome formidable obstacles and claim their inheritance.

* [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not for Your Righteousness")
* [Joshua 17:1-2](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1-2 - Allotment for Manasseh")
* [Psalm 44:2](/psalms/44-2 "Psalm 44:2 - You Drove Out Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the children of Machir taking Gilead serves as a powerful reminder that the blessings and promises of God, while freely given, often require our active participation and courageous faith to fully appropriate. Just as they had to "go," "take," and "dispossess," believers today are called to actively engage with the spiritual inheritance granted to us in Christ. This involves identifying and confronting the "Amorites" in our lives—the strongholds of sin, fear, doubt, and worldly influences that seek to occupy the territory God intends for our spiritual flourishing. It calls for perseverance, obedience, and reliance on divine strength to overcome spiritual obstacles and live fully in the freedom and purpose God has ordained. Our spiritual battles are not fought with carnal weapons, but with the armor of God and the power of His Spirit, enabling us to "dispossess" the enemy from the territories of our hearts, minds, and lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "territories" in my life (e.g., habits, thought patterns, relationships) do I need to "dispossess" of ungodly influences to fully align with God's will?**
* **In what areas am I waiting for God to act, when He might be calling me to "go and take" through faith and action?**
* **How does the active role of the children of Machir inform my understanding of spiritual warfare and the appropriation of spiritual blessings?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for the children of Machir to "dispossess" the Amorites, rather than simply settling alongside them?**

Answer: The command to "dispossess" the Amorites and other Canaanite nations was a crucial aspect of God's covenant with Israel and His holy character. It was not merely about land acquisition but about divine judgment against the profound wickedness, idolatry, and immoral practices of these peoples (Leviticus 18:24-28; Deuteronomy 9:4-5). God intended for Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for Him, and coexistence with peoples practicing detestable acts would inevitably lead to spiritual compromise and defilement. The act of dispossessing was a necessary step to establish a pure land where God's laws could be observed without the corrupting influence of pagan worship and practices, ensuring Israel's distinct identity and faithfulness to the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 32:39, though a historical account of territorial conquest, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance and victory secured by Jesus Christ. Just as the children of Machir took possession of a physical land by dispossessing its inhabitants, Christ, the true Son of God, came to "dispossess" the powers of darkness and reclaim humanity for God's kingdom. His death and resurrection represent the ultimate conquest, where He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through Christ, believers receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance, not of earthly land, but of adoption, righteousness, and eternal life in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). We are called to "take possession" of this inheritance by faith, living out the reality of Christ's victory over sin and death in our daily lives ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). The promised land of Canaan foreshadowed the new creation and the spiritual rest found in Christ, where He is our true and eternal dwelling place ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains")).

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

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

¶ 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.