Numbers 32:40

And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

And Moses {H4872} gave {H5414} Gilead {H1568} unto Machir {H4353} the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}; and he dwelt {H3427} therein.

Moshe gave Gil'ad to Machir the son of M'nasheh, and he lived in it.

So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there.

And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

Commentary

Numbers 32:40 records a specific detail concerning the distribution of land on the east side of the Jordan River, fulfilling the agreement made between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Numbers chapter 32, which details the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of the tribe of Manasseh, to settle in the fertile land of Gilead and Jazer, east of the Jordan. They desired this land for their abundant livestock. Moses initially expressed concern that this desire might discourage the other tribes from crossing the Jordan to conquer Canaan, echoing the negative report of the spies years earlier (Numbers 13:31). However, after these tribes pledged to send their armed men across the Jordan to assist in the conquest of the land of Canaan before returning to their inheritance, Moses agreed to their request (Numbers 32:16-19). Verse 40 specifically highlights the allocation of Gilead to Machir, a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh, indicating the precise fulfillment of this covenant and the orderly distribution of territory.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Promise: Moses, acting under divine authority, faithfully executes the agreement made with the tribes. This demonstrates the importance of keeping one's word and the orderly distribution of God's promised inheritance among the Israelite tribes.
  • Land and Inheritance: The verse is part of the larger biblical theme of the Israelites receiving their promised land. Even before the full conquest of Canaan, portions of the land were being allotted, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7).
  • Tribal Identity and Settlement: The specific mention of Machir, son of Manasseh, underscores the meticulous nature of the tribal allocations and the establishment of distinct territories for each family within Israel. This organizational structure was crucial for their national identity and governance as they prepared to fully occupy the land.

Significance and Application

Numbers 32:40, while a seemingly simple historical record, carries broader significance. It illustrates the practical outworking of leadership and covenant-keeping in ancient Israel. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of:

  • Integrity in Agreements: The passage underscores the importance of fulfilling commitments, both personally and communally. Moses kept his word to the tribes, and they, in turn, were expected to keep theirs to their brethren, emphasizing the value of integrity and faithfulness.
  • Divine Provision: The allocation of land, even for those who chose to settle outside the primary land of Canaan, speaks to God's abundant provision and His care for the diverse needs of His people. He provides for each according to their circumstances within His overarching plan.
  • The Value of Inheritance: Just as the Israelites received a physical inheritance, believers are promised a spiritual inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). This verse, in its historical context of land distribution, points to the tangible benefits of God's covenant faithfulness and the security of His promises.

The dwelling of Machir in Gilead solidified their claim and marked a step forward in the grand narrative of Israel's journey to possess the land promised by God, demonstrating the orderly progression of His plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Joshua 17:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Deuteronomy 3:13 (2 votes)

    And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, [being] the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.

  • Deuteronomy 3:15 (2 votes)

    And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

  • Joshua 13:29 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.