This verse is a summary of how land was distributed to the tribe of Manasseh after the Israelites conquered the Promised Land. Here's a breakdown:
"Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given inheritance in Bashan...": Back before Moses' death (as described in earlier books like Deuteronomy), one half of the tribe of Manasseh was given land east of the Jordan River in the region of Bashan. This happened because they had large herds of livestock and saw that the land east of the Jordan was suitable for grazing.
"...but to the other half gave Joshua among their brothers beyond the Jordan westward.": The other half of the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance west of the Jordan River, along with the rest of the Israelite tribes who were promised land there. Joshua, as the leader who succeeded Moses, was responsible for overseeing this distribution.
"Moreover when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them...": After the conquest and distribution of land was largely complete, Joshua dismissed the men of the eastern tribes (including the half-tribe of Manasseh) back to their families ("tents" representing their homes) east of the Jordan. He gave them a blessing, signifying his approval and wishing them well in their return.
In essence, the verse is important because it shows:
The tribe of Manasseh was divided geographically: Part of the tribe lived east of the Jordan, while the other part lived west, within the main body of Israel.
Joshua's respect for Moses' previous decisions: Joshua honored the decision made by Moses to give land to the eastern tribes, demonstrating continuity of leadership and respect for past authority.
The unity and cooperation among the tribes: The eastern tribes had initially assisted the western tribes in conquering their land. The fact that Joshua blesses and sends them back to their homes peacefully highlights a level of cooperation and fulfillment of their shared purpose.
Completion of the land distribution: The blessing and dismissal of the eastern tribes mark a significant milestone in the completion of the initial phase of conquering and settling the Promised Land.
It is important to note that this division also later presents challenges, as the tribes east of the Jordan become somewhat more isolated from the central religious and political life of Israel. This is a theme that continues to unfold throughout the Old Testament.
This verse is a summary of how land was distributed to the tribe of Manasseh after the Israelites conquered the Promised Land. Here's a breakdown:
"Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given inheritance in Bashan...": Back before Moses' death (as described in earlier books like Deuteronomy), one half of the tribe of Manasseh was given land east of the Jordan River in the region of Bashan. This happened because they had large herds of livestock and saw that the land east of the Jordan was suitable for grazing.
"...but to the other half gave Joshua among their brothers beyond the Jordan westward.": The other half of the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance west of the Jordan River, along with the rest of the Israelite tribes who were promised land there. Joshua, as the leader who succeeded Moses, was responsible for overseeing this distribution.
"Moreover when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them...": After the conquest and distribution of land was largely complete, Joshua dismissed the men of the eastern tribes (including the half-tribe of Manasseh) back to their families ("tents" representing their homes) east of the Jordan. He gave them a blessing, signifying his approval and wishing them well in their return.
In essence, the verse is important because it shows:
The tribe of Manasseh was divided geographically: Part of the tribe lived east of the Jordan, while the other part lived west, within the main body of Israel.
Joshua's respect for Moses' previous decisions: Joshua honored the decision made by Moses to give land to the eastern tribes, demonstrating continuity of leadership and respect for past authority.
The unity and cooperation among the tribes: The eastern tribes had initially assisted the western tribes in conquering their land. The fact that Joshua blesses and sends them back to their homes peacefully highlights a level of cooperation and fulfillment of their shared purpose.
Completion of the land distribution: The blessing and dismissal of the eastern tribes mark a significant milestone in the completion of the initial phase of conquering and settling the Promised Land.
It is important to note that this division also later presents challenges, as the tribes east of the Jordan become somewhat more isolated from the central religious and political life of Israel. This is a theme that continues to unfold throughout the Old Testament.