Numbers 34:14 - for the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their fathers’ houses, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to their fathers’ houses, have received, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received, their inheritance.

Generated Verse: Numbers 34:14

What does "Numbers 34:14" mean?


This verse from Numbers 34:14 is part of a larger passage (Numbers 34:13-15) detailing the allocation of land east of the Jordan River to specific Israelite tribes. It's essentially a summary statement confirming that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already been granted their allotted territory.

Let's break it down:

"for the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their fathers’ houses, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to their fathers’ houses, have received..." This indicates that the tribes of Reuben and Gad, organized by their families and clans ("fathers' houses"), had already been given their promised inheritance. The phrase "according to their fathers' houses" is important because it suggests that the land was distributed among the families within each tribe, ensuring a fair division based on their lineage and probably population.

"...and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received, their inheritance." Similarly, half of the tribe of Manasseh had also received their designated land east of the Jordan. It's important to note that the other half of Manasseh would receive land west of the Jordan.

Context and Significance:

Background: These tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) had requested land east of the Jordan because it was suitable for their livestock (Numbers 32). They promised to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan before settling permanently on their eastern holdings.

Emphasis on Fulfillment: The verse highlights the fulfillment of the promise made to these tribes. God, through Moses, had granted them their request, demonstrating God's faithfulness.

Organization and Order: The mention of "according to their fathers' houses" emphasizes the importance of lineage and family structure in the distribution of land. This reflects the societal organization of the Israelites at the time and the significance of family inheritance.

Location: This passage confirms that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan River, a region that would become increasingly important and strategically contested throughout Israelite history.

In short, Numbers 34:14 is a statement of completion, confirming that specific tribes had received their promised land east of the Jordan River, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise and emphasizing the organized distribution of land based on family lineage.

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