Numbers 34:15 clarifies which tribes received their land allocation east of the Jordan River, specifically in the region opposite Jericho (on the east bank) and in the direction of the sunrise (east).
"The two tribes and the half-tribe": This refers to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
"have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward": This means that these tribes were allocated land across (or "beyond") the Jordan River, on the eastern side. The location is further specified as being opposite Jericho (which was on the west bank).
"toward the sunrise": This confirms the location as being in the east (the direction where the sun rises).
In summary, the verse identifies the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as having received land east of the Jordan River, in the area opposite Jericho and extending eastward.
Contextual Significance:
This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 34 that defines the boundaries of the land of Canaan that God promised to the Israelites. It's important because:
Clarifies Tribal Distribution: It specifies which tribes were not part of the main inheritance west of the Jordan that was to be allotted by lot (the "land of Canaan" defined in earlier verses of this chapter).
Highlights Choice and Conditions: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had specifically requested land east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). This was granted on the condition that they assist their brethren in conquering the land west of the Jordan.
Fulfillment of Promise: The fact that they received this land demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise, even if the specific circumstances were different from the land allocation in Canaan proper.
Understanding this verse helps in understanding the geography of the Israelite settlement and the specific roles and circumstances of these particular tribes. It reinforces the complexity of the historical narrative and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Numbers 34:15 clarifies which tribes received their land allocation east of the Jordan River, specifically in the region opposite Jericho (on the east bank) and in the direction of the sunrise (east).
"The two tribes and the half-tribe": This refers to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
"have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward": This means that these tribes were allocated land across (or "beyond") the Jordan River, on the eastern side. The location is further specified as being opposite Jericho (which was on the west bank).
"toward the sunrise": This confirms the location as being in the east (the direction where the sun rises).
In summary, the verse identifies the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as having received land east of the Jordan River, in the area opposite Jericho and extending eastward.
Contextual Significance:
This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 34 that defines the boundaries of the land of Canaan that God promised to the Israelites. It's important because:
Clarifies Tribal Distribution: It specifies which tribes were not part of the main inheritance west of the Jordan that was to be allotted by lot (the "land of Canaan" defined in earlier verses of this chapter).
Highlights Choice and Conditions: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had specifically requested land east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). This was granted on the condition that they assist their brethren in conquering the land west of the Jordan.
Fulfillment of Promise: The fact that they received this land demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise, even if the specific circumstances were different from the land allocation in Canaan proper.
Understanding this verse helps in understanding the geography of the Israelite settlement and the specific roles and circumstances of these particular tribes. It reinforces the complexity of the historical narrative and the fulfillment of God's promises.