1 Chronicles 5:16
And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥שְׁב֛וּ
And they dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּ֥שְׁב֛וּ
And they dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּגִּלְעָ֥ד
in Gilead
H1568
בַּגִּלְעָ֥ד
in Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
2 of 9
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
in Bashan
H1316
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
in Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
3 of 9
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
וּבִבְנֹתֶ֑יהָ
and in her towns
H1323
וּבִבְנֹתֶ֑יהָ
and in her towns
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
4 of 9
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וּבְכָֽל
H3605
וּבְכָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִגְרְשֵׁ֥י
and in all the suburbs
H4054
מִגְרְשֵׁ֥י
and in all the suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
6 of 9
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
Cross References
1 Chronicles 27:29And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:Isaiah 35:2It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.Song of Solomon 2:1I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Historical Context
Gilead and Bashan, conquered under Moses (Numbers 21:21-35) and distributed to Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe Manasseh, provided rich pasturelands ideal for livestock. Their exposed position made them vulnerable to foreign invasion, suffering first in Assyrian deportations (734-732 BC). The territories' fertility made them contested throughout Old Testament period.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gad's inheritance east of Jordan, requiring them to fight before settling, illustrate that spiritual blessing requires faithful service?
- What does the precision of tribal boundaries teach about God's detailed planning and provision for His people?
Analysis & Commentary
And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders—this verse maps Gadite territory east of Jordan: גִּלְעָד (Gilead, 'heap of testimony') signified the covenant boundary between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:47-48), while בָּשָׁן (Bashan) denoted fertile highlands famous for cattle and oaks. שָׁרוֹן (Sharon) here differs from coastal Sharon, referring to Transjordan pasturelands.
The territorial description emphasizes borders and suburbs (מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן, migrasheihen, 'pasture lands'), showing tribal inheritance included both settlements and grazing lands. God's land promises weren't abstract but concrete—specific territories for specific tribes. The Transjordanian tribes' choice to settle east of Jordan (Numbers 32) required Moses' conditional approval: they must fight alongside their brothers before enjoying inheritance. Privilege always accompanies responsibility in covenant relationship.