Deuteronomy 3:12
And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָרַ֖שְׁנוּ
which we possessed
H3423
יָרַ֖שְׁנוּ
which we possessed
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
4 of 18
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
בָּעֵ֣ת
at that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
at that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
5 of 18
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֑וא
H1931
הַהִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֞ר
from Aroer
H6177
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֞ר
from Aroer
Strong's:
H6177
Word #:
7 of 18
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַ֣חַל
which is by the river
H5158
נַ֣חַל
which is by the river
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
10 of 18
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אַרְנֹ֗ן
Arnon
H769
אַרְנֹ֗ן
Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
11 of 18
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
הַֽר
mount
H2022
הַֽר
mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
13 of 18
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הַגִּלְעָד֙
Gilead
H1568
הַגִּלְעָד֙
Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
14 of 18
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
וְעָרָ֔יו
and the cities
H5892
וְעָרָ֔יו
and the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 18
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
נָתַ֕תִּי
thereof gave
H5414
נָתַ֕תִּי
thereof gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
16 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, chose to settle east of Jordan due to the region's suitability for their extensive livestock. This distribution occurred before crossing Jordan, with the condition that these tribes would help conquer western Canaan first (Joshua 1:12-18).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance personal preferences with community obligations in God's kingdom?
- What blessings has God given you that come with responsibilities to help others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' distribution of the conquered land 'at that time' shows prompt fulfillment of God's promises. Giving territory 'unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites' honored these tribes' request (Numbers 32) while ensuring they fulfilled military obligations. The specific boundaries 'from Aroer... by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead' provide clear property lines. Just land distribution reflects God's order and fairness.