Joshua 13:15
And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְמַטֵּ֥ה
unto the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֥ה
unto the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 6
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
inheritance according to their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
inheritance according to their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 6
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
Historical Context
The Transjordan territory was conquered under Moses before his death (Numbers 21:21-35, Deuteronomy 2-3). Reuben's territory lay south of Gad, extending from the Arnon River to the region near Heshbon. This area, modern-day Jordan, featured fertile plateaus suitable for the livestock that motivated Reuben's original request (Numbers 32:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuben receiving an inheritance despite losing his birthright illustrate God's grace?
- What does the principle 'according to their families' teach about God's concern for order and fairness in distributing blessings?
- How does the responsibility of the Transjordan tribes to fight for their brethren apply to believers who have received blessings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families—Reuben (רְאוּבֵן), Jacob's firstborn, received his inheritance east of the Jordan. The phrase l'mishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, "according to their families") emphasizes that land distribution was organized by clan structure, ensuring fairness and order. Though Reuben lost his birthright through sin (Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4), God's grace still provided an inheritance.
This allocation recalls Numbers 32, where Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh requested land east of Jordan. Moses granted it conditionally—they must fight alongside their brethren. This verse marks the fulfillment of that promise. The Transjordan tribes received their inheritance first but bore responsibility to help secure the land for all Israel, demonstrating that personal blessing carries corporate responsibility in God's kingdom.