Joshua 13:24
And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְמַטֵּה
inheritance unto the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּה
inheritance unto the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 7
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
גָ֖ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֖ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
4 of 7
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
לִבְנֵי
even unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵי
even unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Gad's territory lay between Reuben to the south and the half-tribe of Manasseh to the north, encompassing the region between the Arnon and Jabbok rivers, including the mountainous Gilead region. This area featured both agricultural valleys and defensive highlands. The Gadites were renowned warriors, forming elite units in David's army. Archaeological evidence suggests continuous settlement despite the territory's contested status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gad's prophetic blessing about being overcome yet overcoming apply to Christians facing ongoing spiritual battles?
- What spiritual lessons can be drawn from God placing some tribes in more exposed, vulnerable positions?
- How does the equitable distribution 'according to their families' reflect God's justice in assigning different callings and challenges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families—Gad (גָּד), Jacob's seventh son born to Leah's handmaid Zilpah, received territory north of Reuben. The repetition "unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad" emphasizes certainty and completeness—no Gadite was excluded. The phrase l'mishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, "according to their families") again stresses ordered, equitable distribution based on clan structure.
Gad's blessing in Genesis 49:19 prophesied: "A troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last." His Transjordan territory indeed faced constant pressure from Ammonites, Moabites, and desert raiders, yet Gad produced mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 5:18-22, 12:8-15). The Transjordan tribes' geographical position—outside Canaan proper, exposed to enemies—required perpetual vigilance. Their placement illustrates that some of God's people are called to frontier positions, bearing greater exposure but developing unique strength through constant dependence on God.