Joshua 13:28
This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
This is the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
This is the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
בְּנֵי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 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
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
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
after their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 7
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 Sea of Chinnereth (Galilee) is approximately 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, lying 690 feet below sea level. Gad's territory stretched along the eastern shore and inland through the Gilead highlands. This provided access to fishing, agriculture, trade routes, and defensive positions, making it economically valuable. The Jordan River valley formed a natural boundary that was crossable at numerous fords but still served as a clear demarcation between territories.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Jordan River as boundary illustrate that God's blessings can be legitimate even when they place us in unexpected or separated positions?
- What spiritual disciplines might the Transjordan tribes have needed to maintain connection with the central sanctuary, and how does this apply to modern believers?
- How does Gad's comprehensive inheritance ('all the kingdom of Sihon') demonstrate that God doesn't give partial or incomplete blessings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border—This phrase summarizes Gad's territory as comprising the northern portion of Sihon's former kingdom, with the Jordan River forming the western boundary. The Hebrew g'vul (גְּבוּל, "border/boundary") emphasizes definite limits. The Jordan (יַרְדֵן, Yarden, "descender") served as a natural boundary, descending from Mount Hermon through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.
Even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward—The Sea of Chinnereth (יָם כִּנֶּרֶת, later called Galilee) formed Gad's northwest boundary. The phrase "on the other side Jordan eastward" reminds readers that Gad's inheritance, though legitimate, lay outside Canaan proper. This geographical detail carried perpetual theological significance: the Transjordan tribes received full inheritance yet remained physically separated from the central sanctuary. Their situation foreshadows believers who are "in the world but not of it"—fully blessed yet geographically distinct, requiring intentional connection to covenant community.