Numbers 32:34
And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,
Original Language Analysis
בְנֵי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֔ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֔ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
3 of 9
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲטָרֹ֑ת
and Ataroth
H5852
עֲטָרֹ֑ת
and Ataroth
Strong's:
H5852
Word #:
7 of 9
ataroth, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine
Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:36From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:Numbers 32:3Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
Historical Context
These Transjordan cities became important in later Israelite history—some served as Levitical cities, others as refuge cities. Ramoth-gilead (v.{v}) became significant battleground where King Ahab died (1 Kings 22). Archaeological excavations at sites like Heshbon, Dibon, and others confirm occupation during this period, validating biblical historical claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture's detailed geographical precision demonstrate that biblical faith is historical and verifiable, not mythological or abstract?
- What does the real-world, place-specific nature of biblical narrative teach about God's involvement in actual history rather than mere spiritual ideas?
- How can you cultivate confidence in Christianity as historical religion based on events that actually occurred in space and time?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 34 continues the geographical details of tribal settlements—These verses enumerate specific cities and territories assigned to Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh in Transjordan. The detailed place names (many now archaeologically identified) demonstrate historical reliability of biblical records and emphasize that spiritual inheritance has concrete, real-world manifestation.
The extensive geographical detail teaches that God's covenant faithfulness operates in space-time history, not mythological abstraction. Christianity is fundamentally historical religion—God acts in real places at real times among real people. Luka's Gospel emphasizes this: 'In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came to John' (Luke 3:1-2)—biblical faith is anchored in datable, locatable historical events.