Numbers 32:36
And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
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 #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָרֵ֥י
cities
H5892
עָרֵ֥י
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצָ֖ר
fenced
H4013
מִבְצָ֖ר
fenced
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
8 of 10
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
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 36 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.