Numbers 32:40
And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגִּלְעָ֔ד
Gilead
H1568
הַגִּלְעָ֔ד
Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
4 of 9
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 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
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
7 of 9
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
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 40 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.