Numbers 34:15
The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.
Original Language Analysis
הַמַּטֶּ֑ה
tribe
H4294
הַמַּטֶּ֑ה
tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 11
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
הַמַּטֶּ֑ה
tribe
H4294
הַמַּטֶּ֑ה
tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
4 of 11
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לָֽקְח֣וּ
have received
H3947
לָֽקְח֣וּ
have received
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
5 of 11
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
נַֽחֲלָתָ֗ם
their inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֗ם
their inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
מֵעֵ֛בֶר
on this side
H5676
מֵעֵ֛בֶר
on this side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
The Transjordan territory stretched from the Arnon River (southern border) to Mount Hermon (northern border), encompassing former Amorite kingdoms of Sihon and Og (Numbers 21). This fertile plateau, well-watered compared to Judean wilderness, attracted Reuben and Gad's pastoral interests. Archaeological evidence confirms major Israelite settlements east of Jordan from this period, though these tribes suffered first in Assyrian invasions (740s BC).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the emphasis on "eastward" suggest about moving away from the promised land's center, both geographically and spiritually?
- How does settling near the entry point (Jericho) create both connection and separation from the main community?
- What lessons can believers draw about choosing comfort and prosperity over God's explicit promises and community?
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Analysis & Commentary
The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising—The Hebrew מֵעֵבֶר לְיַרְדֵּן יְרֵחוֹ קֵדְמָה מִזְרָחָה (me-ever le-Yarden Yericho qedmah mizrachah, "from across the Jordan of Jericho eastward, toward the sunrise") precisely locates Transjordan territory. The double emphasis on east (קֵדְמָה and מִזְרָחָה both mean "eastward") underscores geographical and theological significance.
"This side Jordan" (מֵעֵבֶר, me-ever, "from the other side/beyond") uses perspective language—from Moses' viewpoint in Moab, the eastern side is "this side," while Canaan proper is "that side." This linguistic detail reveals the text's composition before crossing Jordan. Near Jericho anchors the description to Israel's entry point, emphasizing that even Transjordan tribes remained connected to the central conquest narrative.