Understanding the Settlement of Tribes on the East Side of the Jordan River

Introduction

The settlement of the tribes of Israel on the east side of the Jordan River is a significant historical event that has been the subject of much discussion and debate. Specifically, two and a half tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—settled in this region for their livestock's suitability. This article delves into the historical context, the significance of this settlement, and the current understanding of the tribes' movements.

The Historical Context and Settlement

The Book of Numbers in the Hebrew Bible (Chapters 32) provides detailed information about the tribes' request and Moses' granting of the land. According to Numbers 32:1-5, the sons of Reuben and Gad approached Moses and Eleazar with a request to settle on the east side of the Jordan:

'Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had very large herds of cattle. So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was a place suitable for livestock; they said to Moses: "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as our inheritance, and do not take us across the Jordan.”'

Moses agreed, and the Book of Joshua (Chapter 13) and Chronicles (Chapter 6) further detail the tribes' settlement and construction of cities and sheepfolds on the land. For instance, Numbers 32:33-42 provides a detailed list of the cities and fortifications they built:

'33 So Moses gave to them the land of Gilead, to the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, that kingdom of Sihon the king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og the king of Bashan, the land with its cities and its territory ... and farms for their flocks.'

The Myth of the "Lost Tribes"

The idea that ten of the tribes are "lost" has been a subject of much speculation. However, recent studies suggest that these tribes were not entirely "lost" but rather re-divided across various regions. The Talmud mentions that tribes like Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh settled in the region of Armenia, and the Book of Chronicles also records the settlement of Simeon and Benjamin in the area. Additionally, the Book of Judges (Chapter 18) describes the settlement of Dan in Galilee and similar regions.

The Influence of Other Tribes

Further evidence supports the notion that all twelve tribes of Israel had a presence in the region. Tribes such as Judah, Dan, Benjamin, and Simeon all took portions of the land east of the Jordan. For instance, Joshua 19:47 and Judges 18:27-28 provide details about the settlement of Dan in northern Israel:

'47 And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem Dan after the name of Dan their father.'

Similarly, Judges 18:27-28 talks about the settlement of Danites and the renaming of a city:

'27 Then they took what Micah had made and the priest who had belonged to him, and came to Laish to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and burned the city with fire. 28 And they built a city and dwelt therein: and they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first.'

Conclusion

The settlement of the tribes on the east side of the Jordan River was significant for the tribes' survival and prosperity. The historical accounts and archaeological evidence suggest that all twelve tribes had a presence in the region, challenging the notion that ten of the tribes were lost. This understanding highlights the rich history and multicultural heritage of the regions that were once parts of ancient Israel.