Why Were Reuben, Gad, and the Half Tribe of Manasseh Left behind in the Promised Land?

!! This was a stupid question. ALL the tribes received an inheritance in Canaan. Why? Because Canaan WAS the 'Promised Land'!

The Request for Inheritance on the Eastern Banks of the Jordan

Two and a half tribes, Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, approached Joshua and asked to settle on the eastern banks of the Jordan River. In the book of Numbers, these tribes asked for this land as their inheritance while promising to help with the conquest of Canaan. Joshua agreed on the condition that they first participate in the ongoing military campaigns.

Why Were They not Allowed into the Promised Land?

It was a misunderstanding to say that these tribes were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. As they passed through the land directly across the Jordan, they found the area appealing and requested their allotment in that area. Joshua, understanding their need and the critical situation in the Promised Land, consented with conditions. Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh ultimately fulfilled their part of the agreement and contributed to the Conquest of Canaan.

Settling in the Promised Land

These two and a half tribes did indeed settle in the Promised Land, but not on the other side of the Jordan River, as they might have initially thought. However, it's noteworthy that once a land is conquered, it is often renamed by the conquerors. Canaan was renamed Israel after its conquest by the Israelites.

The Choice of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh

The tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with further Israelites, crossed the Jordan River and settled in the newly named land of Israel. However, Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh stayed on the other side. We can assume that they chose to remain there for a reason. For instance, they had plenty of sheep and cattle and the land was ideal for raising livestock.

They were allowed into the Promised Land but chose to remain on the other side of the Jordan River, prioritizing the care of their livestock and herds over the immediate need to settle in the newly founded Israel.

In conclusion, the initial question can be seen as a misunderstanding. Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh did eventually become part of the Promised Land, but their choice of remaining on the eastern banks of the Jordan, while fulfilling their promises, reflects the diverse needs and situations of the early Israelite tribes.