And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
JOSHUA 13:31KJVWhat does Joshua 13:31 mean?
Joshua 13:31 states that half of the region of Gilead, including the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei—important cities in the kingdom of Og in Bashan—was given to the descendants of Machir, who was the son of Manasseh, specifically to one half of Machir’s descendants by their family groups. This verse records how the land east of the Jordan River was divided among the tribes of Israel, with this portion going to a specific branch of the tribe of Manasseh.
Joshua 13:31 is part of a larger section where God, through Joshua, is distributing the conquered territories to the tribes of Israel. The verse highlights the careful and specific allocation of land, naming both the territory (half Gilead) and the key cities (Ashtaroth and Edrei) that were once ruled by King Og. The focus on Machir’s descendants shows the importance of family lines and inheritance in Israel’s tribal structure.
The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:31
- גִּלְעָד (Gilead, "Gilead"): This name refers to a fertile and strategic region east of the Jordan River, known for its hills and balm. Mentioning "half Gilead" emphasizes that the land was divided, not given entirely to one group.
- עַשְׁתָּרוֹת (Ashtaroth, "Ashtaroth") and אֶדְרֶעִי (Edrei, "Edrei"): These were major cities in the kingdom of Og. Naming them highlights the significance of what was given—these were not just small villages, but important centers.
- מָכִיר (Machir, "Machir"): Machir was a son of Manasseh, and his descendants received this land. The verse’s focus on "half of the children of Machir by their families" underscores the detailed and equitable division among extended family groups.
Why Joshua 13:31 matters
- Joshua 13:31 clarifies that the land distribution was not random but was based on family lines, showing the importance of heritage and fairness in Israel’s society.
- The verse connects the story of Israel’s conquest to earlier promises made to the tribes, especially regarding the land east of the Jordan, fulfilling God’s word to the ancestors.
- By naming specific cities and regions, Joshua 13:31 helps the reader understand the real, historical geography involved, making the biblical account more concrete and grounded.