Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,

JOSHUA 22:7KJV
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Joshua 22:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:7 mean?

Joshua 22:7 explains that Moses had given land in Bashan to half of the tribe of Manasseh, while Joshua gave land to the other half west of the Jordan River. After dividing the land, Joshua sent these people back to their homes and gave them a blessing.

Joshua is the leader here, speaking to the people of the tribe of Manasseh. The verse highlights how the tribe was split between land east (Bashan) and west of the Jordan, showing the careful organization of the tribes as they settled in the Promised Land. Joshua’s act of blessing them as they return home shows a moment of goodwill and unity after the land was distributed.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:7

  • "Half" (חֵצִי, ḥētsî) is used twice, emphasizing that the tribe of Manasseh was divided into two equal parts, each receiving land on different sides of the Jordan.
  • "Bashan" (בָּשָׁן, Bashan) refers to a fertile region east of the Jordan, showing the specific territory given to one half of Manasseh.
  • "Blessed" (בָּרַךְ, bāraḵ) means to speak well of or to confer favor, highlighting Joshua’s role as a leader who sends the people home with encouragement and goodwill.

Why Joshua 22:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tribe of Manasseh was uniquely divided, with land on both sides of the Jordan, which helps explain later references to the "half-tribe" of Manasseh.
  • The mention of Joshua blessing the people as they return home underscores the peaceful and respectful transition after the conquest, reinforcing unity among the tribes.
  • Understanding the distribution of land here helps make sense of later events in Joshua and Judges, where the location and loyalty of the tribes become important.