Numbers 32:33

_AND MOSES GAVE UNTO THEM, EVEN TO THE CHILDREN OF GAD, AND TO THE CHILDREN OF REUBEN, AND UNTO HALF THE TRIBE OF MANASSEH THE SON OF JOSEPH, THE KINGDOM OF SIHON KING OF THE AMORITES, AND THE KINGDOM OF OG KING OF BASHAN, THE LAND, WITH THE CITIES THEREOF IN THE COASTS, EVEN THE CITIES OF THE COUNTRY ROUND ABOUT._ Half the tribe of Manasseh. It is nowhere explained in the record how they were incorporated with the two tribes, or what broke this great tribe into two parts, of which one was left to follow the fortunes of its brethren in the settled life of the western hills, while the other was allowed to wander as a nomadic tribe over the pasture lands of Gilead and Bashan. They are not mentioned as accompanying Reuben and Gad in their application to Moses, neither were they included in his first directions (Numbers 32:25); but as they also were a people addicted to pasto

33._And Moses gave unto them. _We must understand that Moses _gave _it in such sort, as that, relying on God’s command, he laid down an inviolable law. For, although it is not expressly stated that God interposed His authority, still His subsequent approbation fully assures us of it. So also, although no mention is made of Eleazar and the elders, still it is certain that they were not passed over, but that they were united with him in the decision; especially since the case had been brought before them by the sons of Gad and Reuben, (ver. 2.) There is only an implied contrast between the old covenant which God had made with Abraham, and this new and special privilege, wherewith He condescended to enrich His people. At first only the two tribes had been named; half the tribe of Manasseh is now added, inasmuch as the descendants of Machir, and Jair, and Noball, who were all of the family o...

28-42 Concerning the settlement of these tribes, observe, that they built the cities, that is, repaired them. They changed the names of them; probably they were idolatrous, therefore they should be forgotten. A spirit of selfishness, of seeking our own, not the things of Christ, when each one ought to assist others, is as dangerous as it is common. It is impossible to be sincere in the faith, sensible of the goodness of God, constrained by the love of Christ, sanctified by the power of the Holy Ghost, and yet be indifferent to the progress of religion, and the spiritual success of others, through love of ease, or fear of conflict. Let then your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven....

HALF THE TRIBE OF MANASSEH - That is, (compare Numbers 32:39; Joshua 17:1) the families of Machir. Moses, when assigning to the pastoral tribes the inheritance which they desired, appropriated to these Manassites especially the district they had already subdued, as a reward for their valour and exploits. Thus the whole of the conquered country was provisionally disposed of, and the forwardness anti valour of the Machirites rewarded. It seems clear from Numbers 32:39 and Joshua 17:1, that the claims of the Machirites arose simply out of their exploits....

EXPOSITION THE TWO AND A HALF TRIBES BEYOND JORDAN (Numbers 32:1). NUMBERS 32:1 THE CHILDREN OF REUBEN AND THE CHILDREN OF GAD. Reuben and Gad had both been camped on the same (southern) side of the tabernacle, but had not apparently been neighbours, since Simeon intervened on the march (see on Numbers 2:10-4). Simeon, however, was at this time enfeebled and disgraced, and was not likely to assert himself in any way. The "great multitude of cattle" belonging to the two tribes probably point to pastoral habits of long standing, since the cattle o

AND MOSES GAVE UNTO THEM,.... By word of mouth, in the presence of the court, or rather by some instrument drawn up and signed by him and the sanhedrim, or witnessed by them: [EVEN] TO THE CHILDREN OF GAD, AND TO THE CHILDREN OF REUBEN, AND UNTO HALF THE TRIBE OF MANASSEH THE SON OF JOSEPH; no mention is made of this half tribe joining with the other two tribes in the request to settle on this side Jordan, and therefore it is generally thought that they were encouraged, by the success of the two tribes, to make a like motion; or else Moses and the princes, observing that there was too much land for the said tribes, joined this half tribe with them, the land being suitable for them: THE KINGDOM OF SIHON KING OF THE AMORITES, AND THE KINGDOM OF OG KING OF BASHAN, THE LAND, WITH THE CITIES THEREOF IN THE COASTS, EVEN THE CITIES OF THE COUNTRY ROUND ABOUT; of which kingdoms, and the conque...

8. THE TRIBES OF REUBEN, GAD, HALF-MANASSEH AND THEIR PORTION CHAPTER 32 _ 1. The petition of Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32:1)_ 2. The rebuke by Moses (Numbers 32:6) 3. Their answer (Numbers 32:16) 4. Moses' reply (Numbers 32:20) 5. The final agreement (Numbers 32:25) Failure is now again manifested. Reuben and Gad looked upon the beautiful territory which had been taken from the two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. As Reuben and Gad were especially rich in cattle and the territory was one of great

THE REQUEST GRANTED CONDITIONALLY ON THEIR TAKING PART IN THE CONQUEST OF W. CANAAN. The assistance rendered by Gad in the conquest of W. Canaan (see Joshua 1:12) seems to be referred to in Deuteronomy 33:21. The statement that besides Reuben and Gad the half tribe of Manasseh received from Moses a piece of territory E. of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33) appears to be an anachronism, for Numbers 32:39 implies that the establishment of Manasseh in E. Canaan was effected by settlers who went thither after the conquest of W. Canaan had been accomplished....

MOSES GAVE. Compare Deuteronomy 3:12.Joshua 13:8; Joshua 22:4. COASTS. borders, or confines....

_and unto the half tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph_) This clause, or perhaps the whole verse, is a later addition to P. See prelim. note above....