The half-tribe of Manasseh received part of Bashan (Gilead) where Ashtaroth and Edrei were located, signifying God’s victory over enemies and His faithfulness in allocating the Promised Land to the people of Israel.
In the book of Joshua, the biblical text describes how the lands east of the Jordan River were divided among the tribes of Israel after Moses’s death and in fulfillment of God’s covenant promise. In Joshua 13:31, the scripture states, “and half of Gilead, with Ashtaroth and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the sons of Machir the son of Manasseh, for half of the sons of Machir according to their families” (v.31). This verse follows a description of how Moses had allotted various territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:1-33). By granting the half-tribe of Manasseh these cities—Ashtaroth and Edrei—the LORD demonstrated His faithfulness, since these were once strongholds of King Og, a formidable foe who had been conquered under Moses (Numbers 21:33-35).
Ashtaroth and Edrei were prominent sites in Bashan, located east of the Sea of Galilee. Because they were once part of Og’s kingdom, these cities represented both the LORD’s power and Israel’s trust in Him. The region of Gilead, also mentioned here, was a fertile plateau well-suited for raising livestock, making it valuable for the pastoral needs of the tribes who settled there. The reference to Machir, the son of Manasseh, places these lands squarely within the lineage of Joseph—Manasseh was one of Joseph’s two sons, and Machir’s descendants were a significant clan within the half-tribe. In this allotment, the LORD again displayed His covenant faithfulness to Israel, allowing them to dwell in lands formerly belonging to mighty kings (Deuteronomy 3:1-13) and settling them according to ancient tribal divisions promised to the patriarchs.
Here, Joshua is recording an inheritance that underscores the LORD’s continued guidance to His people even after the death of Moses. By offering half of Gilead and these key cities to Machir’s clan, the biblical narrative affirms that no earthly king can thwart God’s plan and that these lands were dedicated to a family line entrusted with a legacy of leadership among the tribes.
Israel’s eastward expansion displayed God’s faithfulness to provide, fulfilling promises made centuries before in Genesis when God pledged fruitful territory to Abraham’s descendants.
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Joshua 13:31 meaning
In the book of Joshua, the biblical text describes how the lands east of the Jordan River were divided among the tribes of Israel after Moses’s death and in fulfillment of God’s covenant promise. In Joshua 13:31, the scripture states, “and half of Gilead, with Ashtaroth and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the sons of Machir the son of Manasseh, for half of the sons of Machir according to their families” (v.31). This verse follows a description of how Moses had allotted various territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:1-33). By granting the half-tribe of Manasseh these cities—Ashtaroth and Edrei—the LORD demonstrated His faithfulness, since these were once strongholds of King Og, a formidable foe who had been conquered under Moses (Numbers 21:33-35).
Ashtaroth and Edrei were prominent sites in Bashan, located east of the Sea of Galilee. Because they were once part of Og’s kingdom, these cities represented both the LORD’s power and Israel’s trust in Him. The region of Gilead, also mentioned here, was a fertile plateau well-suited for raising livestock, making it valuable for the pastoral needs of the tribes who settled there. The reference to Machir, the son of Manasseh, places these lands squarely within the lineage of Joseph—Manasseh was one of Joseph’s two sons, and Machir’s descendants were a significant clan within the half-tribe. In this allotment, the LORD again displayed His covenant faithfulness to Israel, allowing them to dwell in lands formerly belonging to mighty kings (Deuteronomy 3:1-13) and settling them according to ancient tribal divisions promised to the patriarchs.
Here, Joshua is recording an inheritance that underscores the LORD’s continued guidance to His people even after the death of Moses. By offering half of Gilead and these key cities to Machir’s clan, the biblical narrative affirms that no earthly king can thwart God’s plan and that these lands were dedicated to a family line entrusted with a legacy of leadership among the tribes.
Israel’s eastward expansion displayed God’s faithfulness to provide, fulfilling promises made centuries before in Genesis when God pledged fruitful territory to Abraham’s descendants.