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Book of Joshua - Chapter 12 - Verse 6

12:6
Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Joshua, it recounts how Moses, the faithful servant of the Lord, led the children of Israel to conquer and possess the land of Canaan. The Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh were granted permission by Moses to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, as they had many livestock which required abundant grazing land. This division of territory was made with the condition that these tribes would first help their fellow Israelites conquer the rest of the land west of the Jordan before settling in their designated areas. It demonstrates the value of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, as each tribe had a specific role to play in fulfilling God's promise to give them the land He had promised to their ancestors. The verse serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of Moses as a servant of the Lord and the importance of following God's instructions in order to receive the blessings He has in store.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see Moses, the servant of the LORD, leading the children of Israel in battle against their enemies. Through his leadership, they were able to defeat their adversaries and claim victory. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the importance of courage, faith, and obedience to God's commands. By following Moses, the people of Israel were able to secure the land that was promised to them by the LORD. The word "smite" in this verse signifies a forceful and decisive action taken against their enemies, symbolizing the power of God working through His chosen people. The concept of possessing the land as a gift from the LORD is emphasized, demonstrating the faithfulness of God to His covenant with the Israelites. The mention of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh receiving a portion of the land serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

American Standard Version

Moses the servant of Jehovah and the children of Israel smote them: and Moses the servant of Jehovah gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
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