Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 - Verse 31

The verse '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.' from the Bible provides insight into the division of territory among the tribes of Israel. Gilead, Ashtaroth, and Edrei were cities that belonged to the kingdom of Og in Bashan, but they were given to the children of Machir, who was the son of Manasseh. This allocation of land was an important aspect of tribal inheritance and established boundaries for each tribe's territory. The mention of families within the tribe of Machir emphasizes the organization and structure of the Israelite society, where land ownership was passed down through family lineages. This verse highlights the meticulous planning and distribution of land that took place among the tribes of Israel, ensuring that each tribe had its allotted portion in the Promised Land.

One theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the concept of inheritance and God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises. The portion of land mentioned here, half of Gilead and the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei, was given to the children of Machir, the son of Manasseh. This allocation of land demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing for His people, as He had promised to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. The descendants of Machir received their portion of the land based on their family lineage, highlighting the importance of lineage and inheritance in God's covenant with His people.

Word studies on key terms in this verse shed further light on its meaning. The cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei were part of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, a territory known for its size and strength. The mention of these cities underscores the historical and geographical context of the verse, emphasizing the specific areas that were allotted to the descendants of Machir. Additionally, the reference to Gilead as being included in the inheritance of Machir's children points to the significance of this region in biblical history, as it was known for its fertile land and strategic location.