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Numbers 32:33 - Tribes settle eastward—divine approval?

Numbers 32:33 - במדבר 32:33

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן לָהֶם מֹשֶׁה לִבְנֵי־גָד וְלִבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן וְלַחֲצִי שֵׁבֶט מְנַשֶּׁה בֶן־יוֹסֵף אֶת־מַמְלֶכֶת סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי וְאֶת־מַמְלֶכֶת עוֹג מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן הָאָרֶץ לְעָרֶיהָ בִּגְבֻלֹת עָרֵי הָאָרֶץ סָבִיב׃

English Translation

And Moshe gave to them, to the children of Gad, and to the children of Re᾽uven, and to half the tribe of Menashshe the son of Yosef, the kingdom of Siĥon king of the Emori, and the kingdom of ῾Og king of Bashan, the land, with its cities in the borders, the cities of the country round about.

Transliteration

Vayiten lahem Moshe livnei-Gad velivnei Reuven velachatzi shevet Menashe ben-Yosef et-mamlachat Sichon melech haEmori ve'et-mamlachat Og melech haBashan ha'aretz le'areha bigvulot arei ha'aretz saviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן לָהֶ֣ם <small>׀</small> מֹשֶׁ֡ה לִבְנֵי־גָד֩ וְלִבְנֵ֨י רְאוּבֵ֜ן וְלַחֲצִ֣י <b>׀</b> שֵׁ֣בֶט <b>׀</b> מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה בֶן־יוֹסֵ֗ף אֶת־מַמְלֶ֙כֶת֙ סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י וְאֶ֨ת־מַמְלֶ֔כֶת ע֖וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן הָאָ֗רֶץ לְעָרֶ֙יהָ֙ בִּגְבֻלֹ֔ת עָרֵ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ סָבִֽיב׃
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן לָהֶ֣ם ׀ מֹשֶׁ֡ה לִבְנֵי־גָד֩ וְלִבְנֵ֨י רְאוּבֵ֜ן וְלַחֲצִ֣י ׀ שֵׁ֣בֶט ׀ מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה בֶן־יוֹסֵ֗ף אֶת־מַמְלֶ֙כֶת֙ סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י וְאֶ֨ת־מַמְלֶ֔כֶת ע֖וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן הָאָ֗רֶץ לְעָרֶ֙יהָ֙ בִּגְבֻלֹ֔ת עָרֵ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ סָבִֽיב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Allocation of Transjordanian Lands

The verse describes Moshe's distribution of the conquered lands east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe. This allocation was granted after these tribes requested it, provided they would assist in conquering Eretz Yisrael proper (Bamidbar 32). Rashi (on Bamidbar 32:33) explains that Moshe gave these lands specifically to these tribes because they were suited for grazing livestock, which these tribes possessed in abundance.

Significance of the Conquered Kingdoms

The territories mentioned—the kingdom of Sichon and the kingdom of Og—were formidable enemies defeated by Israel through divine intervention. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32) highlights that Og was a remnant of the Rephaim and possessed supernatural strength, making his defeat a clear demonstration of Hashem's power. Ramban (on Bamidbar 21:34) notes that these victories were crucial in establishing Israel's presence in the region before entering Canaan.

Half-Tribe of Menashe

The inclusion of half of Menashe is noteworthy. The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) explains that this tribe was split because they were descendants of Yosef, who had been separated from his brothers. Thus, their division symbolizes both unity (as part of Yisrael) and distinction (as inheritors of Yosef's legacy). Additionally, the Kli Yakar (on Bamidbar 32:33) suggests that Menashe was given a portion here to strengthen the spiritual connection between the eastern and western tribes.

Geographical Boundaries

The verse emphasizes that the land was given "with its cities in the borders." The Ibn Ezra explains that this phrasing indicates the completeness of the inheritance—not just the cities but their surrounding territories and agricultural lands. This ensured that the tribes would have self-sufficient settlements, as required by halachic principles of land allocation (see Rambam, Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel 12:1-2).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe give land to the tribes of Gad, Reuven, and half of Menashe?
A: Moshe gave these tribes land east of the Jordan River because they requested it, as they had large flocks and found the land suitable for livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). However, they first had to promise to help the other tribes conquer the land of Canaan (Numbers 32:20-22). Rashi explains that half of Menashe was included because they were also wealthy and needed the spacious land for their animals.
Q: What is the significance of the lands of Sichon and Og being given to these tribes?
A: The lands of Sichon and Og were conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership (Numbers 21:21-35). By giving these lands to Gad, Reuven, and half of Menashe, it fulfilled their request while also ensuring these territories became part of Israel's inheritance. The Ramban notes that these lands were spiritually significant as they were part of the promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:18-21).
Q: Why was only half the tribe of Menashe included in receiving this land?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) explains that half of Menashe was included because they were particularly strong and could help protect the eastern border. Additionally, Rashi suggests that since Menashe was descended from Yosef, who was connected to both the northern and southern parts of Israel, his tribe was split to maintain balance among the tribes.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the Israelites entering the Promised Land?
A: This verse shows the beginning of the distribution of the land to the tribes of Israel, even before crossing the Jordan. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) teaches that this event demonstrated unity among the tribes—Gad and Reuven agreed to fight alongside their brethren before settling their own land. It set a precedent for how the land would be divided among all the tribes later in the Book of Joshua.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Moshe handled the request of these tribes?
A: Moshe's response teaches the importance of balancing individual needs with communal responsibility. Though he initially criticized Gad and Reuven for seeming to abandon the mission (Numbers 32:6-15), he ultimately agreed when they committed to helping the nation. The Sforno explains that this shows the value of compromise when it benefits the entire community while addressing legitimate personal needs.