The Status of the Transjordan #1: Important Passages
This is the first in a series on the status of the Transjordan in the Old Testament, which is the topic of my Honours thesis. The Transjordan is the land east of the Jordan River, which was settled by the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half-Mannasseh. I am looking particularly at Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua. Feel free to ask questions or make comments.
Numbers 32: This chapter describes a request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the Transjordan. Moses regards the request as sinful, but a compromise is reached: if the tribes assist in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan, then they can return and settle east of the river.
Joshua 3 – 5: Here we have a narrative of the crossing of the River Jordan. Two chapters are devoted to this event, which suggests its importance. After the Israelites cross the river, the manna ceases, which indicates that the wilderness wandering has finished.
Joshua 22: In this chapter, Joshua tells the two and half tribes to return to the Transjordan. They do return, but then, rather surprisingly, they build a massive altar by the Jordan. This causes the "whole congregation of the Israelites" to prepare for war, but, wisely, they first send a delegation to the Transjordanian tribes. They accuse the Transjordanians of making God angry, and suggest that their land may be unclean. In response to this, the Transjordanian tribes say that the altar is not for offerings, but is only a "witness". The western tribes are satisfied, and return home.
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(Anonymous)
2007-09-06 09:15
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Hi John
Have you looked at the 'enemy lists' such as Deut 20, you know those lists of Canaanite groups who Israel is to drive out of the land, are any of them specifically transjordanian?
--Luke
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(Anonymous)
2007-09-12 06:22
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My recollection is that there were cities of refuge on the E bank, which would seem that they were part of the overall regime for the promised land.
I guess you'll touch on this later.
Felix
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