Old Testament
Joshua 13:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Half of Gilead, along with Ashtaroth and Edrei, cities of Og's kingdom in Bashan, were given to the descendants of Machir, son of Manasseh, specifically to half of Machir's families.
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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.
What Joshua 13:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the allocation of land to the descendants of Machir, who is a son of Manasseh. The land given includes half of Gilead and the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei, which were part of Og's kingdom in Bashan. This distribution of land is significant as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites to give them a homeland. The mention of specific cities and families highlights the importance of inheritance and the organization of the tribes. Machir's descendants received this land because of their father's legacy and contributions, emphasizing the value of family and heritage in the Israelite culture. This allocation also shows the strategic importance of the region, as it was known for its fertile land and strong cities, which would benefit the tribes living there. Overall, this verse illustrates the ongoing process of settling the Promised Land and the importance of each tribe's inheritance in the larger narrative of Israel's history.
How to apply Joshua 13:31 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing our heritage and the legacies we inherit. Just as the descendants of Machir received their land, we should appreciate the blessings and responsibilities passed down through our families. It encourages us to build on our family's foundation and contribute positively to future generations.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Keep studying Joshua 13:31
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 13:31 mean?
Joshua 13:31 describes the allocation of land to the descendants of Machir, son of Manasseh, including half of Gilead and the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei. This distribution signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding their inheritance of the Promised Land.
What is the significance of Machir in Joshua 13:31?
Machir is significant in Joshua 13:31 as he is the son of Manasseh, and his descendants received important land allocations. This highlights the importance of family legacy and inheritance in the Israelite culture.
What cities are mentioned in Joshua 13:31?
The cities mentioned in Joshua 13:31 are Ashtaroth and Edrei, which were part of Og's kingdom in Bashan. These cities were strategically important and contributed to the inheritance of Machir's descendants.
What does the term 'half of Gilead' refer to in Joshua 13:31?
In Joshua 13:31, 'half of Gilead' refers to the portion of the region of Gilead that was allocated to the descendants of Machir. This land was known for its fertility and was part of the broader distribution of land among the tribes of Israel.
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