Joshua 12:6
Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the Israelites had struck them down and given their land as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Moses, the servant of the LORD
Moses is consistently referred to as the "servant of the LORD," highlighting his role as a faithful leader and prophet. This title underscores his obedience and dedication to God's commands. Moses' leadership is pivotal in the history of Israel, as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His role as a servant is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate Servant of the Lord, fulfilling God's will perfectly.

and the Israelites had struck them down
This phrase refers to the military victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, as recorded in Numbers 21:21-35. These victories were significant as they demonstrated God's power and faithfulness in delivering the land to the Israelites. The conquest of these territories was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 15:18-21).

and given their land as an inheritance
The concept of land inheritance is central to the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. The land was not just a physical possession but a sign of God's covenant and blessing. This inheritance was a foretaste of the greater inheritance believers have in Christ, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:11.

to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes chose to settle east of the Jordan River, as described in Numbers 32. Their decision was based on the suitability of the land for their livestock. This allocation was agreed upon with the condition that they would assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. This division of land highlights the unity and cooperation required among the tribes, as well as the fulfillment of God's promises to all of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The servant of the LORD who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He was instrumental in defeating the kings east of the Jordan and allocating their lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were led by Moses and later Joshua into the Promised Land.

3. Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, as allocated by Moses.

4. The Land East of the Jordan
This region was conquered by Moses and the Israelites and included territories of defeated kings such as Sihon and Og.

5. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who guided and empowered Moses and the Israelites in their conquests and settlements.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Leadership
Moses is repeatedly referred to as "the servant of the LORD," highlighting the importance of faithful service to God in leadership roles. Leaders today are called to serve with integrity and obedience to God's commands.

Inheritance and Promise
The allocation of land to the tribes east of the Jordan is a fulfillment of God's promises. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in their lives.

Unity and Cooperation
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh cooperated with the rest of Israel in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people.

God's Sovereignty in Conquest
The victories over the kings east of the Jordan were attributed to God's power and guidance. Believers are reminded of God's sovereignty in their battles and challenges.

Legacy of Obedience
Moses' actions set a precedent for future generations. Our obedience to God can leave a lasting legacy for those who come after us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' role as "the servant of the LORD" challenge our understanding of leadership and service in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's promises in our personal lives, similar to the inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh?

3. How can the unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel serve as a model for the church today?

4. What battles or challenges are you currently facing where you need to rely on God's sovereignty and power?

5. How can we ensure that our actions and decisions today leave a positive legacy for future generations, as Moses did for the Israelites?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 3
Provides a detailed account of the conquests of Sihon and Og, the kings defeated by Moses, and the allocation of their lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Numbers 32
Describes the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the land east of the Jordan and Moses' agreement to their request, provided they assist in the conquest of Canaan.

Joshua 1
Reinforces the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the continuation of God's promises to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The Goodness and Severity of GodA. B. Mackay.Joshua 12:1-24
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Debir, Eglon, Gad, Gadites, Geshurites, Hepher, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Manasseh, Og, Perizzites, Rephaites, Reubenites, Seir, Shimron, Sihon, Tappuah, Tirzah
Places
Achshaph, Adullam, Ai, Aphek, Arabah, Arad, Aroer, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bashan, Bethel, Beth-jeshimoth, Carmel, Debir, Dor, Edrei, Eglon, Galilee, Geder, Gezer, Gilead, Hazor, Hebron, Hepher, Heshbon, Hormah, Jabbok River, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokneam, Jordan River, Kedesh, Lachish, Lasharon, Libnah, Madon, Makkedah, Megiddo, Mount Halak, Mount Hermon, Naphath-dor, Negeb, Pisgah, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinneroth, Sea of the Arabah, Seir, Shimron-meron, Taanach, Tappuah, Tirzah, Valley of Lebanon, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Conquered, Defeated, Gadite, Gadites, Giveth, Half, Half-tribe, Heritage, Israelites, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Overcame, Possession, Reubenite, Reubenites, Servant, Smite, Smitten, Smote, Sons, Struck, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 12:6

     4208   land, divine responsibility
     7942   ministry

Joshua 12:4-6

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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