Introduction:
Havvothjair, meaning "villages of Jair," is a term used in the Old Testament to describe a group of settlements or villages associated with Jair, a descendant of Manasseh. These villages are significant in the biblical narrative as they represent the territorial expansion and influence of the tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan River.

Biblical References:
Havvothjair is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the conquest and settlement of the land by the Israelites.

1. Numbers 32:41 : "Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvothjair." This verse highlights Jair's role in capturing and naming these villages, indicating his leadership and the expansion of Manasseh's territory.

2. Deuteronomy 3:14 : "Jair the son of Manasseh took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites. It was named after him, that is, Havvothjair, to this day." This passage emphasizes the extent of Jair's conquest and the lasting legacy of his name in the region.

3. Joshua 13:30 : "The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair in Bashan, sixty cities." Here, the text refers to the towns of Jair as part of the larger region of Bashan, underscoring the significant number of settlements attributed to him.

4. Judges 10:3-4 : "After him, Jair the Gileadite arose and judged Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys, and they controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which are called Havvothjair to this day." This account of Jair the Gileadite, a judge of Israel, suggests a continuation of the legacy of the original Jair, with his sons maintaining control over the towns.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Havvothjair is located in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, an area known for its fertile land and strategic importance. The villages were part of the territory allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, which settled on the eastern side of the Jordan. The conquest and settlement of these villages by Jair reflect the broader narrative of Israelite expansion and settlement in the Promised Land.

Theological Significance:
The account of Havvothjair illustrates themes of leadership, legacy, and divine providence in the biblical narrative. Jair's successful conquest and the establishment of these villages demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel regarding their inheritance. The continuity of the name Havvothjair through generations signifies the enduring impact of faithful leadership and the importance of maintaining one's heritage and identity within the covenant community.

Cultural and Social Aspects:
The mention of Jair's thirty sons and their control over thirty towns suggests a structured and organized society within the region. The use of donkeys as a symbol of status and authority reflects the cultural norms of the time. The passage in Judges highlights the role of family and kinship in maintaining governance and stability in the region.

Conclusion:
While the entry does not include a conclusion, the information provided offers a comprehensive understanding of Havvothjair's role in the biblical narrative, its historical and geographical context, and its theological and cultural significance.HAVVOTH-JAIR

hav-oth-ja'-ir (chawwoth ya'ir "the encampments" or "tent villages of Jair"; the King James Version Havoth-Jair, ha-voth-ja'ir): The word chawwoth occurs only in this combination (Numbers 32:41 Deuteronomy 3:14 Judges 10:4), and is a legacy from the nomadic stage of Hebrew life. Jair had thirty sons who possessed thirty "cities," and these are identified with Havvoth-jair in Judges 10:3. The district was in Gilead (10:5; Numbers 32:41). In Deuteronomy 3:13, it is identified with Bashan and Argob; but in 1 Kings 4:13, "the towns of Jair" are said to be in Gilead; while to him also "pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brazen bars." There is evident confusion here. If we follow Judges 10:3, we may find a useful clue in 10:5. Kamon is named as the burial place of Jair. This probably corresponds to Kamun taken by Antiochus III, on his march from Pella to Gephrun (Polyb. v.70, 12). Schumacher (Northern `Ajlun, 137) found two places to the West of Irbid with the names Qamm and Qumeim (the latter a diminutive of the former) with ancient ruins. Qamm probably represents the Hebrew Qamon, so that Havvoth-jair should most likely be sought in this district, i.e. in North Gilead, between the Jordan Valley and Jebel ez-Zumleh.

W. Ewing

Havvothjair

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Havvoth-jair (5 Occurrences)
Havvoth-jair. Havvothjair, Havvoth-jair. Havvoth-ja'ir . Int. ... (See JPS).
Havvothjair, Havvoth-jair. Havvoth-ja'ir . Reference Bible.
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Havvoth (4 Occurrences)

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