Reuben

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. As the firstborn, Reuben was initially entitled to the birthright, but he lost this privilege due to his transgression with Bilhah, his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22). Jacob, on his deathbed, described Reuben as "unstable as water" and declared that he would not excel (Genesis 49:3-4).

The tribe of Reuben settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Reubenites, along with the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested to settle in the fertile lands of Gilead and Bashan, which were suitable for their livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering Canaan (Numbers 32:20-22).

Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Reuben played a less prominent role compared to other tribes. In the Song of Deborah, Reuben is noted for its indecision during the battle against Sisera (Judges 5:15-16). The tribe was eventually absorbed into the larger narrative of the northern kingdom of Israel and suffered during the Assyrian conquest.

Gad

Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. The tribe of Gad, like Reuben, chose to settle east of the Jordan River. The land they occupied was known for its rich pastures, making it ideal for their large herds and flocks (Numbers 32:1).

The Gadites were known for their valor and military prowess. In 1 Chronicles 12:8, they are described as "mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" . They played a significant role in supporting King David during his reign.

The tribe of Gad, like Reuben, was part of the northern kingdom and faced the same fate during the Assyrian invasion. Their territory was among the first to fall to the Assyrians, leading to their exile and dispersion.

Half-Tribe of Manasseh

Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman. Jacob adopted Manasseh and his brother Ephraim as his own sons, giving them a portion among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5). The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two half-tribes, with one settling on the east side of the Jordan and the other on the west.

The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh settled in the region of Bashan, a land known for its fertile soil and abundant resources (Deuteronomy 3:13). This half-tribe, along with Reuben and Gad, was instrumental in the conquest of the Transjordan region.

The half-tribe of Manasseh was known for its warriors and leaders, such as Jair and Machir, who played significant roles in the conquest and settlement of the land (Numbers 32:39-41). However, like the other tribes east of the Jordan, they were vulnerable to external threats and were eventually conquered by the Assyrians.

In summary, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were integral to the early history of Israel, contributing to its military and territorial expansion. Their choice to settle east of the Jordan River, while initially beneficial, ultimately left them exposed to foreign invasions and led to their early dispersion.