The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh hold a unique place in the history of Israel as they were the tribes that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Their account is interwoven with themes of faith, obedience, and the challenges of maintaining unity within the larger community of Israel.

Reuben

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants formed the tribe of Reuben. As the firstborn, Reuben was initially entitled to a double portion of inheritance and leadership within the family. However, due to his transgression with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, he lost his birthright (Genesis 35:22; 1 Chronicles 5:1). Despite this, the tribe of Reuben played a significant role in the early history of Israel.

The tribe of Reuben settled in the territory east of the Jordan River, in the region known for its fertile land suitable for livestock. This decision was made when the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land. The Reubenites, along with the Gadites, requested to settle in this area because it was ideal for their large herds and flocks (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22).

Gad

The tribe of Gad descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Like the Reubenites, the Gadites were known for their strength and valor. They also chose to settle east of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead, which was well-suited for their livestock (Numbers 32:1-5).

The Gadites were renowned warriors, and their military prowess is highlighted in several biblical accounts. 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."

Half-Tribe of Manasseh

The tribe of Manasseh was one of the two tribes that descended from Joseph, Jacob’s favored son, through his son Manasseh. The tribe was divided into two half-tribes, with one half settling east of the Jordan and the other half settling west. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh occupied a large territory that extended from the region of Bashan to Gilead.

The decision for the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle east of the Jordan was partly due to their large population and the need for ample land. They were known for their valor and played a significant role in the military campaigns of Israel. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, was instrumental in the conquest of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 3:12-13).

Challenges and Legacy

The decision of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle east of the Jordan presented both opportunities and challenges. While they enjoyed fertile land and prosperity, their geographical separation from the other tribes sometimes led to tensions and misunderstandings. An example of this is the incident recorded in Joshua 22, where the construction of an altar by these tribes was initially misunderstood by the western tribes as an act of rebellion against the LORD.

Despite these challenges, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh remained integral parts of the nation of Israel. Their account is a testament to the diversity within the unity of God’s people and the importance of faithfulness to the covenant established by God with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.