The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River rather than in Canaan proper. This decision is detailed in Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3, and Joshua 13 and 22.
When the Israelites reached the plains of Moab, the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw that the land was suitable for their large herds and flocks. They approached Moses and said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan” (Numbers 32:5).
Moses initially rebuked them, fearing that their refusal to enter the Promised Land would discourage the rest of Israel, as had happened during the earlier spy incident (Numbers 32:6–15). However, the leaders of Reuben and Gad pledged that they would go armed before the Israelites and help conquer Canaan, and afterward return to the land east of the Jordan. Moses agreed and stated that if they fulfilled their vow, they could inherit that land (Numbers 32:20–22).
Later, half the tribe of Manasseh also received territory in that region (Deuteronomy 3:12–17). Moses then gave them the land of the Amorites, including Gilead and Bashan. Joshua later confirmed these allotments when he distributed the land (Joshua 13:8–33).
After the conquest of Canaan, the Transjordan tribes were released by Joshua to return to their homes. Before departing, they built a large altar by the Jordan, which led to a near civil war. The other tribes feared it was a rival altar to the one in the tabernacle, but the Transjordan tribes explained it was a witness between them that they belonged to the Lord and shared in His covenant (Joshua 22:10–34).
The settlement east of the Jordan reveals both God’s provision and the necessity of unity and faithfulness among His people. Though outside Canaan proper, these tribes were still part of Israel’s inheritance, as long as they remained obedient to the Lord.
