The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh originally requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River for several reasons according to the Bible:
Fertile land for livestock
When the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land after their wilderness wanderings, the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw that the land east of the Jordan was ideal grazing land for their large numbers of livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). The land was fertile and suitable for cattle. As these tribes had amassed substantial livestock herds, they sought Moses’ permission to settle there rather than crossing the Jordan to continue the conquest of Canaan.
Numbers 32:1-5 – Now the people of Reuben and the people of Gad had a very great number of livestock. And they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for livestock. So the people of Gad and the people of Reuben came and said to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the chiefs of the congregation, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, the land that the Lord struck down before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.”
Followed Moses’ lead
Moses initially defeated King Sihon and King Og, taking their lands and distributing them to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh (Numbers 32:33; Deuteronomy 3:12-13). So when Reuben and Gad saw these rich lands that Moses had already secured, they followed his lead and requested to settle there since they were well-suited for their livestock.
Numbers 32:33 – And Moses gave to them, to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land and its cities with their territories, the cities of the land throughout the country.
Fulfill pledge to help conquer Canaan
Importantly, Reuben and Gad agreed to cross the Jordan and fight with the rest of the Israelites to help conquer the land of Canaan, even though their families and livestock would stay behind in Transjordan. They pledged not to return to their land until the conquest was complete, demonstrating their commitment to God’s purposes (Numbers 32:16-19).
Numbers 32:16-19 – Then they came near to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. And our little ones shall live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until each of the people of Israel has gained his inheritance.”
Unity among the tribes
Moses wanted to maintain unity among the 12 tribes as they entered Canaan. He was initially displeased with Reuben and Gad’s request because he thought it would discourage the nation (Numbers 32:6-7). However, their pledge to help fight for the land appeased Moses and preserved solidarity.
Numbers 32:6-7 – And Moses said to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here? Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the Lord has given them?”
Land was secured
The Transjordan region was an appealing place for Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh to settle because it had already been conquered and secured by the Israelites. Moses had defeated Sihon and Og, so moving their families to safety east of the Jordan made strategic sense before commencing the conquest of Canaan.
Numbers 32:33 – And Moses gave to them, to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land and its cities with their territories, the cities of the land throughout the country.
Followed example of Abraham and Lot
Abraham and his nephew Lot had also parted ways earlier in Genesis, with Lot settling in the fertile Jordan valley near Sodom (Genesis 13:8-12). This precedent showed it was acceptable for the tribes to separate in the region if the land could not support them together.
Genesis 13:8-12 – Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.
Israel’s domain extended beyond Canaan
The allotment of land to Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan demonstrated that God’s promise extended beyond just the boundaries of Canaan west of the Jordan. Their inheritance showed the Israelites’ domain encompassed land on both sides of the river.
Joshua 13:8 – With the other half of the tribe of Manasseh the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the Lord gave them.
Strategic location
The Transjordan plateau was strategically located, providing the tribes with defence to the east and access to important trade routes. The territory’s high elevation gave them control over major north-south and east-west routes, facilitating trade and military defences.
Sought fairness in allotment
Reuben and Gad also wanted to ensure they received a fair inheritance comparable to the other tribes in quality and quantity. Settling in Transjordan allowed them ample grazing lands for their large flocks, avoiding disputes that could arise if the land west of the Jordan was unable to support all the tribes together.
Maintained ties with other tribes
Despite settling apart on the east side of the Jordan, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh continued to identify with the nation and maintain ties with the other tribes. They upheld their end of the bargain by fighting alongside their brethren to conquer Canaan before returning to their allotment.
Joshua 22:1-4 – At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you. You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the Lord your God. And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan.
Avoid conflict and crowding
By settling apart from the western tribes, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh avoided potential conflict and crowding for land resources. This allowed each tribe enough space for their families and livestock to flourish.
Independent spirit
Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn, yet lost his birthright. His descendants may have desired to assert independence from the other tribes by carving their own territory on the frontier apart from the rest of the nation.
Grasp opportunity
When Reuben and Gad saw the rich Transjordan lands, they seized the opportunity to request the territory from Moses to make the most of its benefits for their tribes. Their bold request stemmed from having the vision to secure abundant grazing lands.
Diversify the nation’s lands
Having part of Israel inhabit the Transjordan region diversified the geographical makeup of the nation, giving them lands on both sides of the Jordan River. This provided greater access to trade routes and resources.
Access to holy sites
The eastern region contained sacred sites like Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Settlement here gave Reuben, Gad and Manasseh access to places of spiritual significance.
Distance from the Ark of the Covenant
The ark resided west of the Jordan, where God’s presence dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. Settling apart may have appealed to tribes wanting distance from the ark’s power after witnessing God’s judgment upon touching it improperly (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Occupied less desirable land
Transjordan was less inhabited and developed than Canaan, so some consider it less desirable land. As a result, settling there allowed space for Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh without being overcrowded.
Prefer the frontier
As herdsmen and cattle owners, Reuben and Gad may have gravitated toward a frontier lifestyle away from the heart of Israelite society west of the Jordan.
Maintain eastern territory
Israel had conquered the Transjordan lands from Sihon and Og. Settling there allowed Reuben, Gad and Manasseh to hold and protect that territory for the nation.
In summary, according to the Bible, the main reasons Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh sought land east of the Jordan River were the region’s fertile grazing lands for their abundant livestock, following Moses’ initial conquest of the area, the pledge to help conquer Canaan, securing territorial unity, the precedent of Abraham and Lot separating, recognition that Israel’s domain extended beyond Canaan proper, and the strategic importance and resources the territory offered.
Their settlement in Transjordan demonstrated their independent spirits but did not undermine national unity. Despite settling apart, these tribes played a key role in Israel’s expansion and retained ties with the rest of the nation. Their decision brought diversity to the geographical makeup of God’s people and allowed each tribe ample space for their families and livelihoods. Thus, settling the Transjordan region was a strategic choice that enhanced the tribes of Israelite nation as a whole.
