The Tribe of Reuben and the Jordan River Territory

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad had a special request. Recognizing the strategic and practical nature of the fertile land east of the Jordan River, which had been conquered from Sihon and Og, they sought permanent resettlement there. This request was granted by Moses, subject to the fulfillment of a condition wherein the fighting forces of these tribes would cross the Jordan and assist the remaining tribes in the conquest of Canaan. This agreement is documented in Numbers 32 and Joshua 1-22.

Settlement of Reuben and Gad

The territory assigned to the tribe of Reuben extended from the torrent valley of Arnon in the south, a natural boundary that separated it from Moab to the south, to just north of the Dead Sea. The land to the north was given to the Gadites. On the eastern boundary, the territory of the Ammonites could be found, with the Dead Sea and the Jordan River forming the western boundary. This arrangement was detailed in Deuteronomy 3 and Joshua 13-14.

Specific Locations and Cities

Notable mentions of Reuben’s cities include the city of Bezer, one of the six cities of refuge. Other cities and landmarks were also set aside for the use of the Levites. Further details regarding the specific locations and names of these cities and territories are provided in Deuteronomy 4, Joshua 20, and 1 Chronicles 6.

Moses’ Directives and Blessings

Moses instructed that when the Israelites reached the heart of Canaan, several tribes would be represented on Mount Ebal for the reading of maledictions, while others would be represented on Mount Gerizim for pronouncing blessings. To the tribe of Reuben, Moses said: 'Let Reuben live and not die off, and let his men not become few.' This statement is recorded in Deuteronomy 33.

Further Developments Post-Conquest

After Joshua's campaigns in Canaan, he called together the armed forces of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Pleased with their adherence to their promise, Joshua blessed them before sending them home. However, the construction of a huge altar on the western bank of the Jordan River, at first misinterpreted, nearly led to a rupture in relations and even the potential for civil war. Upon explanation that the altar was for a witness of faithfulness, the altar’s significance in fostering unity between the tribes on both sides of the Jordan was acknowledged. The altar was named 'Witness.'

For more detailed information, refer to [it-2 p. 796].