The Two and One Half Tribes East of the Jordan

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Chapter 5 records what happened to the 2 and one half Tribes (Reuben, Gad and the half Tribe of Manasseh) that remained on the east side of the Jordan River, how they eventually became conquered by Assyria and taken into captivity as a result of their disobedience to God.

Reuben was the first-born of Jacob but forfeited his birthright because he defiled his father's concubine and was sentenced not to excel (Gen.49:4). The birthright did not fall to the second born, as was the custom, but fell to Joseph who received the "double portion" of his father's inheritance. Two tribes descended from him, Ephraim and Manasseh, each of whom prospered as well as any of the tribes accept Judah. Judah had dominion and from him came David and eventually the Promised Messiah. Beerah was head of the tribe of Reuben when the King of Assyria took them into captivity, but prior to that, God had prospered the Tribe of Simeon and gave them dominion over others in that area, little by little.

Described here were the joint blessings that these two and one half tribes shared from the hand of God. They were given a glorious victory over those who had possessed the land before, but because of their disobedience in incorporating the evils of their neighbors, they also shared in God's judgment. They were the first to be conquered by the Assyrians.

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