“The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah eastward.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy where Moses recounts the history of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this specific portion, Moses is describing the land that was conquered on the east side of the Jordan River, which was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.
To understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to provide some context. In Deuteronomy, Moses addresses the Israelites just before they are about to enter the Promised Land. He reviews their history, reminds them of God’s commandments, and emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s laws.
Context:In Deuteronomy 3:17, Moses is delineating the boundaries of the land that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh would inherit. Let’s break down the key elements mentioned in this verse:
- "The plain":This refers to the “Jeshimon” or the desert plain, which is the arid region located to the east of the Jordan River.
- "Jordan":The Jordan River is a significant geographical feature in the Bible. It played a pivotal role in the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land as they crossed it miraculously under Joshua’s leadership.
- "Chinnereth":This term refers to the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias. It is a freshwater lake located in northern Israel, and it is named after the nearby town of Chinnereth.
- "The sea of the plain, even the salt sea":This refers to the Dead Sea, a large saltwater lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. It is called the “sea of the plain” because it is situated in the Jordan Rift Valley, which is a geologically significant region.
- "Ashdothpisgah":Ashdothpisgah is a place or a series of hills situated east of the Jordan River, which served as a prominent landmark in that area.
This verse primarily serves to provide a geographical description of the land that was assigned to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. It helps establish the boundaries of their inheritance, specifying the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and the area around Ashdothpisgah as the limits of their portion.
While this verse may not contain explicit theological teachings, it contributes to the overall context of the Israelites’ journey and the division of the Promised Land among the tribes. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people, leading them to the land He had promised to their ancestors.
