Numbers 32

33. half the tribe of Manasseh--It is nowhere explained in the record how they were incorporated with the two tribes, or what broke this great tribe into two parts, of which one was left to follow the fortunes of its brethren in the settled life of the western hills, while the other was allowed to wander as a nomadic tribe over the pasture lands of Gilead and Bashan. They are not mentioned as accompanying Reuben and Gad in their application to Moses [ Numbers 32:1 ]; neither were they included in his first directions ( Numbers 32:25 ); but as they also were a people addicted to pastoral pursuits and possessed as immense flocks as the other two, Moses invited the half of them to remain, in consequence, probably, of finding that this region was more than sufficient for the pastoral wants of the others, and he may have given them the preference, as some have conjectured, for their valorous conduct in the contests with the Amorites (compare Numbers 32:39 , with Joshua 17:1 ).

34-36. And the children of Gad
Dibon--identified with Dheban, now in ruins, an hour's distance from the Arnon (Mojeb).
Ataroth (Hebrew, "crowns")--There are several towns so called in Scripture, but this one in the tribe of Gad has not been identified.
Aroer--now Arair, standing on a precipice on the north bank of the Arnon.

35-38. Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, &c.--Jaazer, near a famed fountain, Ain Hazier, the waters of which flow into Wady Schaib, about fifteen miles from Hesbon. Beth-nimrah, now Nimrin; Heshbon, now Hesban; Elealeh (Hebrew, "the high"), now Elaal; Kirjathaim (Hebrew, "the double city"); Nebo, now Neba, near the mountain of that name; Baal-meon, now Myoun, in ruins, where was a temple of Baal ( Joshua 13:17 , Jeremiah 48:23 ); Shibmah, or Shebam ( Numbers 32:3 ), near Heshbon, famous for vines ( Isaiah 16:9 Isaiah 16:10 , Jeremiah 48:32 ).

38. (their names being changed)--either because it was the general custom of conquerors to do so; or, rather, because from the prohibition to mention the names of other gods ( Exodus 23:13 ), as Nebo and Baal were, it was expedient on the first settlement of the Israelites to obliterate all remembrance of those idols. (See Joshua 13:17-20 ).

39. Gilead--now Jelud.

41. Havoth-jair--that is, "tent-villages." Jair, who captured them, was a descendant of Manasseh on his mother's side ( 1 Chronicles 1:21 1 Chronicles 1:22 ).

42. Nobah--also a distinguished person connected with the eastern branch of the tribe of Manasseh.