Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Israelite Communities

Numbers 32 performs a pivotal literary function. It carries forward the historiographic chain that began in numbers 21 by focusing on an issue prominent in the writings of deuteronomy three. The legitimacy of the trans jordanian tribes of reuben and gad and the half tribe of manassa remains a matter of ongoing concern to other biblical writers. Historically, the trans Jordonian israelite communities flourished from early times until the assyrian deportations which began in seven 34 b c and continued until seven 21 b c.