דברים, פרק ג׳, פסוק ט״ו

The distribution of the lands east of the Jordan River involved a highly complex geographical division among the tribes. A significant portion of this territory was granted as an inheritance to Machir, a prominent family within the tribe of Manasseh [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The reason this specific region was awarded to them is rooted in their military efforts; the descendants of Machir were the actual forces who conquered the area [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם].

A broad statement granting the region of Gilead to Machir presents a geographical challenge. Earlier and later accounts within the narrative clearly indicate that only half of Gilead belonged to Machir, while the remaining half was allocated to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The resolution to this apparent contradiction lies in how the territorial borders are structured. Previously, it was noted that Reuben and Gad received half of the Gilead hill country, but without precise boundary lines. Because the current account broadly assigns Gilead to Machir, it becomes necessary to immediately establish a clear and definitive northern border for the lands of Reuben and Gad. By detailing these exact boundaries in the subsequent descriptions, the narrative clarifies exactly how much of Gilead belongs to Reuben and Gad. Establishing the end of their territory naturally and precisely defines the remaining land that constitutes the inheritance of Machir [ברכת אשר].