יהושע, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ח׳

After years of intense warfare and the successful conquest of the land, the warriors from across the Jordan River finally begin their journey home. They do not return empty-handed; instead, they carry an enormous amount of wealth gathered from the spoils of battle. The men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh [מצודת דוד] are returning with an abundance of riches. This vast fortune includes gold, silver, household vessels, and livestock [מצודת ציון], as well as a great deal of clothing [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, a central instruction is given to them at this moment of victory: they must not keep this immense treasure entirely for themselves. They are required to share the spoils of their enemies with their brothers.

The identity of these brothers who are meant to receive a share of the wealth is a subject of discussion among the commentators. One approach suggests that the instruction refers to the men of these very tribes who stayed behind across the Jordan River. These men did not join the fighting vanguard but remained at home to protect the cities, women, children, and property. According to this view, those who guard the home front are equally entitled to a share of the wartime loot [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

Others completely reject this idea, arguing that no men were left behind across the river to serve as guards, as only women and children remained. Because of this, different identities for these brothers are proposed. If the command to share was directed specifically at the half-tribe of Manasseh, then their brothers would be the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternatively, if the instruction was meant for all the returning warriors, it means they are expected to share their wealth with the rest of the Israelite tribes who were remaining in the land of Canaan [רד״ק]. Another perspective similarly suggests that the brothers being referred to are the members of the tribes of Reuben and Gad themselves [רש״י].