Deuteronomy chapter 3

vs 11

Now that would have been a sight. What a shame we don't still have it. I bet the British Museum would invade Syria if they had this bed.

vs 12

Two tribes already had decided to settle down. They weren't wanting to get out of the fighting. They were just happy with this land. And God had given this land to Israel, apparently, so there's no problem with that. They were still prepared to go fight on the other side of the Jordan.

vs 13

We've been through this whole Rephaite thing. But the half tribe of Manasseh is also settling down on this side. So that's two and a half tribes - almost 25% of the Jews, if they're divided equally.

vs 14

This is probably as much an explanation for historic purposes for Israel, so they knew why a bit of the land was called Jair, and that it was a Hebrew name.

vs 15

Yay Makir! A whole verse to you!

vs 16

Hasn't he said as much just a verse or so ago?

vs 17

Ok, so it might seem like this section is somewhat of a writeoff. But what it does do is draw the borders up for people, not only as a historical record, but for those at the time. They could look at these borders and see "Ahh, yes, those are our borders. See, we've got it written down."

vs 18

As much as I'd be glad to help out my tribal buddies, being put at the front line in ancient warfare is not really my idea of a fun time. But it's the price they pay for their families getting to settle down first. And besides, who cares who's up the front of God is on your side, right? Right?

vs 19

And hey, when they come back from all their warmaking, they'll have homes and stuff set up already by their wives and children.

vs 20

They are taking it quite on faith, then - marching at the front, and leaving their wives and kids behind. And they'll be gone until everyone else has peace. Which, you know, doesn't happen until David. But I assume they go back before then.