The Jewish perspective on trans Jordan in the light of the Tanakh

Despite its centrality in Jewish tradition, the Promised Land doctrine, when examined in the texts of the Tanakh, reveals expressions that are often ambiguous and contradictory. However, a historical examination of Jewish conquests reveals that the initial lands owned by the Israelites were located in Transjordan; after its conquest, Moses allocated these territories to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. Thus, these tribes resided east of the Jordan River until the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel at the hands of the Assyrian Empire. Within this context, it becomes necessary to explore the historical backdrop that led to the inclusion of the east of the river as part of the Promised Land, as mentioned in certain passages of the Tanakh. Consequently, our study delves into the view of Judaism concerning Transjordan, as documented within the Tanakh, which serves as the primary source for the Jewish ideologies and identities. The structure of our study, entitled "The Jewish perspective on Transjordan in the Light of the Tanakh" consists of an introduction, two main chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction provides an exploration of the key concepts related to the subject matter and the specific names used in the Tanakh to refer to Transjordan. Furthermore, within the introduction, we superficially discuss the historical and textual background behind the narratives concerning the boundaries of the Promised Land, drawing on the studies conducted within the realm of textual criticism of Bible and the process of forming the Tanakh. The first chapter examines the historical situation of Transjordan within the framework of the Tanakh, starting from the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt until their establishment of a state in the land of Canaan, ultimately addressing the period until the 11th century BCE. The second chapter explores the state Transjordan during the rise and division of a United Monarchy, and ultimate downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Finally, in the conclusion part, we critically evaluate the information we have gathered regarding Judaism's perspective on Transjordan, as depicted within the Tanakh texts.