And they passed over Jordan and pitched in Aroer on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:
They passed over Jordan. This census was taken first in the eastern parts of the Hebrew kingdom; and it would seem that Joab was accompanied by a military force, either to aid in this troublesome work or to overawe the people, who might display reluctance or opposition.
The river of Gad, х bªtowk (H8432) hanachal (H5158) ha-Gaad (H1410), in the midst of the torrent of Gad] - i:e., the Arnon (Wady Mojib). It extends over a course estimated at about 60 miles, which, though in summer almost constantly dry, exhibits very evident traces of being swept over by an impetuous torrent in winter (see the note at Deuteronomy 2:36).
And toward Jazer - or Jaazer, (Numbers 32:1; Numbers 32:3; Joshua 13:1.) [Septuagint, Iazeer, a town near Gilead.] In this quarter the commissioners pitched their first encampment.