Numbers 32:34

Gad built. The list of cities named in vs. 34-38 corresponds closely with that of v. 3. An additional and more complete list is found in Joshua 13:24-28.

Dibon. The place where the Moabite stone was found in 1868. This city constantly changed hands. Here it is allotted to Gad. In Joshua 13:17 it is listed for Reuben (see also Num. 21:30; Isa. 15:2; Jer. 48:18, 22).

The building of these cities must have been more of the nature of repairing the ravages of war. The inhabitants were destroyed, but not the cities (Deut. 2:34, 35). Compare this with the experience of Jeroboam, who is recorded as having “built” Shechem, when actually he rebuilt it (1 Kings 12:25). Similarly, Azariah “built” Elath upon restoring it to Judah (2 Kings 14:22).

Ataroth. The modern Attarus, about 7 mi. to the north of Dibon, the modern Dhiban.

Aroer. An Amorite city conquered by Sihon (Deut. 2:36; 3:12; 4:48). The modern name of this city is ’Ard‘ir, which is situated near the river Amon, 3 mi. south of the modern Dhiban. The same name is found in Joshua 13:25; Judges 11:33; 1 Sam. 30:28.