37 The Hebrew term מְחֹקֵק (mékhoqeq; Poel participle of חָקַק, khaqaq, “to inscribe”) reflects the idea that the recorder of allotments (the “ruler”) is able to set aside for himself the largest and best. See E. H. Merrill, Deuteronomy (), .
38 Heb “covered in” (if from the root סָפַן, safan; cf. ספן qal).
39 Heb “heads” (in the sense of chieftains).

In other versions

He chose the best of the land for himself,

for there a commander’s portion was reserved;

and he came with the heads of the people,

with Israel he executed the justice of the Lord,

and his judgments for Israel.”

He chose the best land for himself;

the leader’s portion was kept for him.

When the heads of the people assembled,

he carried out the Lord’s righteous will,

and his judgments concerning Israel.”

He chose the best part for himself,

because a ruler’s portion was assigned there for him.

He came with the leaders of the people;

he carried out the Lord’s justice

and his ordinances for Israel.

The people of Gad took the best land for themselves;

a leader’s share was assigned to them.

When the leaders of the people were assembled,

they carried out the Lord’s justice

and obeyed his regulations for Israel.”

And he selected the best part for himself,

for there the portion of a ruler is included,

and he came with the heads of the people;

he did the righteousness of Yahweh,

and his regulations for Israel.”

And he provided the first part for himself,

Because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated;

And he came with the heads of the people,

He executed the justice of the Lord,

And his judgments with Israel.

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