Numbers 32:7

7 Now why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord has given them?

Numbers 32:7 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 32:7

Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel
&c.] Which he suggests it would, should they settle on that side Jordan, since they would lose the assistance of two of their tribes, even two thirds of one of their standards in fighting with their enemies and subduing their land; and besides it might be thought that this request of theirs not only proceeded from selfish views and a love of ease, which might set a bad example to others, but carried in it a distrust of ever being able to enter into, at least to conquer and possess, the land of Canaan, and so might have a tendency to discourage their brethren:

from going over into the land,
which the Lord hath given them? despairing of ever enjoying it, and so laying aside all thoughts of it, and not caring to make any attempt to get possession of it.

Numbers 32:7 In-Context

5 Therefore they said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan."

6 And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: "Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?

7 Now why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord has given them?

8 Thus your fathers did when I sent them away from Kadesh Barnea to see the land.

9 For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, so that they did not go into the land which the Lord had given them.