Numbers 32 Footnotes

32:16-19 The Reubenites and Gadites pledge their full support for the conquest of the land west of the Jordan, provided that Moses will let them have their inheritance in Transjordan and allow them to leave their families in the safekeeping of the local towns. The issue of disunity remains in their words, “we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan.”

32:20-24 Moses consents to their request, citing the consequences should these tribes fail to honor their commitment. If they fully support the conquest of the promised land through its completion, they would have their requested inheritance in Transjordan. But failure to do what they had promised would constitute sin against God, leading to the judgment noted in vv. 13-15.