Numbers 32:20

20 Moses answered, "If you really mean what you say, then here in the presence of the Lord get ready to go into battle.

Numbers 32:20 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 32:20

And Moses said unto them
Being better disposed towards them, and more satisfied with the reasonableness of their request, it being explained unto him:

if ye will do this thing;
which they had promised:

if ye will go armed before the Lord to war;
they had said they would go ready armed before the children of Israel, but Moses expresses it "before the Lord"; which is more agreeable to their encampment and order in marching, for not the standard of Reuben but that of Judah went foremost, yet the standard of Reuben marched directly before the sanctuary bore by the Kohathites, ( Numbers 10:18 Numbers 10:21 ) , and so might be properly said to go before the Lord, who dwelt there.

Numbers 32:20 In-Context

18 We will not return to our homes until all the other Israelites have taken possession of the land assigned to them.

19 We will not take possession of any property among them on the other side of the Jordan, because we have received our share here east of the Jordan."

20 Moses answered, "If you really mean what you say, then here in the presence of the Lord get ready to go into battle.

21 All your fighting men are to cross the Jordan and under the command of the Lord they are to attack our enemies until the Lord defeats them

22 and takes possession of the land. After that, you may return, because you will have fulfilled your obligation to the Lord and to the other Israelites. Then the Lord will acknowledge that this land east of the Jordan is yours.