Numbers 32:23

23 But if ye will not do so, ye will sin against the Lord; and ye shall know your sin, when afflictions shall come upon you.

Numbers 32:23 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 32:23

But if ye will not do so
As they promised they would, and Moses insisted on it that they should:

behold, ye have sinned against the Lord
making such a request, and not fulfilling the conditions on which it was granted:

and be sure your sin will find you out;
fly in their faces, accuse them in their consciences, charge and load them with guilt, and bring deserved punishment upon them: sin may be put, as it often is, for the punishment of sin, which sooner or later will find out and come upon the impenitent and unpardoned sinner.

Numbers 32:23 In-Context

21 and every one of you will pass over Jordan fully armed before the Lord, until his enemy be destroyed from before his face,

22 and the land shall be subdued before the Lord, then afterwards ye shall return, and be guiltless before the Lord, and as regards Israel; and this land shall be to you for a possession before the Lord.

23 But if ye will not do so, ye will sin against the Lord; and ye shall know your sin, when afflictions shall come upon you.

24 And ye shall build for yourselves cities for your store, and folds for your cattle; and ye shall do that which proceeds out of your mouth.

25 And the sons of Ruben and the sons of Gad spoke to Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as our lord commands.