Numbers 32:7

7 And why do ye pervert the minds of the children of Israel, that they should not cross over into the land, which the Lord gives 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 And they said, If we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given to thy servants for a possession, and do not cause us to pass over Jordan.

6 And Moses said to the sons of Gad and the sons of Ruben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

7 And why do ye pervert the minds of the children of Israel, that they should not cross over into the land, which the Lord gives them?

8 Did not your fathers thus, when I sent them from Cades Barne to spy out the land?

9 And they went up to the valley of the cluster, and spied the land, and turned aside the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land, which the Lord gave them.