Numbers 32:7

7 Why would you even think of letting the People of Israel down, demoralizing them just as they're about to move into the land God gave 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 They continued, "If you think we've done a good job so far, give us this country for our inheritance. Don't make us go across the Jordan."

6 Moses answered the families of Gad and Reuben: "Do you mean that you are going to leave the fighting that's ahead to your brothers while you settle down here?

7 Why would you even think of letting the People of Israel down, demoralizing them just as they're about to move into the land God gave them?

8 That's exactly what your ancestors did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to survey the country.

9 They went as far as the Valley of Eshcol, took one look and quit. They completely demoralized the People of Israel from entering the land God had given them.