Numbers 32:23

23 But if you do not do this, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.

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 all those of you who bear arms cross the Jordan before the Lord, until he has driven out his enemies from before him
22 and the land is subdued before the Lord—then after that you may return and be free of obligation to the Lord and to Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the Lord.
23 But if you do not do this, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.
24 Build towns for your little ones, and folds for your flocks; but do what you have promised."
25 Then the Gadites and the Reubenites said to Moses, "Your servants will do as my lord commands.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.