Numbers 32:16-32

Conditions for possession of the land

16 So they approached him and said, "We will build walled enclosures here for our livestock and towns for our children.

17 Then we will eagerly fight in front of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Our children will live in the fortified cities because of the land's inhabitants.

18 And we won't return to our homes until each one of the Israelites takes possession of his property.

19 We won't inherit land with them there across the Jordan, because we've received our property on the east side of the Jordan."

20 Moses said to them, "Do this and fight before the LORD in war.

21 All of you who are equipped for war, cross the Jordan before the LORD until he has driven his enemies out before him

22 and the land is subdued in the LORD's presence. Then you may return innocently before the LORD and Israel, and this land will be your property before the LORD.

23 But if you don't do this, you've sinned against the LORD. Know that your sin will find you.

24 So build towns for your children and walled enclosures for your flocks, but do what you have promised."

25 The Gadites and the Reubenites said to Moses, "Your servants will do as my master has commanded.

26 Our children, wives, livestock, and all of our animals will remain in the cities of Gilead.

27 But your servants, everyone equipped for war before the LORD, will go over to do battle as my master said."

28 Moses made demands for them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua, Nun's son, and to the leaders of the households of the Israelite tribes.

29 Moses said to them, "If the Gadites and the Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, each equipped for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you will give them the land of Gilead as a possession.

30 If, however, they don't cross with you, equipped for war, they will take possession of property with you in the land of Canaan."

31 The Gadites and the Reubenites answered, "We'll do just as the LORD has spoken to your servants.

32 We'll cross into the land of Canaan before the LORD, equipped for war. But the property we inherit will be across the Jordan."

Numbers 32:16-32 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 32

This chapter relates, how that the tribes of Gad and Reuben requested a settlement in the country of Jazer and Gilead, being fit for the pasturage of their cattle, Nu 32:1-5 at which Moses at first was very much displeased, as being unreasonable, and tending to discourage the rest of the people; and as acting a part like that their fathers had done before them, which brought the wrath of God upon them, so that they all but two perished in the wilderness; and this he suggests would be the case again, if such measures were taken, Nu 32:6-15 upon which they explain themselves, and declare they had no intention of forsaking their brethren, but were willing to leave their children and cattle to the care of divine Providence, and go armed before Israel, until they were brought into, and settled in the land of Canaan; nor did they desire any part or inheritance in it, Nu 32:16-19, this satisfied Moses, and he agreed to it, that the land they requested should be their possession, provided the conditions were fulfilled by them, which they proposed, Nu 20:20-24, and which they again agreed unto, and promised to perform, Nu 32:25-27, wherefore Moses gave orders to Eleazar, Joshua, and the chief fathers of the tribes, to put them in possession of the land of Gilead on those conditions, Nu 32:28-30 and which were again promised that they would observe, Nu 32:31,32, and at the same time Moses made a grant of the kingdoms of Sihon and of Og to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, Nu 32:33 and the chapter is closed with an account of the cities built or repaired by the children of Gad and Reuben, Nu 32:34-38 and of the cities in Gilead taken and possessed by the children of Machir, and by Jair, who were of the tribe of Manasseh, Nu 32:39-42.