Numbers 32:1-5

The Transjordan Tribes

1 The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.
2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said,
3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon—
4 the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel—are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock.
5 If we have found favor in your eyes,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.”

Numbers 32:1-5 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.

Cross References 17

  • 1. ver 24,36; Judges 5:16
  • 2. S Numbers 21:32
  • 3. S Genesis 31:21
  • 4. Exodus 12:38
  • 5. Leviticus 4:22; Numbers 27:2
  • 6. ver 34; Joshua 16:2,7; Joshua 18:13
  • 7. ver 34; S Numbers 21:30
  • 8. ver 1
  • 9. ver 36; Joshua 13:27
  • 10. Numbers 21:25
  • 11. ver 37; Isaiah 15:4; Isaiah 16:9; Jeremiah 48:34
  • 12. Joshua 13:19; Isaiah 16:8,9; Jeremiah 48:32
  • 13. Numbers 33:47; Deuteronomy 32:49; Deuteronomy 34:1; 1 Chronicles 5:8
  • 14. ver 38; Joshua 13:17; Ezekiel 25:9
  • 15. Numbers 21:34
  • 16. Exodus 12:38
  • 17. S Numbers 13:29
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