Numbers 32:7

7 And why discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given 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 Therefore, said they, "If we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over the Jordan."

6 And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, "Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

7 And why discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?

8 Thus did your fathers when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land.

9 For when they went up unto the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.