Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Numbers » Chapter 32 » Verse 1-42

Numbers 32:1-42 King James Version (KJV)

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

2 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,

3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

4 Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

5 Wherefore, 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 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 wherefore 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.

10 And the LORD's anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,

11 Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:

12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

13 And the LORD's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.

14 And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

15 For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.

16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

18 We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.

19 For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

20 And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

21 And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him,

22 And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.

23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:

27 But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, as my lord saith.

28 So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

29 And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:

30 But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

31 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

32 We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.

33 And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about.

34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

35 And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,

36 And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.

37 And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

39 And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.

40 And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

41 And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havothjair.

42 And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.


Numbers 32:1-42 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 Now the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 and the children H1121 of Gad H1410 had a very H3966 great H6099 multitude H7227 of cattle: H4735 and when they saw H7200 the land H776 of Jazer, H3270 and the land H776 of Gilead, H1568 that, behold, the place H4725 was a place H4725 for cattle; H4735

2 The children H1121 of Gad H1410 and the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 came H935 and spake H559 unto Moses, H4872 and to Eleazar H499 the priest, H3548 and unto the princes H5387 of the congregation, H5712 saying, H559

3 Ataroth, H5852 and Dibon, H1769 and Jazer, H3270 and Nimrah, H5247 and Heshbon, H2809 and Elealeh, H500 and Shebam, H7643 and Nebo, H5015 and Beon, H1194

4 Even the country H776 which the LORD H3068 smote H5221 before H6440 the congregation H5712 of Israel, H3478 is a land H776 for cattle, H4735 and thy servants H5650 have cattle: H4735

5 Wherefore, said H559 they, if we have found H4672 grace H2580 in thy sight, H5869 let this land H776 be given H5414 unto thy servants H5650 for a possession, H272 and bring us not over H5674 Jordan. H3383

6 And Moses H4872 said H559 unto the children H1121 of Gad H1410 and to the children H1121 of Reuben, H7205 Shall your brethren H251 go H935 to war, H4421 and shall ye sit H3427 here?

7 And wherefore discourage ye H5106 H5106 the heart H3820 of the children H1121 of Israel H3478 from going over H5674 into the land H776 which the LORD H3068 hath given H5414 them?

8 Thus did H6213 your fathers, H1 when I sent H7971 them from Kadeshbarnea H6947 to see H7200 the land. H776

9 For when they went up H5927 unto the valley H5158 of Eshcol, H812 and saw H7200 the land, H776 they discouraged H5106 the heart H3820 of the children H1121 of Israel, H3478 that they should not go H935 into the land H776 which the LORD H3068 had given H5414 them.

10 And the LORD'S H3068 anger H639 was kindled H2734 the same time, H3117 and he sware, H7650 saying, H559

11 Surely H518 none of the men H582 that came up H5927 out of Egypt, H4714 from twenty H6242 years H8141 old H1121 and upward, H4605 shall see H7200 the land H127 which I sware H7650 unto Abraham, H85 unto Isaac, H3327 and unto Jacob; H3290 because they have not wholly H4390 followed H310 me:

12 Save Caleb H3612 the son H1121 of Jephunneh H3312 the Kenezite, H7074 and Joshua H3091 the son H1121 of Nun: H5126 for they have wholly H4390 followed H310 the LORD. H3068

13 And the LORD'S H3068 anger H639 was kindled H2734 against Israel, H3478 and he made them wander H5128 in the wilderness H4057 forty H705 years, H8141 until all the generation, H1755 that had done H6213 evil H7451 in the sight H5869 of the LORD, H3068 was consumed. H8552

14 And, behold, ye are risen up H6965 in your fathers' H1 stead, an increase H8635 of sinful H2400 men, H582 to augment H5595 yet the fierce H2740 anger H639 of the LORD H3068 toward Israel. H3478

15 For if ye turn away H7725 from after H310 him, he will yet again H3254 leave H3240 them in the wilderness; H4057 and ye shall destroy H7843 all this people. H5971

16 And they came near H5066 unto him, and said, H559 We will build H1129 sheepfolds H1448 H6629 here for our cattle, H4735 and cities H5892 for our little ones: H2945

17 But we ourselves H587 will go ready H2363 armed H2502 before H6440 the children H1121 of Israel, H3478 until we have brought H935 them unto their place: H4725 and our little ones H2945 shall dwell H3427 in the fenced H4013 cities H5892 because H6440 of the inhabitants H3427 of the land. H776

18 We will not return H7725 unto our houses, H1004 until the children H1121 of Israel H3478 have inherited H5157 every man H376 his inheritance. H5159

19 For we will not inherit H5157 with them on yonder side H5676 Jordan, H3383 or forward; H1973 because our inheritance H5159 is fallen H935 to us on this side H5676 Jordan H3383 eastward. H4217

20 And Moses H4872 said H559 unto them, If ye will do H6213 this thing, H1697 if ye will go armed H2502 before H6440 the LORD H3068 to war, H4421

21 And will go H5674 all of you armed H2502 over H5674 Jordan H3383 before H6440 the LORD, H3068 until he hath driven out H3423 his enemies H341 from before H6440 him,

22 And the land H776 be subdued H3533 before H6440 the LORD: H3068 then afterward H310 ye shall return, H7725 and be guiltless H5355 before the LORD, H3068 and before Israel; H3478 and this land H776 shall be your possession H272 before H6440 the LORD. H3068

23 But if ye will not do so, H6213 behold, ye have sinned H2398 against the LORD: H3068 and be sure H3045 your sin H2403 will find you out. H4672

24 Build H1129 you cities H5892 for your little ones, H2945 and folds H1448 for your sheep; H6792 and do H6213 that which hath proceeded H3318 out of your mouth. H6310

25 And the children H1121 of Gad H1410 and the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 spake H559 unto Moses, H4872 saying, H559 Thy servants H5650 will do H6213 as my lord H113 commandeth. H6680

26 Our little ones, H2945 our wives, H802 our flocks, H4735 and all our cattle, H929 shall be there in the cities H5892 of Gilead: H1568

27 But thy servants H5650 will pass over, H5674 every man armed H2502 for war, H6635 before H6440 the LORD H3068 to battle, H4421 as my lord H113 saith. H1696

28 So concerning them Moses H4872 commanded H6680 Eleazar H499 the priest, H3548 and Joshua H3091 the son H1121 of Nun, H5126 and the chief H7218 fathers H1 of the tribes H4294 of the children H1121 of Israel: H3478

29 And Moses H4872 said H559 unto them, If the children H1121 of Gad H1410 and the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 will pass with you over H5674 Jordan, H3383 every man armed H2502 to battle, H4421 before H6440 the LORD, H3068 and the land H776 shall be subdued H3533 before H6440 you; then ye shall give H5414 them the land H776 of Gilead H1568 for a possession: H272

30 But if they will not pass over H5674 with you armed, H2502 they shall have possessions H270 among H8432 you in the land H776 of Canaan. H3667

31 And the children H1121 of Gad H1410 and the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 answered, H6030 saying, H559 As the LORD H3068 hath said H1696 unto thy servants, H5650 so will we do. H6213

32 We will H5168 pass over H5674 armed H2502 before H6440 the LORD H3068 into the land H776 of Canaan, H3667 that the possession H272 of our inheritance H5159 on this side H5676 Jordan H3383 may be ours.

33 And Moses H4872 gave H5414 unto them, even to the children H1121 of Gad, H1410 and to the children H1121 of Reuben, H7205 and unto half H2677 the tribe H7626 of Manasseh H4519 the son H1121 of Joseph, H3130 the kingdom H4467 of Sihon H5511 king H4428 of the Amorites, H567 and the kingdom H4467 of Og H5747 king H4428 of Bashan, H1316 the land, H776 with the cities H5892 thereof in the coasts, H1367 even the cities H5892 of the country H776 round about. H5439

34 And the children H1121 of Gad H1410 built H1129 Dibon, H1769 and Ataroth, H5852 and Aroer, H6177

35 And Atroth, Shophan, H5855 and Jaazer, H3270 and Jogbehah, H3011

36 And Bethnimrah, H1039 and Bethharan, H1028 fenced H4013 cities: H5892 and folds H1448 for sheep. H6629

37 And the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 built H1129 Heshbon, H2809 and Elealeh, H500 and Kirjathaim, H7156

38 And Nebo, H5015 and Baalmeon, H1186 (their names H8034 being changed,) H4142 and Shibmah: H7643 and gave H7121 other names H8034 H8034 unto the cities H5892 which they builded. H1129

39 And the children H1121 of Machir H4353 the son H1121 of Manasseh H4519 went H3212 to Gilead, H1568 and took H3920 it, and dispossessed H3423 the Amorite H567 which was in it.

40 And Moses H4872 gave H5414 Gilead H1568 unto Machir H4353 the son H1121 of Manasseh; H4519 and he dwelt H3427 therein.

41 And Jair H2971 the son H1121 of Manasseh H4519 went H1980 and took H3920 the small towns H2333 thereof, and called H7121 them Havothjair. H2334

42 And Nobah H5025 went H1980 and took H3920 Kenath, H7079 and the villages H1323 thereof, and called H7121 it Nobah, H5025 after his own name. H8034


Numbers 32:1-42 American Standard (ASV)

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,

3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

4 the land which Jehovah smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle; and thy servants have cattle.

5 And they said, If we have found favor in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession; 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 the war, and shall ye sit here?

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

8 Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea 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 Jehovah had given them.

10 And Jehovah's anger was kindled in that day, and he sware, saying,

11 Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:

12 save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed Jehovah.

13 And Jehovah's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander to and fro in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of Jehovah, was consumed.

14 And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of Jehovah toward Israel.

15 For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye will destroy all this people.

16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

17 but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

18 We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.

19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, and forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.

20 And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will arm yourselves to go before Jehovah to the war,

21 and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before Jehovah, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him,

22 and the land is subdued before Jehovah; then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless towards Jehovah, and towards Israel; and this land shall be unto you for a possession before Jehovah.

23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against Jehovah; and be sure your sin will find you out.

24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead;

27 but thy servants will pass over, every man that is armed for war, before Jehovah to battle, as my lord saith.

28 So Moses gave charge concerning them to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers' `houses' of the tribes of the children of Israel.

29 And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan, every man that is armed to battle, before Jehovah, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:

30 but if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

31 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As Jehovah hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

32 We will pass over armed before Jehovah into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance `shall remain' with us beyond the Jordan.

33 And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, according to the cities thereof with `their' borders, even the cities of the land round about.

34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah,

36 and Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran: fortified cities, and folds for sheep.

37 And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,

38 and Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Sibmah: and they gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

39 And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites that were therein.

40 And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

41 And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the towns thereof, and called them Havvoth-jair.

42 And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.


Numbers 32:1-42 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And much cattle hath been to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad, very many; and they see the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, and lo, the place `is' a place `for' cattle;

2 and the sons of Gad, and the sons of Reuben, come in and speak unto Moses, and unto Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the company, saying:

3 `Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon --

4 the land which Jehovah hath smitten before the company of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle.'

5 And they say, `If we have found grace in thine eyes, let this land be given to thy servants for a possession; cause us not to pass over the Jordan.'

6 And Moses saith to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, `Do your brethren go in to the battle, and ye -- do ye sit here?

7 and why discourage ye the heart of the sons of Israel from passing over unto the land which Jehovah hath given to them?

8 `Thus did your fathers in my sending them from Kadesh-Barnea to see the land;

9 and they go up unto the valley of Eshcol, and see the land, and discourage the heart of the sons of Israel so as not to go in unto the land which Jehovah hath given to them;

10 and the anger of Jehovah burneth in that day, and He sweareth, saying,

11 They do not see -- the men who are coming up out of Egypt from a son of twenty years and upward -- the ground which I have sworn to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, for they have not been fully after Me;

12 save Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua son of Nun, for they have been fully after Jehovah;

13 and the anger of Jehovah burneth against Israel, and He causeth them to wander in the wilderness forty years, until the consumption of all the generation which is doing the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah.

14 `And lo, ye have risen in the stead of your fathers, an increase of men -- sinners, to add yet to the fury of the anger of Jehovah toward Israel;

15 when ye turn back from after Him, then He hath added yet to leave him in the wilderness, and ye have done corruptly to all this people.'

16 And they come nigh unto him, and say, `Folds for the flock we build for our cattle here, and cities for our infants;

17 and we -- we are armed hasting before the sons of Israel till that we have brought them in unto their place; and our infants have dwelt in the cities of defence because of the inhabitants of the land;

18 we do not turn back unto our houses till the sons of Israel have inherited each his inheritance,

19 for we do not inherit with them beyond the Jordan and yonder, for our inheritance hath come unto us beyond the Jordan at the `sun'-rising.'

20 And Moses saith unto them, `If ye do this thing: if ye are armed before Jehovah for battle,

21 and every armed one of you hath passed over the Jordan before Jehovah, till his dispossessing His enemies from before Him,

22 and the land hath been subdued before Jehovah -- then afterwards ye do turn back, and have been acquitted by Jehovah, and by Israel; and this land hath been to you for a possession before Jehovah.

23 `And if ye do not so, lo, ye have sinned against Jehovah, and know ye your sin, that it doth find you;

24 build for yourselves cities for your infants, and folds for your flock, and that which is going out from your mouth do ye.'

25 And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben speak unto Moses, saying, `Thy servants do as my lord is commanding;

26 our infants, our wives, our cattle, and all our beasts, are there in cities of Gilead,

27 and thy servants pass over, every armed one of the host, before Jehovah, to battle, as my lord is saying.'

28 And Moses commandeth concerning them Eleazar the priest, and Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the sons of Israel;

29 and Moses saith unto them, `If the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben pass over with you the Jordan, every one armed for battle, before Jehovah, and the land hath been subdued before you, then ye have given to them the land of Gilead for a possession;

30 and if they do not pass over armed with you, then they have possessions in your midst in the land of Canaan.'

31 And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben answer, saying, `That which Jehovah hath spoken unto thy servants -- so we do;

32 we -- we pass over armed before Jehovah `to' the land of Canaan, and with us `is' the possession of our inheritance beyond the Jordan.'

33 And Moses giveth to them, to the sons of Gad, and to the sons of Reuben, and to the half of the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorite, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land by its cities, in the borders, the cities of the land round about.

34 And the sons of Gad build Dihon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

35 and Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,

36 and Beth-Nimrah, and Beth-Haran, cities of defence, and sheepfolds.

37 And the sons of Reuben have build Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

38 and Nebo, and Baal-Meon (changed in name), and Shibmah, and they call by `these' names the names of the cities which they have built.

39 And sons of Machir son of Manasseh go to Gilead, and capture it, and dispossess the Amorite, who `is' in it;

40 and Moses giveth Gilead to Machir son of Manasseh, and he dwelleth in it.

41 And Jair son of Manasseh hath gone and captureth their towns, and calleth them `Towns of Jair;'

42 and Nobah hath gone and captureth Kenath, and its villages, and calleth it Nobah, by his own name.


Numbers 32:1-42 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had much cattle, a very great multitude; and they saw the land of Jaazer, and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for cattle.

2 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and to the princes of the assembly, saying,

3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jaazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elaleh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

4 the country that Jehovah smote before the assembly of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle;

5 and they said, If we have found favour in thine eyes, let this land be given to thy servants for a possession: bring us not over the Jordan.

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

7 And why do ye discourage the children of Israel from going over into the land that Jehovah has given them?

8 Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land:

9 they went up to the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, and discouraged the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land that Jehovah had given them.

10 And Jehovah's anger was kindled the same time, and he swore, saying,

11 If the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land that I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob! for they have not wholly followed me;

12 save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; for they have wholly followed Jehovah.

13 And Jehovah's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation was consumed that had done evil in the eyes of Jehovah.

14 And behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, a progeny of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of Jehovah toward Israel.

15 If ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.

16 And they drew near to him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones;

17 but we ourselves will go with diligence armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones shall dwell in the strong cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

18 We will not return to our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited each one his inheritance.

19 For we will not inherit with them on yonder side the Jordan, and further, because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side the Jordan eastward.

20 And Moses said to them, If ye do this thing, if ye arm yourselves before Jehovah for war,

21 and all of you that are armed go over the Jordan before Jehovah, until he have dispossessed his enemies from before him,

22 and the land is subdued before Jehovah, and afterwards ye return, ye shall be guiltless toward Jehovah and toward Israel, and this land shall be your possession before Jehovah.

23 But if ye do not do so, behold, ye have sinned against Jehovah, and be sure your sin will find you out.

24 Build yourselves cities for your little ones, and folds for your flocks, and do that which has gone out of your mouth.

25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commands.

26 Our little ones, our wives, our cattle, and all our beasts shall be there in the cities of Gilead;

27 but thy servants will pass over, every one armed for war, before Jehovah to battle, as my lord says.

28 So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel.

29 And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben pass with you over the Jordan, every one armed for battle, before Jehovah, and the land be subdued before you, then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession;

30 but if they do not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

31 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As Jehovah has said to thy servants, so will we do.

32 We will pass over armed before Jehovah into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance on this side the Jordan shall be ours.

33 And Moses gave to them, to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og the king of Bashan, the land, according to its cities and territories, the cities of the land round about.

34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

35 and Atroth-Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbebah,

36 and Beth-Nimrah, and Beth-haran, strong cities, and sheepfolds.

37 -- And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elaleh, and Kirjathaim,

38 and Nebo, and Baal-meon (of which the names were changed), and Sibmah; and they gave other names to the cities that they built.

39 -- And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and they dispossessed the Amorites that were therein.

40 And Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

41 And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took their hamlets, and called them Havoth-Jair.

42 And Nobah went and took Kenath, and its dependent villages, and called it Nobah, after his name.


Numbers 32:1-42 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for cattle;

2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and to the princes of the congregation, saying,

3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

4 the land which Yahweh struck before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle; and your servants have cattle.

5 They said, If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession; don't bring us over the Jordan.

6 Moses said to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brothers go to the war, and shall you sit here?

7 Why discourage you the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?

8 Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.

9 For when they went up to 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 Yahweh had given them.

10 Yahweh's anger was kindled in that day, and he swore, saying,

11 Surely none of the men who came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:

12 save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed Yahweh.

13 Yahweh's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander back and forth in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, who had done evil in the sight of Yahweh, was consumed.

14 Behold, you are risen up in your fathers' place, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of Yahweh toward Israel.

15 For if you turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and you will destroy all this people.

16 They came near to him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

17 but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

18 We will not return to our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.

19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, and forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.

20 Moses said to them, If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war,

21 and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before Yahweh, until he has driven out his enemies from before him,

22 and the land is subdued before Yahweh; then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel; and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh.

23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against Yahweh; and be sure your sin will find you out.

24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which has proceeded out of your mouth.

25 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Your servants will do as my lord commands.

26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead;

27 but your servants will pass over, every man who is armed for war, before Yahweh to battle, as my lord says.

28 So Moses gave charge concerning them to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers' [houses] of the tribes of the children of Israel.

29 Moses said to them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan, every man who is armed to battle, before Yahweh, and the land shall be subdued before you; then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:

30 but if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

31 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As Yahweh has said to your servants, so will we do.

32 We will pass over armed before Yahweh into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance [shall remain] with us beyond the Jordan.

33 Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, according to the cities of it with [their] borders, even the cities of the land round about.

34 The children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah,

36 and Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities, and folds for sheep.

37 The children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,

38 and Nebo, and Baal Meon, (their names being changed), and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the cities which they built.

39 The children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were therein.

40 Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son of Manasseh; and he lived therein.

41 Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the towns of it, and called them Havvoth Jair.

42 Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages of it, and called it Nobah, after his own name.


Numbers 32:1-42 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a great number of cattle: and when they saw that the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead was a good place for cattle;

2 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and said to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the chiefs of the meeting,

3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

4 The land which the Lord gave into the hands of the children of Israel, is a land for cattle, and your servants have cattle.

5 And they said, With your approval, let this land be given to your servants as their heritage: do not take us over Jordan.

6 And Moses said to the children of Gad and the children of Reuben, Are your brothers to go to the war, while you take your rest here?

7 Why would you take from the children of Israel the desire to go over into the land which the Lord has given them?

8 So did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.

9 For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they took from the children of Israel the desire to go into the land which the Lord had given them.

10 And at that time the Lord was moved to wrath, and made an oath, saying,

11 Truly, not one of the men of twenty years old and over who came out of Egypt will see the land which I gave by oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; because they have not been true to me with all their heart;

12 But only Caleb, the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua, the son of Nun: because they have been true to the Lord.

13 Then the Lord was angry with Israel, and he made them wanderers in the waste land for forty years? till all that generation who had done evil in the eyes of the Lord was dead.

14 And now you have come to take the place of your fathers, another generation of sinners, increasing the wrath of the Lord against Israel.

15 For if you are turned away from him, he will send them wandering again in the waste land; and you will be the cause of the destruction of all this people.

16 Then they came to him, and said, We will make safe places for our cattle here, and towns for our little ones;

17 But we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel till we have taken them to their place: but our little ones will be safe in the walled towns against the people of the land.

18 We will not come back to our houses till every one of the children of Israel has come into his heritage.

19 For we will not have our heritage with them on the other side of Jordan and forward; because our heritage has come to us on this side of Jordan to the east.

20 Then Moses said to them, If you will do this, arming yourselves to go before the Lord to the war,

21 Every armed man of you going across Jordan before the Lord till he has overcome and sent in flight all who are against him,

22 And the land is under the rule of the Lord: then after that you may come back, having done no wrong to the Lord and to Israel; and this land will be yours for your heritage before the Lord.

23 But if you do not do this, then you are sinners against the Lord; and you may be certain that your sin will have its reward.

24 So get to work building your towns for your little ones, and safe places for your sheep; and do as you have said.

25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben said to Moses, Your servants will do as my lord says.

26 Our little ones, our wives, and our flocks, and all our cattle, will be there in the towns of Gilead;

27 But your servants will go over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to the fight, as my lord says.

28 So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua, the son of Nun, and to the heads of families of the tribes of the children of Israel.

29 And Moses said to them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben go with you over Jordan, every man armed for the fight before the Lord, and all the land is given into your hands, then let them have the land of Gilead for a heritage:

30 But if they do not go over with you armed, they will have to take their heritage with you in the land of Canaan.

31 Then the children of Gad and the children of Reuben said, As the Lord has said to your servants, so will we do.

32 We will go over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, and you will give us our heritage on this side of Jordan.

33 So Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad and the children of Reuben and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon, king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan, all the land with its towns and the country round them.

34 And the children of Gad were the builders of Dibon and Ataroth and Aroer;

35 And Atroth-shophan and Jazer and Jogbehah;

36 And Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran: walled towns and shut-in places for sheep.

37 And the children of Reuben were the builders of Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim;

38 And Nebo and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the towns they made.

39 And the children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, went to Gilead and took it, driving out the Amorites who were living there.

40 And Moses gave Gilead to Machir, the son of Manasseh; and he made it his living-place.

41 And Jair, the son of Manasseh, went and took the towns of Gilead, naming them Havvoth-Jair.

42 And Nobah went and took Kenath and its small towns, naming it Nobah, after himself.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Numbers 32

Commentary on Numbers 32 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 32

In this chapter we have,

  • I. The humble request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad for an inheritance on that side Jordan where Israel now lay encamped (v. 1-5).
  • II. Moses's misinterpretation of their request (v. 6-15).
  • III. Their explication of it, and stating it aright (v. 16-19).
  • IV. The grant of their petition under the provisos and limitations which they themselves proposed (v. 20, etc.).

Num 32:1-15

Israel's tents were now pitched in the plains of Moab, where they continued many months, looking back upon the conquests they had already made of the land of Sihon and Og, and looking forward to Canaan, which they hoped in a little while to make themselves masters of. While they made this stand, and were at a pause, this great affair of the disposal of the conquests they had already made was here concerted and settled, not by any particular order or appointment of God, but at the special instance and request of two of the tribes, to which Moses, after a long debate that arose upon it, consented. For even then, when so much was done by the extraordinary appearances of divine Providence, many things were left to the direction of human prudence; for God, in governing both the world and the church, makes use of the reason of men, and serves his own purposes by it.

  • I. Here is a motion made by the Reubenites and the Gadites, that the land which they had lately possessed themselves of, and which in the right of conquest belonged to Israel in common, might be assigned to them in particular for their inheritance: upon the general idea they had of the land of promise, they supposed this would be about their proportion. Reuben and Gad were encamped under the same standard, and so had the better opportunity of comparing notes, and settling this matter between themselves. In the first verse the children of Reuben are named first, but afterwards the children of Gad (v. 2, 25, 31), either because the Gadites made the first motion and were most forward for it, or because they were the better spokesmen and had more of the art of management, Reuben's tribe still lying under Jacob's sentence, he shall not excel. Two things common in the world induced these tribes to make this choice and this motion upon it, the lust of the eye and the pride of life, 1 Jn. 2:16.
    • 1. The lust of the eye. This land which they coveted was not only beautiful for situation, and pleasant to the eye, but it was good for food, food for cattle; and they had a great multitude of cattle, above the rest of the tribes, it is supposed because they brought more out of Egypt, than the rest did; but that was forty years before, and stocks of cattle increase and decrease in less time than that; therefore I rather think they had been better husbands of their cattle in the wilderness, had tended them better, had taken more care of the breed, and not been so profuse as their neighbours in eating the lambs out of the flock and the calves out of the midst of the stall. Now they, having these large stocks, coveted land proportionable. Many scriptures speak of Bashan and Gilead as places famous for cattle; they had been so already, and therefore these tribes hoped they would be so to them, and whatever comes of it here they desire to take their lot. The judicious Calvin thinks there was much amiss in the principle they went upon, and that they consulted their own private convenience more than the public good, that they had not such regard to the honour and interest of Israel, and the promise made to Abraham of the land of Canaan (strictly so called), as they ought to have had. And still it is too true that many seek their own things more than the things of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:21), and that many are influenced by their secular interest and advantage to take up short of the heavenly Canaan. Their spirits agree too well with this world, and with the things that are seen, that are temporal; and they say, "It is good to be here,' and so lose what is hereafter for want of seeking it. Lot thus chose by the sight of the eye, and smarted for his choice. Would we choose our portion aright we must look above the things that are seen.
    • 2. Perhaps there was something of the pride of life in it. Reuben was the first-born of Israel, but he had lost his birthright. Several of the tribes, and Judah especially, had risen above him, so that he could not expect the best lot in Canaan; and therefore, to save the shadow of a birthright, when he had forfeited the substance, he here catches at the first lot, though it was out of Canaan, and far off from the tabernacle. Thus Esau sold his birthright, and yet got to be served first with an inheritance in Mount Seir. The tribe of Gad descended from the first-born of Zilpah, and were like pretenders with the Reubenites; and Manasseh too was a first-born, but knew he must be eclipsed by Ephraim his younger brother, and therefore he also coveted to get precedency.
  • II. Moses's dislike of this motion, and the severe rebuke he gives to it, as a faithful prince and prophet.
    • 1. It must be confessed that prima facie-at first sight, the thing looked ill, especially the closing words of their petition: Bring us not over Jordan, v. 5.
      • (1.) It seems to proceed from a bad principle, a contempt of the land of promise, which Moses himself was so desirous of a sight of, a distrust too of the power of God to dispossess the Canaanites, as if a lot in a land which they knew, and which was already conquered, was more desirable than a lot in a land they knew not, and which was yet to be conquered: one bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. There seemed also to be covetousness in it; for that which they insisted on was that it was convenient for their cattle. It argued likewise a neglect of their brethren, as if they cared not what became of Israel, while they themselves were well provided for.
      • (2.) It might have been of bad consequence. The people might have taken improper hints from it, and have suggested that they were few enough, when they had their whole number, to deal with the Canaanites, but how unequal would the match be if they should drop two tribes and a half (above a fifth part of their strength) on this side Jordan. It would likewise be a bad precedent; if they must have the land thus granted them as soon as it was conquered, other tribes might make the same pretensions and claims, and so the regular disposition of the land by lot would be anticipated.
    • 2. Moses is therefore very warm upon them, which is to be imputed to his pious zeal against sin, and not to any peevishness, the effect of old age, for his meekness abated not, any more than his natural force.
      • (1.) He shows them what he apprehended to be evil in this motion, that it would discharge the heart of their brethren, v. 6, 7. "What!' (says he, with a holy indignation at their selfishness) "shall your brethren go to war, and expose themselves to all the hardships and hazards of the field, and shall you sit here at your ease? No, do not deceive yourselves, you shall never be indulged by me in this sloth and cowardice.' It ill becomes any of God's Israel to sit down unconcerned in the difficult and perilous concernments of their brethren, whether public or personal.
      • (2.) He reminds them of the fatal consequences of the unbelief and faint-heartedness of their fathers, when they were just ready to enter Canaan, as they themselves now were. He recites the story very particularly (v. 8-13): "Thus did your fathers, whose punishment should be a warning to you to take heed of sinning after the similitude of their transgression.'
      • (3.) He gives them fair warning of the mischief that would be likely to follow upon this separation which they were about to make from the camp of Israel; they would be in danger of bringing wrath upon the whole congregation, and hurrying them all back again into the wilderness (v. 14, 15): "You have risen up in your fathers' stead to despise the pleasant land and reject it as they did, when we hoped you had risen up in their stead to possess it.' It was an encouragement to Moses to see what an increase of men there was in these tribes, but a discouragement to see that it was withal an increase of sinful men, treading in the steps of their fathers' impiety. It is sad to see the rising generation in families and countries not only no better, but worse than that which went before it; and what comes of it? Why, it augments the fierce anger of the Lord; not only continues that fire, but increases it, and fills the measure, often till it overflows in a deluge of desolation. Note, If men did but consider as they ought, what would be the end of sin, they would be afraid of the beginnings of it.

Num 32:16-27

We have here the accommodating of the matter between Moses and the two tribes, about their settlement on this side Jordan. Probably the petitioners withdrew, and considered with themselves what answer they should return to the severe reproof Moses had given them; and, after some consultation, they return with this proposal, that their men of war should go and assist their brethren in the conquest of Canaan, and they would leave their families and flocks behind them in this land: and thus they might have their request, and no harm would be done. Now it is uncertain whether they designed this at first when they brought their petition or no. If they did, it is an instance how often that which is honestly meant is unhappily misinterpreted; yet Moses herein was excusable, for he had reason to suspect the worst of them, and the rebuke he gave them was from the abundance of his care to prevent sin. But, if they did not, it is an instance of the good effect of plain dealing; Moses, by showing them their sin, and the danger of it, brought them to their duty without murmuring or disputing. They object not that their brethren were able to contend with the Canaanites without their help, especially since they were sure of God's fighting for them; but engage themselves to stand by them.

  • I. Their proposal is very fair and generous, and such as, instead of disheartening, would rather encourage their brethren.
    • 1. That their men of war, who were fit for service, would go ready armed before the children of Israel into the land of Canaan. So far would they be from deserting them that, if it were thought fit, they would lead them on, and be foremost is all dangerous enterprises. So far were they from either distrusting or despising the conquest of Canaan that they would assist in it with the utmost readiness and resolution.
    • 2. That they would leave behind them their families and cattle (which would otherwise be but the incumbrance of their camp), and so they would be the more serviceable to their brethren, v. 16.
    • 3. That they would not return to their possessions till the conquest of Canaan was completed, v. 18. Their brethren should have their best help as long as they needed it.
    • 4. That yet they would not expect any share of the land that was yet to be conquered (v. 19): "We will not desire to inherit with them, nor, under colour of assisting them in the war, put in for a share with them in the land; no, we will be content with our inheritance on this side Jordan, and there will be so much the more on yonder side for them.'
  • II. Moses thereupon grants their request, upon consideration that they would adhere to their proposals.
    • 1. He insists much upon it that they should never lay down their arms till their brethren laid down theirs. They promised to go armed before the children of Israel, v. 17. "Nay,' says Moses, "you shall go armed before the Lord, v. 20, 21. It is God's cause more than your brethren's, and to him you must have an eye, and not to them only.' Before the Lord, that is, before the ark of the Lord, the token of his presence, which, it should seem, they carried about with them in the wars of Canaan, and immediately before which these two tribes were posted, as we find in the order of their march, ch. 2:10, 17.
    • 2. Upon this condition he grants them this land for their possession, and tells them they shall be guiltless before the Lord and before Israel, v. 22. They should have the land, and neither sin nor blame should cleave to it, neither sin before God nor blame before Israel; and, whatever possessions we have, it is desirable thus to come guiltless to them. But,
    • 3. He warns them of the danger of breaking their word: "If you fail, you sin against the Lord (v. 23), and not against your brethren only, and be sure your sin will find you out;' that is, "God will certainly reckon with you for it, though you may make a light matter of it.' Note, Sin will, without doubt, find out the sinner sooner or later. It concerns us therefore to find our sins out, that we may repent of them and forsake them, lest our sins find us out to our ruin and confusion.
  • III. They unanimously agree to the provisos and conditions of the grant, and do, as it were, give bond for performance, by a solemn promise: Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth, v. 25. Their brethren had all contributed their assistance to the conquest of this country, which they desired for a possession, and therefore they owned themselves obliged in justice to help them in the conquest of that which was to be their possession. Having received kindness, we ought to return it, though it was not so conditioned when we received it. We may suppose that this promise was understood, on both sides, so as not to oblige all that were numbered of these tribes to go over armed, but those only that were fittest for the expedition, who would be most serviceable, while it was necessary that some should be left to till the ground and guard the country; and accordingly we find that about 40,000 of the two tribes and a half went over armed (Jos. 4:13), whereas their whole number was about 100,000.

Num 32:28-42

Here,

  • 1. Moses settles this matter with Eleazar, and with Joshua who was to be his successor, knowing that he himself must not live to see it perfected, v. 28-30. He gives them an estate upon condition, leaving it to Joshua, if they fulfilled the condition, to declare the estate absolute: "If they will not go over with you,' he does not say "you shall give them no inheritance at all,' but "you shall not give them this inheritance which they covet. if their militia will not come over with you, compel the whole tribes to come over, and let them take their lot with their brethren, and fare as they fare; they shall have possessions in Canaan, and let them not expect that the lot will favour them.' Hereupon they repeat their promise to adhere to their brethren, v. 31, 32.
  • 2. Moses settles them in the land they desired. He gave it to them for a possession, v. 33. Here is the first mention of the half tribe of Manasseh coming in with them for a share; probably they had not joined with them in the petition, but, the land when it came to be apportioned proving to be too much for them, this half tribe had a lot among them, perhaps at their request, or by divine direction, or because they had signalized themselves in the conquest of this country: for the children of Machir, a stout and warlike family, had taken Gilead and dispossessed the Amorites, v. 39. "Let them win it and wear it, get it and take it.' And, they being celebrated for their courage and bravery, it was for the common safety to put them in this frontier-country. Concerning the settlement of these tribes observe,
    • (1.) They built the cities, that is, repaired them, because either they had been damaged by the war or the Amorites had suffered them to go to decay.
    • (2.) They changed the names of them (v. 38), either to show their authority, that the change of the names might signify the change of their owners, or because their names were idolatrous, and carried in them a respect to the dunghill-deities that were there worshipped. Nebo and Baal were names of their gods, which they were forbidden to make mention of (Ex. 23:13), and which, by changing the names of these cities, they endeavoured to bury in oblivion; and God promises to take away the names of Baalim out of the mouths of his people, Hos. 2:17.

Lastly, It is observable that, as these tribes were now first placed before the other tribes, so, long afterwards, they were displaced before the other tribes. We find that they were carried captive into Assyria some years before the other tribes, 2 Ki. 15:29. Such a proportion does Providence sometimes observe in balancing prosperity and adversity; he sets the one over-against the other.