Numbers 32:1 - Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock. When they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for livestock;

Generated Verse: Numbers 32:1

What does "Numbers 32:1" mean?


This verse from Numbers 32:1 sets the stage for a request that the tribes of Reuben and Gad make of Moses. It tells us a few key things:

Reuben and Gad were wealthy in livestock: The verse emphasizes that they had "a very great multitude of livestock." This is important because their livelihood was heavily dependent on their herds and flocks.
They saw the lands of Jazer and Gilead and recognized their suitability for raising livestock: These areas, Jazer and Gilead (located east of the Jordan River), were known to be fertile and good for grazing. Reuben and Gad realized the potential for their herds to thrive in these locations.
The verse implies a potential conflict: Because Reuben and Gad were interested in settling on the land east of the Jordan, the verse hints at a possible conflict. God has promised the land west of the Jordan to Israel. It sets the stage for their request to settle outside of the promised land.

In short, the verse explains that the tribes of Reuben and Gad were drawn to the lands of Jazer and Gilead due to the abundance of pastureland they offered for their large herds of livestock. This desire to settle east of the Jordan River, rather than within the promised land itself, becomes the central issue of Numbers Chapter 32.

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