Numbers 32:22 - 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.
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What does "Numbers 32:22" mean?
Numbers 32 recounts the story of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who saw the fertile land east of the Jordan River (Transjordan) and requested to settle there rather than crossing over into Canaan. The other tribes worried this would discourage everyone and lead to failure in conquering Canaan. Moses, fearing a repeat of the past disobedience and the resulting punishment, rebuked them.
This verse, Numbers 32:22, is part of Moses' conditional agreement with Reuben and Gad (and half the tribe of Manasseh). It means:
"and the land is subdued before Yahweh": This refers to the conquest of Canaan. Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh must actively participate in the war effort along with the other tribes to conquer Canaan. The conquest is considered "before Yahweh" because it's His will and command.
"then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel": Only after helping their brethren conquer Canaan are they permitted to return to their families and settled lands east of the Jordan. By fulfilling their obligation to fight, they will be considered "guiltless":
Towards Yahweh: They would demonstrate their obedience and faithfulness to God's command to conquer the Promised Land.
Towards Israel: They would prove they are not abandoning their brothers and sisters in a critical time of need. They alleviate the fear that their actions were selfish and would discourage the rest of the people.
"and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh": The land east of the Jordan, which they initially requested, will rightfully and legitimately be their inheritance. God would recognize and sanction their possession of the land, meaning their possession is blessed and secure, provided they fulfill their commitments.
In essence, the verse conveys:
This verse is a critical condition of the agreement. If Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh help conquer Canaan, they will be considered blameless before God and Israel and can rightfully claim their land east of the Jordan with God's blessing. It emphasizes their obligation to prioritize the collective goal of conquering the Promised Land over their personal desire for immediate settlement. They will be granted their request only if they prove their commitment to the covenant and the well-being of all Israel.
Numbers 32:22 - 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.
What does "Numbers 32:22" mean?
Numbers 32 recounts the story of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who saw the fertile land east of the Jordan River (Transjordan) and requested to settle there rather than crossing over into Canaan. The other tribes worried this would discourage everyone and lead to failure in conquering Canaan. Moses, fearing a repeat of the past disobedience and the resulting punishment, rebuked them.
This verse, Numbers 32:22, is part of Moses' conditional agreement with Reuben and Gad (and half the tribe of Manasseh). It means:
"and the land is subdued before Yahweh": This refers to the conquest of Canaan. Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh must actively participate in the war effort along with the other tribes to conquer Canaan. The conquest is considered "before Yahweh" because it's His will and command.
"then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel": Only after helping their brethren conquer Canaan are they permitted to return to their families and settled lands east of the Jordan. By fulfilling their obligation to fight, they will be considered "guiltless":
Towards Yahweh: They would demonstrate their obedience and faithfulness to God's command to conquer the Promised Land.
Towards Israel: They would prove they are not abandoning their brothers and sisters in a critical time of need. They alleviate the fear that their actions were selfish and would discourage the rest of the people.
"and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh": The land east of the Jordan, which they initially requested, will rightfully and legitimately be their inheritance. God would recognize and sanction their possession of the land, meaning their possession is blessed and secure, provided they fulfill their commitments.
In essence, the verse conveys:
This verse is a critical condition of the agreement. If Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh help conquer Canaan, they will be considered blameless before God and Israel and can rightfully claim their land east of the Jordan with God's blessing. It emphasizes their obligation to prioritize the collective goal of conquering the Promised Land over their personal desire for immediate settlement. They will be granted their request only if they prove their commitment to the covenant and the well-being of all Israel.