This verse, Numbers 32:29, is part of a negotiation between Moses and the tribes of Gad and Reuben regarding their settlement after the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan. Let's break down what it means:
"Moses said to them, 'If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan...": Moses is addressing the tribes of Gad and Reuben. He's setting a condition for them. They had requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan River, in the areas of Gilead and other territories, because it was good grazing land for their livestock. Moses was initially hesitant, concerned that their request would discourage the other tribes from fighting to conquer the land west of the Jordan (Canaan).
"...every man who is armed to battle, before Yahweh...": This emphasizes that the men of Gad and Reuben must fully participate in the military campaign to conquer Canaan. They must cross the Jordan River with the rest of the Israelite army. The phrase "before Yahweh" suggests that their participation is a sacred duty, a commitment to God.
"...and the land is subdued before you...": This reinforces that Gad and Reuben must fight until the entire land of Canaan west of the Jordan is conquered. They can't just sit back and wait for the other tribes to do the work.
"...then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession;": This is the promise Moses makes. If Gad and Reuben fulfill their commitment to fight alongside the other tribes to conquer Canaan, then they will be allowed to permanently settle in the land of Gilead (east of the Jordan) as their inheritance.
In essence, this verse establishes a condition: Gad and Reuben must actively and fully participate in the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan. If they do, they will be granted the land of Gilead east of the Jordan as their permanent territory. It's a promise based on their commitment to the greater good of the entire Israelite community. They can have what they want (Gilead for their livestock) but only after proving their loyalty and participation in the collective effort to take the land God promised.
This verse, Numbers 32:29, is part of a negotiation between Moses and the tribes of Gad and Reuben regarding their settlement after the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan. Let's break down what it means:
"Moses said to them, 'If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan...": Moses is addressing the tribes of Gad and Reuben. He's setting a condition for them. They had requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan River, in the areas of Gilead and other territories, because it was good grazing land for their livestock. Moses was initially hesitant, concerned that their request would discourage the other tribes from fighting to conquer the land west of the Jordan (Canaan).
"...every man who is armed to battle, before Yahweh...": This emphasizes that the men of Gad and Reuben must fully participate in the military campaign to conquer Canaan. They must cross the Jordan River with the rest of the Israelite army. The phrase "before Yahweh" suggests that their participation is a sacred duty, a commitment to God.
"...and the land is subdued before you...": This reinforces that Gad and Reuben must fight until the entire land of Canaan west of the Jordan is conquered. They can't just sit back and wait for the other tribes to do the work.
"...then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession;": This is the promise Moses makes. If Gad and Reuben fulfill their commitment to fight alongside the other tribes to conquer Canaan, then they will be allowed to permanently settle in the land of Gilead (east of the Jordan) as their inheritance.
In essence, this verse establishes a condition: Gad and Reuben must actively and fully participate in the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan. If they do, they will be granted the land of Gilead east of the Jordan as their permanent territory. It's a promise based on their commitment to the greater good of the entire Israelite community. They can have what they want (Gilead for their livestock) but only after proving their loyalty and participation in the collective effort to take the land God promised.