Numbers 32:5 - 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.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 32:5" mean?
Numbers 32:5 describes the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, rather than crossing over into the Promised Land of Canaan. Let's break down the meaning:
"They said, 'If we have found favor in your sight...'": This is a polite and deferential opening. Reuben and Gad are acknowledging Moses' leadership and authority, and expressing their desire to be viewed favorably. They're essentially saying, "If you're willing to listen to us..."
"...let this land be given to your servants for a possession.": They are requesting ownership of the land east of the Jordan that they have already scouted out (specifically referring to the areas of Jazer and Gilead - Numbers 32:1). They want this land to be their permanent inheritance, the place where they and their families will live.
"Don’t bring us over the Jordan.": This is the crucial part. They are explicitly stating that they do not want to cross the Jordan River and take part in the conquest and settlement of Canaan. They prefer the land they've already seen and believe to be suitable for their needs, particularly their livestock.
In essence, the verse means that the tribes of Reuben and Gad, having seen the land east of the Jordan, found it suitable for their large herds of cattle. They were therefore petitioning Moses to allow them to settle there permanently, rather than participating in the conquest and claiming land in Canaan itself.
This request would have significant implications. It raised concerns about their commitment to the rest of Israel, whether they were prioritizing their own wealth over the communal goal of conquering the Promised Land, and the impact their absence would have on the battle. Moses initially reacts with anger, viewing their request as a repeat of the sin of the spies who discouraged the Israelites from entering Canaan (Numbers 32:6-15). Ultimately a compromise is reached where they commit to joining the Israelites in battle to conquer Canaan before returning to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-24)
Numbers 32:5 - 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.”
What does "Numbers 32:5" mean?
Numbers 32:5 describes the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, rather than crossing over into the Promised Land of Canaan. Let's break down the meaning:
"They said, 'If we have found favor in your sight...'": This is a polite and deferential opening. Reuben and Gad are acknowledging Moses' leadership and authority, and expressing their desire to be viewed favorably. They're essentially saying, "If you're willing to listen to us..."
"...let this land be given to your servants for a possession.": They are requesting ownership of the land east of the Jordan that they have already scouted out (specifically referring to the areas of Jazer and Gilead - Numbers 32:1). They want this land to be their permanent inheritance, the place where they and their families will live.
"Don’t bring us over the Jordan.": This is the crucial part. They are explicitly stating that they do not want to cross the Jordan River and take part in the conquest and settlement of Canaan. They prefer the land they've already seen and believe to be suitable for their needs, particularly their livestock.
In essence, the verse means that the tribes of Reuben and Gad, having seen the land east of the Jordan, found it suitable for their large herds of cattle. They were therefore petitioning Moses to allow them to settle there permanently, rather than participating in the conquest and claiming land in Canaan itself.
This request would have significant implications. It raised concerns about their commitment to the rest of Israel, whether they were prioritizing their own wealth over the communal goal of conquering the Promised Land, and the impact their absence would have on the battle. Moses initially reacts with anger, viewing their request as a repeat of the sin of the spies who discouraged the Israelites from entering Canaan (Numbers 32:6-15). Ultimately a compromise is reached where they commit to joining the Israelites in battle to conquer Canaan before returning to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-24)