Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryNumbers 32

Numbers 32:1: The Request of the Reubenites In this passage, the Israelites were camped on the plains of Moab, near the land they had conquered from Sihon and Og. As they waited to enter Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad made a special request to Moses. They asked if they could have their share of land on the east side of the Jordan River, instead of in Canaan. This decision was not directly commanded by God, but was worked out through discussion and human wisdom. It shows that even when God is leading, some choices are made by using good judgment.v. 1: The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw that the land they had already taken was very good for cattle (v. 1 ). Because they had many animals, they wanted this land for themselves. Both tribes were camped together and had time to talk about their plans. Some believe the Gadites led the request because they were more skillful in making their case, or because Reuben's tribe was still affected by Jacob's words that he would not excel (Genesis 49:3-4 ). Their desire was influenced by two things: the “lust of the eye” and the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16 ). First, the land looked very appealing and useful, especially for their large herds. Some think these tribes had become good at raising animals in the wilderness. The Bible often calls Bashan and Gilead good places for cattle. However, some, like John Calvin, see a problem here: these men thought more about their own convenience than about the good of all Israel or God’s promises. This shows that people sometimes care more about their own interests than the things of God or the community (Philippians 2:21 ). Like Lot, who chose land by what he saw and later suffered for it (Genesis 13:10-11 ), we should be careful not to focus only on what seems good now. Second, there was the “pride of life.” Reuben was the oldest, but had lost his birthright. Maybe now he wanted to be first to claim land, even if it was outside of Canaan. The Gadites and Manasseh may have wanted to have an important share as well.

v. 2 Kings 15:29: Much later, these tribes were the first to be taken away into exile by the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:29 ). This shows that those who receive blessings first can also face trouble first.

v. 5: The request from these tribes—"Do not make us cross the Jordan"—looked bad at first (v. 5 ). It seemed like they did not value the promised land or trust God to help them win Canaan. It also looked selfish, since they wanted a safe place for their animals and did not seem to care about the needs of the other Israelites. Their words could have discouraged the rest of the people, making them feel weaker and less able to fight the Canaanites. If Moses agreed, other tribes might also want to settle early and not wait for the land to be divided by lot.

v. 6-7: Moses was upset by their request and challenged them strongly (v. 6, 7 ). He asked, "Should your brothers go to war while you sit here?" Moses warned them that it was wrong to avoid helping their fellow Israelites face dangers and difficulties. God’s people should not be selfish or lazy when others need help.

v. 8-13: Moses reminded them about what happened to their fathers when they refused to enter the promised land because of fear and lack of faith (v. 8-13 ). He warned that the same unbelief and lack of courage could lead to God’s anger, just as it had before. The punishment for their fathers was a lesson for them not to make the same mistake.

v. 14-15: Moses said that if these tribes separated themselves from Israel, it could bring trouble to everyone (v. 14, 15 ). He warned that their actions could cause God’s anger and make all the people suffer. Moses was sad to see the new generation acting like the old one, and he told them that sin brings serious consequences for everyone, not just for those who make the mistake.

Numbers 32:16: The Agreement Between Moses and the Two Tribes This section describes how Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad reached an agreement about their request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. After Moses rebuked them, the two tribes reconsidered and offered a new plan. They promised to help the other Israelites conquer Canaan, while their families and flocks stayed behind in the land they wanted. This solution showed that honest discussion and correction can help people do what is right.v. 16: The Reubenites and Gadites explained that they would build pens for their animals and towns for their families in the land east of the Jordan. They said their fighting men would go with the rest of Israel to help conquer Canaan (v. 16 ). Their plan showed they were willing to take responsibility and not just think about themselves.

v. 17: They promised that their strong men would go first, ready for battle, to fight for Israel. They would not leave their brothers to fight alone. They also said their families would stay in the safe towns they built until the land was won (v. 17 ).

v. 18-19: The two tribes agreed not to return to their new land until all the Israelites had received their inheritance in Canaan. They promised not to ask for any of the land in Canaan, but to be content with what they had east of the Jordan (v. 18-19 ).

v. 20-21: Moses accepted their proposal, but made it clear that they must keep their promise. He told them they must go armed before the Lord

v. 22: Moses said that if they fulfilled their promise, they would be guiltless before both the Lord

v. 23: Moses warned them that if they did not keep their word, they would sin against the Lord

v. 25: The two tribes agreed to all of Moses’ conditions. They promised to do as Moses commanded (v. 25 ). They recognized they owed help to their brothers, because Israel had helped them win the land they wanted. Not every person in these tribes would go to war—only those who were best for fighting. We later learn that about 40,000 men crossed over to help in battle, even though the tribes were much larger (Joshua 4:13 ).

Numbers 32:28: Inheritance of the Reubenites This passage tells how Moses officially arranged for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh to receive land east of the Jordan River. Moses worked with Eleazar the priest and Joshua, who would be the next leader, because Moses knew he would not enter the promised land himself. The agreement included clear conditions: the tribes could have the land if they kept their promise to help the other Israelites conquer Canaan. This shows the importance of keeping promises and working together as a community.v. 28-30: Moses gave instructions to Eleazar and Joshua about the agreement with the two and a half tribes (v. 28-30 ). If the tribes crossed over the Jordan armed and helped fight, they could receive the land they wanted. But if they did not help, they would have to take their share in Canaan instead.

v. 31-32: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh promised again that they would cross over and fight with their brothers (v. 31, 32 ). They agreed to do everything Moses had commanded.

v. 33: Moses then gave them the land they had requested (v. 33 ). This is the first time the half tribe of Manasseh is mentioned as joining them. They probably received land because the territory was too large for just Reuben and Gad, or because the Manassites had shown bravery in battle (v. 39 ). The strong family of Machir, from Manasseh, had already conquered part of this area.

v. 38: The tribes repaired and rebuilt the cities in their new land, as many had been damaged in war or left in poor condition. They also changed the names of the cities (v. 38 ). This was done to show new ownership and to remove names connected with false gods like Nebo and Baal, whom Israel was told not to mention (Exodus 23:13 ). God wanted Israel to forget the names of idols (Hosea 2:17 ).

v. 39: The family of Machir, from Manasseh, took the land of Gilead by defeating the Amorites there (v. 39 ). Their bravery helped secure this region for Israel.