Numbers 32 17

Numbers 32:17 kjv

But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Numbers 32:17 nkjv

but we ourselves will be armed, ready to go before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones will dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Numbers 32:17 niv

But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land.

Numbers 32:17 esv

but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. And our little ones shall live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Numbers 32:17 nlt

Then we will arm ourselves and lead our fellow Israelites into battle until we have brought them safely to their land. Meanwhile, our families will stay in the fortified towns we build here, so they will be safe from any attacks by the local people.

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 17 Meaning

Numbers 32:17 encapsulates the crucial pledge made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and the half-tribe of Manasseh by extension) to Moses. This verse signifies their commitment to fully participate in the conquest of Canaan alongside the other tribes, ensuring the other Israelites gain their full inheritance west of the Jordan. Concurrently, it expresses their pragmatic concern for the safety of their non-combatants, promising to settle their vulnerable family members in fortified cities east of the Jordan due to the inherent dangers from the local inhabitants, while the fighting men fulfill their national duty.

Numbers 32 17 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the plea of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, followed by the half-tribe of Manasseh, to settle the fertile lands east of the Jordan River conquered from Sihon and Og. Moses initially responds with indignation, fearing their desire for immediate settlement would demoralize the other tribes, echoing the disastrous outcome of the spies' report at Kadesh-Barnea (Num 13-14). Their promise in verse 17 is part of their effort to alleviate Moses' concern, assuring him they would not abandon their brethren but would actively participate in the difficult task of conquering the land west of the Jordan. This verse is key to the negotiation, establishing their pledge of full military commitment until the entire conquest is complete for all tribes, while their families and flocks remain secure in the "fenced cities" on the east side. This agreement forms a pivotal covenant between Moses and these tribes, securing both their desired land and their commitment to the national mission.

Numbers 32 17 Word analysis

• But we ourselves: The Hebrew וַאֲנַחְנוּ (va'anakhnu) employs an emphatic form of "we," strongly asserting their agency and commitment, distinguishing their specific proposed action from merely abandoning the others. It signifies a clear personal responsibility and dedication.
• will be ready armed: The verb is נַחְלֹץ (nakhlots), derived from the root חלץ (chalats), meaning "to draw out, to pull off, to equip oneself for battle, to be strong." This denotes not merely possessing weapons but being militarily equipped and prepared for immediate active service, indicating proactive readiness and swift deployment. It conveys their readiness to act as a vanguard or front-line force.
• before the children of Israel: The Hebrew לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (lifnei b'nei Yisra'el) signifies "in front of," "in the presence of," or "at the head of." This is a significant aspect of their pledge, meaning they would not just follow or join, but actively lead the charge or be among the first into battle, demonstrating strong solidarity and a shared burden.
• until we have brought them: The phrase עַד אִם הֵבֵאנוּ (ad im heveinu) literally means "until if we have brought." The use of "if" (אם) in this context strengthens the "until" by implying a full completion or condition, signifying that their service will continue precisely up to the point that the objective is achieved for their brethren. It highlights a defined end to their military obligation linked to the fulfillment of the other tribes' inheritance.
• unto their place: The Hebrew אֶל מְקֹמָם (el m'qomam) refers to the divinely promised inheritance west of the Jordan, their specific territorial possession. This underlines the objective: ensuring all Israel obtains its allocated land.
• and our little ones: The term וְטַפֵּנוּ (v'tapenu) specifically refers to the young children or dependents, highlighting their vulnerability and the reason for the fortified settlements. The safety of the family was a paramount concern, as it often dictated decisions in ancient warfare.
• shall dwell: The verb יֵשְׁבוּ (yeshvu), from ישב (yashav), "to sit, to dwell, to remain," conveys a sense of stable, secure, and permanent residence within these cities.
• in the fenced cities: The Hebrew בְּעָרֵי הַמִּבְצָר (b'arei ha-mibtsar) means "in the cities of the fortress/stronghold." This denotes settlements explicitly prepared for defense with walls and other fortifications, providing necessary protection against external threats. This highlights a practical and protective measure for their non-combatant population.
• because of the inhabitants of the land: The phrase מִפְּנֵי יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ (mip'nei yoshvei ha'arets) explains the direct threat posed by the Canaanite and other indigenous populations whom Israel was commanded to dispossess. This acknowledges the realistic dangers that necessitated the fortification and careful positioning of their families.

• "But we ourselves will be ready armed before the children of Israel": This phrase encapsulates their proactive and spearheading role in the impending military campaign. It’s a declaration of shared commitment, asserting that they will not shirk their duties but will actively participate in securing the inheritance for all. Their self-designation "we ourselves" (anakhnu) highlights a personal and communal resolve.
• "until we have brought them unto their place": This defines the scope and duration of their commitment. Their pledge isn't for a brief engagement but for sustained participation until the entire conquest is successfully concluded for the other tribes. It underlines a corporate responsibility and an ultimate goal for the entire nation.
• "and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land": This phrase justifies their unique request for settlement east of Jordan, revealing a balance between national duty and familial protection. They acknowledge the genuine danger from the land's inhabitants and present a pragmatic solution to secure their dependents while the able-bodied men join the fight. This shows their realistic assessment of security needs and responsible family care.

Numbers 32 17 Bonus section

• The promise in Numbers 32:17 lays the groundwork for the condition given by Moses in verse 23: "But if you do not do so, behold, you will have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out." This underscores the seriousness and accountability tied to their oath, with potential divine consequences for unfaithfulness.
• The subsequent narrative in Joshua confirms the integrity of these tribes in fulfilling their solemn vow. Joshua 4:12-13 specifically notes that around 40,000 armed men from these tribes crossed the Jordan and marched "before the LORD" and "before the children of Israel" to engage in battle. Joshua 22:1-6 then records Joshua's commendation and dismissal of them, testifying to their completed service and confirming their fidelity to this promise.
• This passage exemplifies the practical outworking of Israelite national unity. Despite distinct land allocations and potential geographic separation, the call for mutual support and corporate endeavor was paramount for the realization of God's promises to the entire covenant people.

Numbers 32 17 Commentary

Numbers 32:17 serves as the turning point in the discussion between Moses and the Reubenites and Gadites, offering a strategic compromise that allays Moses' initial fear of disunity and unfaithfulness. The tribes’ pledge showcases a significant understanding of corporate responsibility within the covenant community. They committed not only to military support but to an active, leading role in the conquest ("ready armed before the children of Israel"), underscoring a high degree of loyalty and brotherhood. Crucially, their commitment was not temporary, but enduring ("until we have brought them unto their place"), promising perseverance until the divinely appointed mission was fulfilled for all tribes. This powerful declaration demonstrated that their desire for immediate land east of Jordan was not rooted in selfishness but a practical concern for the security of their vulnerable families ("little ones dwell in the fenced cities") against a clear and present danger ("inhabitants of the land"), while still upholding their duty to the nation. This verse highlights the tension and ultimate reconciliation between tribal self-interest and the collective good of Israel, setting a precedent for communal burden-bearing and faithfulness to one's word within God's people.