Numbers 32 18

Numbers 32:18 kjv

We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.

Numbers 32:18 nkjv

We will not return to our homes until every one of the children of Israel has received his inheritance.

Numbers 32:18 niv

We will not return to our homes until each of the Israelites has received their inheritance.

Numbers 32:18 esv

We will not return to our homes until each of the people of Israel has gained his inheritance.

Numbers 32:18 nlt

We will not return to our homes until all the people of Israel have received their portions of land.

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 18 Meaning

Numbers 32:18 expresses the solemn commitment made by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. They vow to actively participate in the conquest of Canaan alongside the other tribes, enduring military campaigns and dangers, and will not return to settle in their chosen lands east of the Jordan until every single Israelite west of the Jordan has received and occupied their divinely allotted inheritance. This commitment signifies a profound understanding of corporate responsibility and prioritizes the welfare and establishment of the entire nation of Israel above their immediate personal interests.

Numbers 32 18 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, known for their abundant livestock, to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River. Initially, Moses strongly condemns this proposal, fearing it indicates a lack of faith and willingness to fight, similar to the rebellion at Kadesh Barnea which led to forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses perceives it as a selfish act that would discourage the rest of Israel from entering the promised land. However, the tribes clarify their intent, assuring Moses that their desire for land east of the Jordan would not exempt them from their corporate responsibility. Verse 18 is part of their explicit pledge to fight alongside their brethren for the entire land of Canaan, promising to be the vanguard and not to return to their settled homes until every other tribe had secured its portion of the land. This promise was crucial for gaining Moses' approval and ensuring the unity of Israel in the forthcoming conquest.

Numbers 32 18 Word analysis

• But we: A connector highlighting a distinction and clarification from the tribes regarding their previous request, emphasizing their continued participation. It conveys their commitment and resolve.
• will not return (Hebrew: לֹא נָשׁוּב, lo nashuv): A strong negative affirmation using the root shuv (שָׁוַב), meaning "to turn back," "return," or "go back." This signifies an unshakeable and definite vow. Their resolve is complete, their commitment absolute until the stated condition is met. This implies a prolonged period of separation from their settled homes.
• to our homes (Hebrew: לְבָתֵּינוּ, l'vateynu): Refers to their desired permanent dwellings and places of rest in Transjordan. This phrase underlines the personal sacrifice; they would delay their own domestic comfort and security.
• until (Hebrew: עַד, ad): A crucial temporal and conditional conjunction. It establishes a clear, non-negotiable prerequisite for their return. Their commitment has a defined endpoint, contingent solely on the fulfillment of the communal goal.
• every one (Hebrew: כֹּל, kol): Denotes "all," "every," or "whole." This word emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive nature of their pledge. Not a single Israelite or tribal inheritance would be overlooked; the task would be considered complete only when everyone had received their portion.
• of the people of Israel (Hebrew: בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, b'ney Yisrael): Literally "sons of Israel" or "children of Israel." This phrase stresses the unity and corporate identity of the twelve tribes as one nation, God's covenant people. Their obligation was not merely to a few, but to the entire united assembly.
• has inherited (Hebrew: נָחַל, nachal): This verb means "to take possession," "to inherit," or "to obtain an inheritance." It signifies the act of occupying and receiving the allotted portion of land. The act is divinely sanctioned, implying more than mere military conquest but a receiving of God's promised gift.
• his inheritance (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, nachalah): Refers to "inheritance," "possession," or "heritage," specifically referring to the divinely allotted parcel of land within Canaan. For Israel, this land was fundamental to their identity, covenant, and promises of rest and prosperity. It wasn't merely property, but a sacred trust.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But we will not return to our homes": This phrase encapsulates a solemn and unwavering vow. It articulates a definitive commitment to delay their personal rest, security, and domestic comfort, thereby foregrounding the larger communal goal. This demonstrated a pivotal shift from self-interest to a corporate vision.
• "until every one of the people of Israel": This passage stresses the absolute inclusivity and comprehensive nature of their pledge. It underscores that their service was for the benefit of the entire, unified nation, leaving no one behind in the struggle for land possession. This corporate responsibility was paramount.
• "has inherited his inheritance": This points to the ultimate objective: the full and complete realization of God's land promise to all His chosen people. The land, their "inheritance," represented the fulfillment of divine blessing, security, and a place of covenant rest for each family within Israel.

Numbers 32 18 Bonus section

• This verse represents a vital covenant pledge between the Transjordanian tribes and the rest of Israel, affirmed by Moses and later by Joshua (Joshua 1). This verbal agreement solidified their place within the united nation and preempted potential future schism.
• The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) goes beyond mere property; it embodies the totality of God's promise to Israel, including land, security, rest, and blessing, indicating a fulfilled state of God's provision. It is tied to the concept of rest in the Promised Land.
• The resolve to fight "until every one... has inherited" underscores a practical lesson in Christian discipleship: mutual support and participation in the spiritual battles and communal growth of believers are often a prerequisite to individual spiritual rest and the full enjoyment of one's own spiritual inheritance in Christ.
• Their promise to return after the entire nation received its inheritance reinforces the theological idea that genuine rest and lasting blessing are often achieved through collective obedience and corporate labor, prioritizing the community's establishment over immediate personal gain.

Numbers 32 18 Commentary

Numbers 32:18 serves as a pivotal verse showcasing the transformation of the Reubenites and Gadites from perceived self-interest to exemplary corporate solidarity. Their initial request to settle east of the Jordan was misconstrued as an evasion of responsibility, drawing Moses' stern rebuke rooted in the historical failures of Kadesh Barnea. This verse, however, contains their decisive pledge, redefining their intent: they would be the vanguard, actively fighting with their brethren until every single tribe had securely obtained their divinely apportioned land inheritance.

This commitment demonstrates a deep understanding of Israel's national covenant, where individual blessing was intertwined with communal well-being. It was a conscious choice to postpone their own peace and rest for the greater good of the unified nation, reflecting a sacrificial and interdependent spirit. The significance of "his inheritance" emphasizes that the land was a specific, divinely designated portion for each family, representing their security, identity, and future within the Promised Land. Their commitment was not merely to military victory but to the full establishment and rest of all Israel. This principle resonates spiritually today, as believers are called to support and build up the Body of Christ until every member reaches their full spiritual inheritance and maturity, before experiencing ultimate personal rest in glory. It is a timeless example of selfless service within a community.