Numbers 32 19

Numbers 32:19 kjv

For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

Numbers 32:19 nkjv

For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this eastern side of the Jordan."

Numbers 32:19 niv

We will not receive any inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan."

Numbers 32:19 esv

For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on this side of the Jordan to the east."

Numbers 32:19 nlt

But we do not claim any of the land on the other side of the Jordan. We would rather live here on the east side and accept this as our grant of land."

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 19 Meaning

Numbers 32:19 expresses the commitment of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the larger Israelite community. Having received their desired inheritance of pastureland east of the Jordan River, they reassure Moses that they will not seek or claim any additional territory on the western side (Canaan proper) of the Jordan River alongside the other tribes. Their declared portion, providentially designated to them, lies solely on the eastern bank. This statement reinforces their willingness to fulfill their obligation to help the remaining tribes conquer the Promised Land before returning to their assigned territories.

Numbers 32 19 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and later, the half-tribe of Manasseh) to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. This region, having been recently conquered from King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan (Numbers 21), was rich in pastureland, highly suitable for their large flocks and herds. Moses initially expresses strong disapproval, fearing a repetition of Kadesh-barnea when the Israelites' lack of faith led to forty years of wandering. He sees their request as a defection from the mission to conquer the land God promised to all Israel. Verse 19 is part of the tribes' response to Moses, as they clarify their intentions. They reassure him they have no desire to shirk their covenant responsibilities; their intention is to first help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan River, only then returning to their established homes and inheritance on the eastern bank. Historically, Israel was poised on the plains of Moab, on the brink of entering Canaan, a pivotal moment in their journey toward fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. This agreement solidified their unity and shared commitment to the conquest, establishing a physical boundary for their specific tribal allocation.

Numbers 32 19 Word analysis

• For we will not inherit with them: This phrase clarifies the exclusive nature of their request. It underscores a boundary for their desired possession.
  • "inherit" (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, nachalah - "inheritance," "possession"; verb ירש, yarash - "to possess," "to inherit"): The concept of inheritance is central to Israel's identity, symbolizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise of land to Abraham and his descendants. It implies a divinely appointed portion or legacy.
  • "with them": Refers to the other nine-and-a-half tribes who were destined to receive their land on the western side of the Jordan. It highlights their recognition of the distinct land allocation for others.
• on the other side of the Jordan,: This denotes the land of Canaan proper, west of the Jordan River. It's the primary target of the upcoming conquest and the land most prominently emphasized in God's promises to Abraham.
  • "other side" (Hebrew: עֵבֶר, 'ever): Often used to denote "across," "beyond," or "the region across" from the perspective of the speaker. Here, from the plains of Moab, it refers to the west.
  • "Jordan" (Hebrew: יַרְדֵּן, Yarden): The principal river of the Levant, a significant geographical boundary that acted as a major divide between the conquered lands to the east and the as-yet-unconquered Promised Land to the west.
• because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Jordan to the east.: This part explains the rationale for their prior statement, emphasizing that their designated portion is already settled and distinct.
  • "our inheritance has fallen to us" (Hebrew: נָפְלָה לָנוּ, nafelah lanu - literally, "has fallen to us"): The verb "fallen" implies allocation by lot (cf. Ps 16:6), or by providential circumstances. This acknowledges God's sovereignty in guiding their choice or allowing them to acquire this land through conquest, indicating divine approval of their specific claim. It distinguishes it from random acquisition, rooting it in divine orchestration.
  • "on this side of the Jordan": Refers to the Transjordan region, which they had helped to conquer from Sihon and Og. It highlights their already established claim.
  • "to the east" (Hebrew: קֵדְמָה, qedmah): Specifically designates the location as eastward of the Jordan. This further confirms the geographical distinction of their inheritance and grounds it firmly in the reality of their present position.

Numbers 32 19 Bonus section

The tribal agreement depicted in Numbers 32, including verse 19, provides a prototype of shared vision and division of labor within God's people. Although the tribes received separate "portions," they remained part of a single national entity with shared covenant responsibilities. The "falling" of their inheritance by divine ordination, though likely interpreted as the successful conquest and choice of desirable land, served as a theological validation of their unique situation, assuring Moses that God was indeed in this arrangement too. The concept of "inheritance" extends beyond mere physical land; it foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ – a portion that is eternal and imperishable (1 Pet 1:4). Just as these tribes accepted their allocated land while fighting for the common inheritance, so believers receive their spiritual inheritance, yet are called to work for the broader advance of God's Kingdom.

Numbers 32 19 Commentary

Numbers 32:19 succinctly conveys the resolve of the Transjordan tribes regarding their inheritance. It clarifies that their request for land east of the Jordan was not a shirking of collective responsibility nor an attempt to gain extra territory. By declaring their distinct portion was "fallen to us on this side of the Jordan," they affirmed the divine providence in their circumstances while emphatically pledging no further claim on the primary Promised Land to the west. This verse is critical in demonstrating tribal unity, highlighting that while individual circumstances (like land preference for their livestock) might lead to distinct allocations, the core covenant obligations (conquering Canaan) bound all of Israel together. It signifies the principle that varied gifts or portions do not negate shared duties to the greater Body. Practically, it exemplifies a commitment to collaborative effort: achieving personal goals while ensuring contribution to the communal, God-ordained mission.