Numbers 32 20

Numbers 32:20 kjv

And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

Numbers 32:20 nkjv

Then Moses said to them: "If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,

Numbers 32:20 niv

Then Moses said to them, "If you will do this?if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle

Numbers 32:20 esv

So Moses said to them, "If you will do this, if you will take up arms to go before the LORD for the war,

Numbers 32:20 nlt

Then Moses said, "If you keep your word and arm yourselves for the LORD's battles,

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 20 Meaning

Numbers 32:20 details a pivotal moment where Moses sets forth the conditions under which the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh may settle on the land east of the Jordan River. Moses declares that if they will indeed prepare themselves for battle and join the other tribes in conquering Canaan on the western side of the Jordan, doing so "before the Lord," then their request for inheritance will be granted. This verse encapsulates the requirement for unity, commitment, and divine accountability in fulfilling God's greater purpose for Israel.

Numbers 32 20 Context

This verse is found within Numbers chapter 32, where the tribes of Reuben and Gad, later joined by half of the tribe of Manasseh, request to inherit the pasturelands east of the Jordan River. These lands had just been conquered from Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. Moses initially reacts with dismay, fearing their request stems from a lack of faith, reminiscent of the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14) which resulted in 40 years of wilderness wandering. He challenges their proposal, reminding them of the catastrophic consequences of their ancestors' unbelief and how it discouraged the entire assembly from entering the land. The tribes then clarify their intention: they wish to build towns for their families and folds for their flocks first, and then fully arm themselves and lead the advance into Canaan to help their brethren conquer the land, promising not to return until the inheritance is secured for all tribes. Moses, seeing their genuine commitment and promise, sets the specific conditions stated in verse 20 and subsequent verses, thereby accepting their proposal provided they fulfill their obligation. This moment emphasizes the themes of collective responsibility, faithful execution of promises, and the necessity of unity in fulfilling God's divine mandate.

Numbers 32 20 Word analysis

• And Moses said to them, (וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֲלֵהֶם - vayyōʾmer Mōšeh ʾalēhem): This is a standard narrative transition, indicating Moses' direct communication to the requesting tribes. It emphasizes his authoritative role as God's representative.
• "If you will do this," (אִם־תַּעֲשׂוּ אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה - ʾim-taʿăśû ʾet-haddāḇār hazzeh):
  • אִם (ʾim): Hebrew particle meaning "if," introducing a conditional clause. It sets a clear prerequisite.
  • תַּעֲשׂוּ (taʿăśû): Second person plural imperfect, "you will do/perform." This emphasizes active and continued engagement.
  • הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה (haddāḇār hazzeh): "this word/matter/thing." Here, it refers specifically to the pledge the Reubenites and Gadites just made in the preceding verses (Num 32:16-19) to participate fully in the conquest. Davar can signify a word, deed, or command, pointing to the binding nature of their spoken commitment.
• "if you will arm yourselves" (אִם־תֵּחָלְצוּ - ʾim-tēḥālᵉṣû):
  • תֵּחָלְצוּ (tēḥālᵉṣû): Nifal imperfect of the root חָלַץ (H.L.Ts.), meaning "to be equipped," "to be armed," "to gird oneself for action," "to be prepared." This implies not just having weapons, but being militarily ready and fully committed to active duty. The Nifal stem suggests a reciprocal or passive meaning, indicating they are "caused to be ready" or "ready themselves." This active preparation distinguishes them from merely existing.
• "before the Lord" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - liḵfəney YHWH):
  • לִפְנֵי (liḵfəney): "before," "in the presence of," "to the face of." This crucial phrase elevates the earthly military venture to a sacred undertaking. It signifies that their actions are observed and sanctioned by God Himself.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH): The tetragrammaton, the personal and covenantal name of God. This indicates that the battle is not merely for human gain but is a "holy war" led by Yahweh. Their commitment is therefore to God's will and purpose.
• "for battle," (לַמִּלְחָמָה - lammiľḥāmâ):
  • לַמִּלְחָמָה (lammiľḥāmâ): "for the war/battle." It states the explicit purpose of their arming and marching. The definite article highlights it as the significant campaign. This clarifies the seriousness of the required commitment.

Words-group analysis:

• "If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves": The repetition of "if" emphasizes the absolute conditionality of Moses' agreement. It links the doing of the specific "thing" (their pledge to help) directly to their practical preparedness ("arming themselves"). It's a statement of mutual responsibility: their land settlement depends directly on their military commitment and execution. This duality highlights that promises must be accompanied by action and visible readiness.
• "arm yourselves before the Lord for battle": This phrase encapsulates the sacred nature of the Israelite conquest. It's not just a tribal skirmish but a divinely ordained mission. Fighting "before the Lord" signifies that God's honor, will, and presence are inextricably linked to their conduct and the outcome. This sets it apart from secular warfare; it requires obedience, faith, and ethical conduct according to God's standards. It reminds the tribes that their proposed action, while practical, also carries profound spiritual implications and demands accountability to a higher authority.

Numbers 32 20 Bonus section

• The Power of Vows and Oaths: This passage reflects the gravity of vows in ancient Israel. A spoken commitment was legally and morally binding, often sealed "before the Lord," invoking divine witness and accountability. Moses' insistence here ensured that their pledge was more than mere words.
• Leadership Wisdom: Moses demonstrates discerning leadership. He initially tests the tribes' intentions, then, upon their genuine and detailed proposal, accepts it with clear conditions, thus balancing justice with grace and facilitating unity rather than division. He foresees potential future strife if their promise were not upheld.
• The East vs. West Bank: The distinction between settling east and west of the Jordan had ongoing significance for Israel's identity and geopolitics. This verse is the foundational agreement that allowed a portion of Israel to live outside the primary "land of promise" while still remaining part of the unified nation with a shared mission.
• Anticipation of Unity: Moses’ conditions implicitly fostered national unity. By requiring the trans-Jordan tribes to fight first for their brothers’ inheritance, he ensured they remained integrally involved in the greater Israelite destiny, preventing them from becoming isolated. This active participation cemented their identity within the twelve tribes of Israel, preventing a self-serving withdrawal.

Numbers 32 20 Commentary

Numbers 32:20 underscores critical biblical principles: the sanctity of a promise, collective responsibility, and God's role in the lives of His people. Moses' firm stance on the tribes' commitment to cross the Jordan highlights that the blessing of inheritance is contingent on faithful action and adherence to the larger communal goal. This was a severe test of their integrity, following a period marked by past failures in obedience. The requirement to "arm yourselves before the Lord" indicates that human effort and preparation are necessary, yet they are conducted in God's sight and under His sovereign leadership. It elevates military service to a form of worship and obedience, emphasizing that the conquest of Canaan was a holy endeavor, not merely a land grab. The tribes’ subsequent fulfillment of this pledge (as seen in Joshua) became a testament to their integrity and commitment to the covenant. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual promises often come with tangible responsibilities and that true faith is demonstrated through action performed with divine awareness and purpose.