Numbers 32 21

Numbers 32:21 kjv

And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him,

Numbers 32:21 nkjv

and all your armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven out His enemies from before Him,

Numbers 32:21 niv

and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the LORD until he has driven his enemies out before him?

Numbers 32:21 esv

and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before the LORD, until he has driven out his enemies from before him

Numbers 32:21 nlt

and if your troops cross the Jordan and keep fighting until the LORD has driven out his enemies,

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 21 Meaning

Numbers 32:21, in the context of Moses' stern conditional agreement with the Reubenites and Gadites, outlines their commitment to participate in the conquest of Canaan. The specific phrase, "And your men of war will pass over before the LORD to battle, just as my lord says," summarizes the core promise made by these tribes. It signifies their solemn vow to arm themselves and fight alongside the other Israelite tribes across the Jordan River, under divine oversight, until the land of Canaan is subdued and God's enemies are driven out. Their subsequent return to their chosen inheritance east of the Jordan is strictly conditional upon this faithful fulfillment, emphasizing the critical importance of unity, commitment, and obedience to God's command.

Numbers 32 21 Context

Numbers 32 finds the tribes of Reuben and Gad approaching Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders with a request: to settle in the fertile land east of the Jordan River (Gilead), instead of crossing over into Canaan with the rest of Israel. Moses initially reacts strongly, accusing them of repeating the rebellious failures of their ancestors at Kadesh-Barnea, which led to the 40-year wilderness wandering. However, the tribes quickly clarify their intent, proposing that they would build secure cities for their families and flocks in Gilead, but their "men of war" would then cross the Jordan armed and lead the charge for the other tribes, fighting until all of Canaan was subdued. Numbers 32:20-23 presents Moses' acceptance of this proposition, but with strict conditions, especially the clear warning that failure to fulfill this promise would be a sin against the Lord, incurring severe consequences. The phrase analyzed captures the essence of the tribes' agreed commitment, confirmed by their own reply in verse 25, setting the stage for their future actions under Joshua's leadership.

Numbers 32 21 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew "וְ" (ve). Connects this statement to the preceding conditional clause and overall narrative, indicating continuation of the agreement.
• your men of war: Hebrew "אַנְשֵׁי הַצָּבָא" (anshei hatzava).
  • "men": anshei, referring specifically to males fit for military service.
  • "of war": hatzava, lit. "of the army" or "of the host." Emphasizes those who are fully trained and equipped for combat. This clarifies that it is not just any male, but the military contingent.
• will pass over: Hebrew "יַעֲבֹר" (ya'avor).
  • From the root עָבַר (avar), meaning "to cross," "to pass over." Here, it specifically denotes the crossing of the Jordan River into the promised land of Canaan, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This crossing symbolizes transition, obedience, and commitment to the divine mission.
• before the LORD: Hebrew "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" (lifnei YHWH).
  • "before": lifnei, lit. "in the face of," "in the presence of." This signifies not just physically preceding or leading, but doing so with God as witness and ultimate commander. The Lord's omnipresence and divine oversight make this a sacred undertaking and a vow with spiritual weight. It is not merely a human endeavor but one consecrated to God.
• to battle: Hebrew "לַמִּלְחָמָה" (lammilchama).
  • "to": la, indicates purpose.
  • "battle": milchama, meaning "war" or "conflict." Clearly states the intent and destination of their crossing – not settlement, but warfare on behalf of all Israel. This emphasizes the immediate, aggressive phase of their responsibility.
• just as: Hebrew "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher). Denotes conformity or accordance; emphasizing the agreement.
• my lord: Hebrew "אֲדֹנִי" (adoni). A respectful address, particularly used for someone in authority. In this context, it refers to Moses. It underscores the tribes' submission to Moses' leadership and the terms he has laid out. It signifies not merely a suggestion, but a command that will be followed.
• says: Hebrew "דִּבֵּר" (dibber). From the root דָּבַר (davar), meaning "to speak," "to command." This confirms that the tribes are committing to obey the specific conditions and words that Moses, as God's representative, has spoken to them.

Numbers 32 21 Bonus section

The narrative of Numbers 32, climaxing in this agreement, establishes a profound biblical precedent for corporate responsibility and fidelity to vows. It acts as a moral safeguard against selfish ambition, highlighting that blessings and land inheritance are contingent not just on divine grace but also on human obedience and active participation in God's redemptive plan. The potential sin mentioned in Num 32:23 is presented as a spiritual violation against YHWH, reinforcing that this was not merely a military contract but a covenant commitment. The fact that the tribes actually fulfilled this strenuous condition (Joshua 4:12-13, 22:1-6) serves as a testament to their integrity and teaches the importance of completing the work of God to receive His promised rest and inheritance. The location of their inherited land "beyond the Jordan" became a constant, physical reminder of their prior military obligation and the faithfulness required to settle and retain their territory. This prefigures the New Testament concept of discipleship involving cross-carrying and active participation in Christ's kingdom work before enjoying final rest.

Numbers 32 21 Commentary

Numbers 32:21 encapsulates a critical turning point where the loyalty and corporate responsibility of specific Israelite tribes are put to the test. The phrase, while representing the Gadite and Reubenite reply (informed by the user's specific text choice), firmly aligns with Moses' conditions in verses 20-22. The "men of war" signifies a serious military commitment, not just a casual gesture. Their promise to "pass over before the LORD to battle" underlines a theological reality: the conquest of Canaan was a divine enterprise, overseen by YHWH Himself. Their fighting was not just for land, but an act of worship and obedience to God's plan. The condition "just as my lord says" serves as both an act of submission to Moses' God-given authority and a solemn vow of allegiance to the entire community of Israel. Breaking such a promise, as highlighted in Num 32:23, would constitute a serious sin, reminding the original audience (and us) that integrity, unity, and covenant fidelity are non-negotiable in the life of faith and community. This passage teaches that individual desires, even legitimate ones, must be subordinated to the greater communal and divine purposes. It exemplifies how God tests hearts through demanding circumstances, requiring proactive participation rather than passive reception of blessing.

Examples for practical usage:

• Community commitment: Fulfilling duties in a church or community, even if personally inconvenient, because it serves the greater good and "before the Lord."
• Keeping promises: Honoring agreements and commitments made, understanding they have spiritual weight, not just legal or social implications.
• Spiritual warfare: Acknowledging that believers must "pass over to battle" (engage spiritually) against the forces of darkness, led by Christ.