Numbers 32:26 kjv
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:
Numbers 32:26 nkjv
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock will be there in the cities of Gilead;
Numbers 32:26 niv
Our children and wives, our flocks and herds will remain here in the cities of Gilead.
Numbers 32:26 esv
Our little ones, our wives, our livestock, and all our cattle shall remain there in the cities of Gilead,
Numbers 32:26 nlt
Our children, wives, flocks, and cattle will stay here in the towns of Gilead.
Numbers 32 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 32:16-17 | "We will build sheepfolds here for our flocks and cities for our little ones..." | Their prior proposal to secure families. |
| Deut 3:18-20 | "Moses commanded them... 'You are to cross over armed before your brothers...' " | Moses's command echoing their pledge. |
| Josh 1:12-15 | "To the Reubenites, the Gadites... 'Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land...' " | Joshua reminding them of their promise. |
| Josh 22:1-6 | "Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites... and said to them, 'You have kept all that Moses... commanded you...' " | The fulfillment of their commitment. |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith..." | Responsibility to provide for family. |
| Prov 13:22 | "A good person leaves an inheritance for their grandchildren..." | Foresight for future generations. |
| Eph 6:4 | "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." | Parental responsibility for the young. |
| Gen 47:1-6 | Joseph presenting his family, focusing on their identity as shepherds to Pharaoh for land in Goshen. | Prioritizing livelihood and family security. |
| Gen 30:43 | "So the man [Jacob] became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants..." | Prosperity measured in livestock. |
| Num 20:19 | Israel's commitment to pay for water and pasture, showing concern for livestock. | Valuing livestock as a primary asset. |
| Psa 78:52 | "But He made His own people go forth like sheep..." | God's care for His flock/people. |
| Matt 5:37 | "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil." | Upholding integrity in promises. |
| Jas 5:12 | "But above all, my brothers, do not swear... but let your 'Yes' be yes and your 'No' be no..." | Reinforcing the importance of keeping one's word. |
| Prov 11:14 | "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." | Value of wise planning for security. |
| Prov 22:3 | "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." | Wisdom in protecting the vulnerable. |
| Neh 4:14 | "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." | Fighting for family and home security. |
| Phil 2:3-4 | "Do nothing from selfish ambition... but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." | Selfless concern for the community's welfare. |
| Rom 15:1 | "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." | Supporting the vulnerable in the community. |
| 1 Cor 10:24 | "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." | Emphasis on communal good. |
| Num 30:2 | "When a man vows a vow to the Lord... he shall not break his word..." | Importance of fulfilling vows/promises. |
Numbers 32 verses
Numbers 32 26 Meaning
Numbers 32:26 records the statement made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to Moses, reiterating their intention to leave their families, young children, and all their extensive livestock in the securely established cities of the Gilead region east of the Jordan River. This statement served as a concrete assurance that these tribes were prepared to fulfill their military obligation to the entire Israelite congregation by joining the conquest of Canaan, rather than solely settling for the land already acquired.
Numbers 32 26 Context
Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who possessed a great deal of livestock, to settle in the fertile Transjordan region of Gilead rather than crossing the Jordan River into Canaan. Moses initially expresses strong displeasure, viewing their request as a repetition of the faithless acts of the previous generation who refused to enter the Promised Land (Num 13-14). To alleviate Moses's concerns, the Reubenites and Gadites offer a counter-proposal: they will first build cities for their families and folds for their flocks in Gilead, and then, leaving their vulnerable dependents securely settled, they will arm themselves and lead the other Israelite tribes in the conquest of Canaan, returning only after the land is subdued and divided among all twelve tribes. Verse 26 is part of their detailed commitment, specifying the dependents and assets they would leave behind, emphasizing their genuine intent to fulfill their military duty before claiming their rest. This agreement demonstrates a balance between individual tribal needs and the collective national mission, ensuring unity in the face of the monumental task ahead.
Numbers 32 26 Word analysis
- Our little ones (Heb. ṭappanû): The Hebrew word ṭap (טַף) specifically denotes small children, dependents who cannot care for themselves, emphasizing their extreme vulnerability. The inclusion of "our little ones" highlights the tribes' foundational concern for family safety and protection as the primary motivation for seeking secure cities in Gilead.
- Our wives (Heb. nāšêḵā from nāšîm): Refers to the adult females, the women. Together with "little ones," this covers the entire family unit. The welfare of women and children was a core responsibility, requiring a safe and stable dwelling place, reinforcing the pragmatic necessity of fortifying cities for them.
- Our flocks (Heb. ṣōnēnū): The term tson (צֹאן) encompasses both sheep and goats, which were crucial forms of wealth, sustenance, and livelihood for these pastoral tribes. Their abundance of such livestock was the explicit reason they desired the lush pastures of Gilead (Num 32:1).
- And all our cattle (Heb. ūḵol-miqnehenū): The word miqneh (מִקְנֶה) refers to livestock in general, including larger animals like oxen, donkeys, etc., representing all their accumulated animal wealth and economic base. This broad category further underscores their identity as a livestock-rich people requiring substantial grazing lands.
- Shall be there (Heb. yiḥyū-sham): The verb hayah (הָיָה), 'to be' or 'to exist,' combined with the adverb sham (שָׁם), 'there,' emphasizes the permanent placement and security of their dependents and possessions. It signifies a settled habitation, not just a temporary camp, crucial for protection while the men are absent.
- In the cities of Gilead (Heb. bə‘ārê gil‘ād): ‘ār (עָר) refers to fortified settlements or towns. Gilead (גִּלְעָד) is a historically recognized region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pasturage and strategic importance. The mention of "cities" implies substantial infrastructure and defenses, demonstrating their intent to build a secure home base, distinct from their current nomadic existence, to safeguard their families while fulfilling their tribal covenant.
Numbers 32 26 Bonus section
The choice of Gilead for their settlement laid the foundation for the distinct historical trajectory of the Transjordanian tribes. While this verse highlights their responsible planning, it also foreshadows later challenges these tribes faced due to their geographical separation from the rest of Israel. Their land on the east bank of the Jordan was historically more exposed to foreign invaders (e.g., Ammonites, Arameans) and more susceptible to adopting idolatrous practices (e.g., Judges 10:6-9). Thus, Num 32:26 marks the initial step in the unique, and often more precarious, destiny of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh in the Promised Land.
Numbers 32 26 Commentary
Numbers 32:26 succinctly articulates the crucial part of the Reubenites' and Gadites' assurance to Moses: their dependents and livelihoods would be secure first. This highlights their primary concern for the practicalities of survival and welfare of their families and immense flocks. By proposing to leave their vulnerable members in established cities, they presented a tangible guarantee of their sincerity and commitment to participate fully in the conquest. This statement was a necessary pivot, transforming Moses's initial indignation into approval. It established the pragmatic foundation upon which their significant military pledge was built, reinforcing the theme of communal responsibility and unity for God's larger redemptive purposes for Israel.