Numbers 32 27

Numbers 32:27 kjv

But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, as my lord saith.

Numbers 32:27 nkjv

but your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, just as my lord says."

Numbers 32:27 niv

But your servants, every man who is armed for battle, will cross over to fight before the LORD, just as our lord says."

Numbers 32:27 esv

but your servants will pass over, every man who is armed for war, before the LORD to battle, as my lord orders."

Numbers 32:27 nlt

But all who are able to bear arms will cross over to fight for the LORD, just as you have said."

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 27 Meaning

Numbers 32:27 is a crucial declaration by the tribes of Reuben and Gad (representing the Transjordan tribes), promising Moses their complete participation in the conquest of Canaan. It signifies their solemn vow that all their fighting men would cross the Jordan River and fight alongside the other Israelite tribes until the entire land west of the Jordan was subdued, fulfilling their duty as part of the covenant community, exactly as Moses had commanded. This verse assures national unity in a divine military endeavor, demonstrating a commitment to their word and to the Lord's mandate.

Numbers 32 27 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the fertile land east of the Jordan, a region suitable for their numerous livestock. Moses initially reacted with strong anger, fearing that their desire to remain behind would dishearten the rest of the Israelites, mirroring the failure of the spies at Kadesh-barnea (Num 13-14) which resulted in forty years of wandering. To assuage Moses' fear and demonstrate their commitment to the national divine mission, Reuben and Gad (later joined by the half-tribe of Manasseh) made a solemn vow. They pledged to first build fortified cities for their families and enclosures for their livestock, and then, crucially, every able-bodied man among them would cross the Jordan fully armed, leading the other Israelite tribes into Canaan and fighting until the entire land was subdued and all tribes received their inheritance. Only then would they return to their allotted land east of the Jordan. Verse 27 is a part of their direct reaffirmation of this crucial promise, emphasizing their readiness and obedience, thus resolving the potential for disunity and ensuring Moses' blessing for their inheritance.

Numbers 32 27 Word analysis

• Your servants (עֲבָדֶיךָ, ‘avadêykā):

  • Lit. "your slaves" or "your servants."
  • Signifies humility, respectful submission, and a pledge of allegiance to Moses' authority.
  • Reflects the formal and deferential address given to a superior, particularly in a leader-follower relationship in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
  • Indicates a deep sense of commitment beyond mere agreement, implying a readiness to obey without question.

• will cross over (יַעַבְרוּ, ya‘avrū):

  • A definite future tense verb.
  • Emphasizes the certainty and irrevocability of their commitment.
  • Refers to the literal act of passing from one side of the Jordan River to the other, signifying their participation in the conquest of Canaan.
  • Metaphorically implies stepping into the divine plan with resolve.

• every man (כָּל־אִישׁ, kol-’îsh):

  • Emphasizes comprehensive inclusion; none among their fighting men would be exempt.
  • Highlights the collective responsibility and unity in their pledge.
  • Underscores the full extent of their manpower commitment.

• armed for battle (חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא, ḥălûtsê tsāvā’):

  • Literally "equipped for the army," "ready for deployment," or "stripped for war."
  • Denotes readiness not just to carry weapons but to be prepared for immediate and active engagement in warfare.
  • It paints a vivid picture of soldiers unencumbered and poised for conflict, signifying their complete preparation and determination.

• before the LORD (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, liphney YHWH):

  • A profoundly significant theological phrase.
  • Means their actions are conducted in the sight of God, under His direct observation and scrutiny.
  • Elevates the impending warfare from a mere human conflict to a divinely sanctioned and led endeavor.
  • Implies seeking God's approval, His empowering presence, and a sense of accountability to Him. This indicates a sacred obligation.

• to the war (לַמִּלְחָמָה, lammilḥāmāh):

  • Specifies the singular, overarching purpose: active participation in the conquest war against the inhabitants of Canaan.
  • Emphasizes that their intent is not merely to "go over" but specifically to "wage war."

• just as my lord commands (כַּאֲשֶׁר אֲדֹנִי אֹמֵר, ka’asher ’ădōnî ’ōmêr):

  • "just as": Denotes exact adherence and conformity to the given instruction.
  • "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי, ’ădōnî): A respectful title for Moses, their human leader. Acknowledges his authority as God's representative.
  • "commands" (אֹמֵר, ’ōmêr): Points to Moses' specific directive and conditions laid out in previous verses (vv. 20-23).
  • This phrase unequivocally expresses their total submission and willingness to execute Moses' instructions faithfully. It grounds their actions in explicit obedience to recognized authority.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Your servants will cross over, every man armed for battle": This segment encapsulates their active, complete, and prepared participation. It is a vow of universal military deployment from their ranks, showing deep personal and collective commitment to the shared national goal.
  • "before the LORD, to the war": This pairing transforms their military venture into a spiritual one. Their combat is not for mere conquest but for fulfilling God’s purpose, done under His watchful eye, making it a sacred obligation and an act of worship.
  • "just as my lord commands": This phrase binds their pledge directly to Mosaic authority, which itself reflects God's will. It demonstrates their understanding that unity and success are rooted in obedience to the divinely appointed leader, ensuring alignment with the overarching divine strategy for the conquest.

Numbers 32 27 Bonus section

The firm declaration by Reuben and Gad in Numbers 32:27 addresses and corrects the earlier reluctance and fear seen among the Israelites, particularly in the Kadesh-barnea incident. This commitment demonstrates a pivotal moment of renewed trust and obedience after previous failures. Their willingness to lead the charge underscores a shift from individual tribal interest to the corporate good of the nation, necessary for overcoming the formidable challenges of conquest. The mention of "before the LORD" also implicitly contrasts their actions with self-serving or idolatrous motives, grounding their warfare in covenant fidelity rather than human ambition. This loyalty foreshadows later instances where adherence to divine directives would prove crucial for Israel's success or failure in the land.

Numbers 32 27 Commentary

Numbers 32:27 stands as a powerful testament to the transformed heart of the Transjordan tribes following Moses' rebuke. Their pledge reflects a renewed understanding of their corporate responsibility within the covenant community. By volunteering their fighting men to cross over armed for battle before the LORD, they elevated the military conquest beyond a mere earthly endeavor; it became a sacred mission, directly accountable to God. The phrase "just as my lord commands" underscores their explicit submission to Moses’ divinely appointed leadership and the specific conditions he laid out, cementing national unity for the challenging task ahead. This verse illustrates the profound importance of keeping one's word, especially in divine service, and prioritizing the collective success of God's people over individual gain. Their faithful execution of this vow, later recounted in the book of Joshua, exemplifies a community acting in complete obedience and unity for God’s purposes, ultimately leading to the promised inheritance for all of Israel.