Numbers 32 28

Numbers 32:28 kjv

So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

Numbers 32:28 nkjv

So Moses gave command concerning them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel.

Numbers 32:28 niv

Then Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun and to the family heads of the Israelite tribes.

Numbers 32:28 esv

So Moses gave command concerning them to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua the son of Nun and to the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the people of Israel.

Numbers 32:28 nlt

So Moses gave orders to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of the clans of Israel.

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 28 Meaning

Numbers 32:28 records Moses' definitive action to secure the agreement made with the tribes of Reuben and Gad concerning their settlement east of the Jordan River. He officially delegates the authority and responsibility for overseeing the fulfillment of this pact to Eleazar the High Priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leading representatives of all the other Israelite tribes. This ensures that the two tribes honor their commitment to aid in the conquest of Canaan before settling their land, and that proper accountability structures are established for this crucial promise.

Numbers 32 28 Context

Numbers chapter 32 describes the request made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and later the half-tribe of Manasseh, to settle the fertile Transjordan region instead of crossing into Canaan proper. Initially, Moses responded with sharp rebuke, recalling Israel's past failures and rebellion (v. 6-15), which led to the prolonged wilderness wandering. The tribes clarified their intention, promising to actively participate in the conquest of Canaan alongside the other tribes before returning to their inheritance east of the Jordan (v. 16-19). Moses agreed to this condition, with a stern warning about the consequences of failing to fulfill their pledge ("be sure your sin will find you out," v. 23). Verse 28 is the formal execution of this agreement: Moses ensures accountability by publicly commissioning the principal spiritual, military, and civil leaders of Israel to oversee the compact. This event takes place just before the final march to the plains of Moab, indicating Moses' strategic preparation for Israel's future after his imminent departure. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of all Israel and the importance of leadership in maintaining covenant integrity.

Numbers 32 28 Word analysis

• וַיְצַ֣ו (wayĕṣaw): "So he commanded / gave orders"
  • From the root צוה (tsavah), meaning "to command," "to appoint," "to instruct."
  • Significance: Denotes an authoritative directive from Moses. It's not a suggestion but an order, highlighting the binding nature of the agreement with Reuben and Gad, and Moses' final administrative actions before his death. This implies the command holds divine weight through Moses as God's mediator.
• מֹשֶׁ֗ה (Moshe): "Moses"
  • The central leader and law-giver, through whom God communicated His will to Israel.
  • Significance: His act of delegation underscores the gravity of the covenant and his wise foresight in establishing enduring leadership structures. This is Moses' final significant act of delegation concerning the land inheritance.
• עֲלֵהֶם֮ (ʿǎlêhem): "concerning them / over them"
  • Refers directly to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who made the conditional pledge.
  • Significance: The command specifically relates to ensuring these tribes fulfill their part of the bargain in the conquest. It’s about managing their specific commitment.
• אֶת־אֶלְעָזָר֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן (et-ʾelʿāzār hakkōhēn): "to Eleazar the priest"
  • Eleazar was Aaron's son and the High Priest after his father's death (Num 20:25-28). He held the spiritual authority and responsibility for sacred matters, including consultation of the Urim and Thummim.
  • Significance: His inclusion demonstrates the theological and spiritual oversight required. The fulfillment of the vow was not just a military or civil matter but a religious obligation before God.
• וְאֵ֖ת יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן־נוּן֑ (wəʾēt yəhôšuaʿ bin-nûn): "and to Joshua son of Nun"
  • Joshua was Moses' personal aide and chosen successor (Num 27:18-23). He would lead Israel militarily and politically into Canaan.
  • Significance: His involvement marks him as the primary executor and enforcer of Moses' directives after Moses' death. It also publicly affirms his future role as Israel's military commander and civil leader.
• וְאֶת־רָאשֵׁ֥י הָאָבֹ֖ת (wəʾet-rāʾšê hāʾābōṯ): "and to the heads of the fathers' houses"
  • Refers to the patriarchal heads, or leading elders, of each tribal division within Israel.
  • Significance: Their inclusion represents the collective consensus and witness of all Israel. It implies shared responsibility and accountability across the entire congregation, ensuring tribal unity and support for the leadership's decisions.
• לְמַטּ֥וֹת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (ləmaṭṭôt bənê-yiśrāʾēl): "of the tribes of the people of Israel"
  • Specifies that the "heads of fathers' houses" are drawn from all the collective tribes, implying a national representation.
  • Significance: Reinforces the idea that this was a matter affecting all twelve tribes and not just a private agreement. It solidifies the notion of a unified national covenant body with internal mechanisms for justice and compliance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "So Moses gave orders concerning them": This phrase highlights Moses' active, authoritative role in institutionalizing the agreement. It underscores the transition from a negotiated deal to an officially commanded directive, placing it under the authority of Israel's divinely appointed leader. This is Moses acting as God's faithful servant in setting affairs in order before his departure.
• "to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the people of Israel": This comprehensive list details the layered leadership structure responsible for overseeing the agreement. It integrates spiritual leadership (Eleazar), future military/civil leadership (Joshua), and tribal representation (heads of fathers' houses). This combination ensures full religious, political, and popular endorsement and enforcement of the compact. It demonstrates wise administration by Moses, anticipating his own absence and providing continuity for the nation's integrity.

Numbers 32 28 Bonus section

• This verse provides an early biblical example of distributed leadership and the importance of having multiple stakeholders responsible for vital national agreements. It ensures that no single individual or office bears the entire burden, and also provides checks and balances.
• Moses' action here demonstrates the principle of planning for succession. Knowing his death was near, he meticulously arranged for the future governance of Israel, specifically concerning a critical national compact. This sets a precedent for orderly transitions in leadership within God's people.
• The tripartite leadership structure (priest, military/civil leader, tribal representatives) can be seen as foundational for later models of governance in Israel and, by extension, within the community of faith, where spiritual, executive, and representational authorities all play vital roles.
• The explicit "concerning them" (ʿǎlêhem) emphasizes that the purpose of this delegation was specifically focused on the accountability of the Reubenites and Gadites to their vow. This reinforced the solemn warning in Num 32:23, "be sure your sin will find you out."

Numbers 32 28 Commentary

Numbers 32:28 encapsulates Moses' foresight and responsible leadership as he prepared to conclude his earthly ministry. Rather than simply reaching an oral agreement with the Reubenites and Gadites, Moses ensured the commitment's future enforcement by formally delegating oversight to a tripartite leadership structure. Eleazar, as the High Priest, ensured that the agreement carried spiritual weight, a vow before the LORD requiring sacred oversight. Joshua, as Moses' designated successor, represented the executive and military authority, ready to lead the nation and ensure the eastern tribes fulfilled their military obligation. The inclusion of the "heads of the fathers' houses" of the other tribes broadened this oversight, making it a matter of collective Israelite unity and preventing future disputes. This deliberate act provided clear channels of authority and accountability, safeguarding the integrity of the promise and maintaining national cohesion. It highlights that covenants and significant agreements in God's people require clear terms, responsible parties, and vigilant oversight to ensure their fulfillment. The verse is a powerful lesson in good governance, responsible delegation, and ensuring that promises, particularly those with covenant implications, are honored for the good of the entire community.