Numbers 32 31

Numbers 32:31 kjv

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

Numbers 32:31 nkjv

Then the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying: "As the LORD has said to your servants, so we will do.

Numbers 32:31 niv

The Gadites and Reubenites answered, "Your servants will do what the LORD has said.

Numbers 32:31 esv

And the people of Gad and the people of Reuben answered, "What the LORD has said to your servants, we will do.

Numbers 32:31 nlt

The tribes of Gad and Reuben said again, "We are your servants, and we will do as the LORD has commanded!

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 31 Meaning

Numbers 32:31 records the definitive commitment of the tribes of Gad and Reuben to fulfill the conditions set forth by Moses. They unequivocally declared their willingness to join the rest of Israel in the conquest of Canaan, framing their pledge not merely as an agreement with Moses, but as an act of obedience to the will of the LORD, thus elevating their promise to a sacred vow made by God's servants.

Numbers 32 31 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts a pivotal negotiation concerning the land allocation for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. Having extensive livestock, these tribes saw the land east of the Jordan, known for its pastures, as ideal for their flocks. They requested this land as their inheritance before the main conquest of Canaan, sparking Moses' strong rebuke. Moses feared their request would discourage the rest of the Israelites, mirroring the devastating failure at Kadesh Barnea when fear led to forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses accused them of abandoning their brethren and turning away from the LORD, risking God's wrath once more.

In response, the tribes clarified their intent. They pledged to first build sheepfolds for their flocks and fortified cities for their families, and then, crucially, arm themselves and lead the charge with the other tribes into Canaan. They promised not to return to their inheritance east of the Jordan until all the other tribes had secured their own land west of the Jordan. They reiterated that they would only take their inheritance east of the Jordan and would not demand more once the conquest was complete. Moses agreed to these conditions, making it clear that failure to comply would result in severe consequences. Verse 31 is the Gadites' and Reubenites' solemn re-affirmation of their part of this agreement, making a formal commitment to uphold their promise to God and to Israel.

Numbers 32 31 Word analysis

• And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben:
  • וַיַּעֲנ֕וּ בְּנֵי־גָ֖ד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵ֣ן (Vayyäʿănû vĕnê-gād ûvĕnê rĕʾûvên) - "Then answered the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben."
  • children/sons (בְּנֵי - bĕnê): Signifies the collective group, representing the entirety of these tribes, not just individual leaders. It underscores a corporate commitment.
  • Gad and Reuben: These two tribes, along with half of Manasseh (mentioned later in the chapter), were the ones settling east of the Jordan. Their specific names highlight the subjects of this critical promise.
• answered:
  • וַיַּעֲנ֕וּ (vayyaʿănû): "they answered, responded."
  • It indicates a direct and definitive response to Moses' terms and conditions laid out in previous verses. This is not just casual talk but a formal declaration following negotiation. It implies accepting responsibility.
• saying:
  • לֵאמֹ֑ר (lēʾmōr): "to say, saying."
  • Common introductory particle for direct speech, emphasizing the forthcoming verbal commitment.
• As the LORD hath said unto thy servants:
  • כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֛ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ (kaʾăšer dibber YHWH ʾel-ʿăvadeḵā) - "just as has spoken the LORD to your servants."
  • As (כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר - kaʾăšer): Implies conformity, in the manner of, according to what. Their actions will align with a prior standard.
  • the LORD (יְהוָ֖ה - YHWH): The covenant name of God. This is the crucial point; they don't say "as you, Moses, have said," but they frame their commitment as being to God. They recognize Moses as God's instrument and his instructions as divine. This elevates their human pledge to a divinely bound obligation.
  • hath said (דִּבֶּ֛ר - dibber): "he spoke, commanded." Denotes authoritative speech. While God had not directly said they must conquer Canaan and then return, Moses' words to them carried the weight of divine command regarding the corporate responsibility of Israel and avoiding divine judgment (cf. Num 32:6-15). Their phrase acknowledges that this entire arrangement, with its conditions, aligns with God's overarching will for His people to possess the land together and not incite His wrath.
  • unto thy servants (אֶל־עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ - ʾel-ʿăvadeḵā): "to your servants." Referring to themselves as Moses' (and by extension, God's) servants. This term implies submission, duty, and loyalty, underscoring their posture of humble obedience. It also acknowledges Moses' authority as God's representative.
• so will we do:
  • כֵּ֣ן נַעֲשֶֽׂה (kēn naʿăśeh): "so we will do/make."
  • so (כֵּ֣ן - kēn): Directly correlates with "as the LORD hath said." What God desires, they will actualize.
  • will we do (נַעֲשֶֽׂה - naʿăśeh): "we will do." This is a strong declaration in the active, volitional future tense. It signifies a firm resolve and readiness to act, an unwavering commitment to perform their part of the agreement. It moves beyond mere words to guaranteed action.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying,": Establishes the clear subjects and their direct, verbal commitment to the previously stated terms. It signals a turning point in the negotiation where hesitation is replaced by firm affirmation.
• "As the LORD hath said unto thy servants,": This is the heart of their pledge. It spiritualizes their promise, placing it under divine authority. By framing their commitment as adherence to God's word, they bind themselves by the most solemn oath possible, invoking the divine standard. This highlights their understanding of corporate responsibility under God's covenant.
• "so will we do.": This concise phrase is a powerful declaration of immediate and unwavering intent. It is the practical and tangible outcome of their verbal agreement, emphasizing active obedience and a clear resolve to act on their word, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness to the covenant obligations.

Numbers 32 31 Bonus section

This verse exemplifies several crucial biblical principles. Firstly, the power and necessity of integrity in leadership and in individual and corporate promises. Their word became their bond, particularly because it was implicitly linked to God's expectation. Secondly, it highlights the importance of corporate responsibility within God's people. No tribe was to stand alone; the success and well-being of the whole depended on the faithfulness of each part. Thirdly, it underscores active obedience to God's will. Their statement wasn't just agreement in principle, but a definitive commitment to act in accordance with what they perceived as God's will through Moses. This verse demonstrates a mature response to correction, moving from initial self-interest to a firm, God-centered pledge of action. It set a precedent for future tribal relations, notably reflected in their active participation under Joshua.

Numbers 32 31 Commentary

Numbers 32:31 serves as the climactic verbal affirmation from the tribes of Gad and Reuben, solidifying their covenantal commitment after Moses' sharp challenge and their subsequent proposal. Their concise declaration, "As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do," transforms a tactical negotiation into a sacred pledge. By invoking "the LORD," they acknowledge that Moses' stipulations are not mere human demands but reflect God's will for His unified people in fulfilling His purposes. This commitment went beyond self-interest; it represented their understanding of corporate responsibility within the Israelite community, vital for success in the impending conquest and avoiding divine judgment. It underscored their integrity and resolve to ensure their brethren's security before settling into their own peace, reflecting the selfless spirit God desires. Their obedience became a cornerstone of tribal unity and national integrity, essential for Israel's successful entry into and inheritance of the Promised Land.