Numbers 32 32

Numbers 32:32 kjv

We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.

Numbers 32:32 nkjv

We will cross over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, but the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us on this side of the Jordan."

Numbers 32:32 niv

We will cross over before the LORD into Canaan armed, but the property we inherit will be on this side of the Jordan."

Numbers 32:32 esv

We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us beyond the Jordan."

Numbers 32:32 nlt

We will cross the Jordan into Canaan fully armed to fight for the LORD, but our property will be here on this side of the Jordan."

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 32 Meaning

Numbers 32:32 records the solemn pledge of the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh) to Moses, affirming their commitment to cross the Jordan River first, armed and ready for battle. This pledge signifies their dedication to assist the other tribes in conquering Canaan, thereby fulfilling their communal duty before settling in the land they desired east of the Jordan. It demonstrates their loyalty to God, to Moses as His leader, and to the wider Israelite community, prioritizing collective responsibility over immediate individual gain.

Numbers 32 32 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the critical dialogue between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. These tribes, possessing abundant livestock, observed the lush pasturage of Gilead and Bashan on the east side of the Jordan River and requested to settle there rather than cross into Canaan with the rest of Israel. Moses initially reacted with strong rebuke, fearing a repeat of the Kadesh-Barnea incident where Israel's lack of faith led to forty years of wandering. He viewed their request as a selfish attempt to shirk their national duty to conquer the Promised Land.

However, the tribes clarified their intention: they would build fortified cities for their families and folds for their flocks first, and then they would arm themselves and fight alongside their brothers, leading the charge until the entire land of Canaan was subdued for all twelve tribes. Only after this national duty was completed would they return to their chosen inheritance. Numbers 32:32 is their formal, unequivocal pledge, a clear and decisive affirmation of this agreement, demonstrating their commitment to fulfill their obligation to the entire Israelite confederation under God’s command and Moses’ leadership.

Numbers 32 32 Word analysis

• Your servants (עֲבָדֶיךָ - ‘avadekha): Literally "your servants," expressing humility and a readiness to obey Moses, implicitly as God's representative. This address shows respect and contrasts with Moses' earlier angry rebuke, signaling their sincerity and submissive attitude.
• will cross over (נַעֲבֹר - na'avor): A strong verb in the future tense, indicating a firm and definite commitment to the action of passing over the Jordan. It highlights their willingness to take the initiative and confront the dangers of conquest, emphasizing proactive commitment rather than passive consent.
• every man armed for war (כָּל-חֲלוּץ - kol-chalutz):
  • "every man" (kol): Stresses the comprehensive nature of their commitment; it was not a partial or limited pledge, but full tribal participation.
  • "armed for war" (chalutz - חָלוּץ): This specific Hebrew term signifies being fully equipped, prepared, and ready for active military service. It implies being a vanguard or front-line soldier, at the ready and equipped for direct engagement, rather than just carrying a weapon or participating indirectly. It suggests strategic readiness and aggressive intent.
• before the Lord (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - lifnei YHWH): This crucial phrase elevates their military service beyond mere human command or national duty. It implies their actions are performed in the very presence of God, under His authority, for His purpose, and accountable directly to Him. This imbues their pledge with profound spiritual weight, signifying that their battle is ultimately the Lord's battle.
• to battle (לַמִּלְחָמָה - lamilchama): Directly states the purpose of their arming and crossing over. It indicates active participation in direct combat, not just accompanying the others or providing logistical support. This was a core condition for Moses’ approval.
• just as (כַּאֲשֶׁר - ka'asher): An emphatic conjunction meaning "according to," "as," or "in the manner that," highlighting precise conformity to Moses’ instructions.
• my lord (אֲדֹנִי - adoni): A respectful address to Moses, acknowledging his authority and leadership. This confirms their acceptance of the terms laid out by Moses, not as mere suggestions but as commands from a superior.
• commands (דֹּבֵר - dover): Literally "speaks" or "is speaking." Used here to convey ongoing or direct instruction. It confirms their full agreement to adhere precisely to every instruction issued by Moses, cementing their promise.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Your servants will cross over": This phrase embodies the tribal commitment and the specific proactive action they promised to undertake, showing their willingness to defer their settlement for the sake of the collective goal.
• "every man armed for war, before the Lord": This potent combination emphasizes both their complete individual preparedness ("every man armed") and the sacred, divinely observed nature of their duty ("before the Lord"). It signifies a total dedication of their military strength to God's ordained conquest.
• "to battle, just as my lord commands": This directly links their specific wartime role ("to battle") with their absolute obedience to Moses’ authoritative word ("just as my lord commands"). It assures Moses of their adherence to the exact conditions he imposed.

Numbers 32 32 Bonus section

The fulfillment of this exact pledge is documented over a decade later in Joshua chapter 22. After the conquest was complete and the land divided, Joshua commends the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for faithfully carrying out every detail of their promise, allowing them to return to their eastern inheritance in peace and honor. This demonstrates the long-term impact of their commitment in Numbers 32:32 and the importance of integrity in fulfilling one's word before God and the community. Their fidelity averted potential inter-tribal conflict and stands as a testament to the strength of a covenant-keeping community.

Numbers 32 32 Commentary

Numbers 32:32 serves as the capstone of a pivotal negotiation, showcasing the Transjordanian tribes' willingness to uphold communal obligation above immediate personal convenience. Their solemn oath, "Your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, just as my lord commands," powerfully conveys their comprehension and acceptance of Moses' stringent terms. The phrase "every man armed for war" (חָלוּץ, chalutz) signifies a readiness to be at the vanguard, equipped for frontline combat, underscoring the sincerity and depth of their commitment. Furthermore, performing this duty "before the Lord" imbues their military service with spiritual significance; it was not merely a tactical maneuver but an act of worship and obedience, aligning their will with God's overarching purpose for Israel's inheritance. This verse cemented the unity of Israel, ensuring that selfish pursuits would not undermine the unified, divinely appointed mission of conquest. It stands as a profound biblical example of costly discipleship, where individual desire defers to corporate responsibility under God’s direct command.