Numbers 32 34

Numbers 32:34 kjv

And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

Numbers 32:34 nkjv

And the children of Gad built Dibon and Ataroth and Aroer,

Numbers 32:34 niv

The Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer,

Numbers 32:34 esv

And the people of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer,

Numbers 32:34 nlt

The descendants of Gad built the towns of Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer,

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 34 Meaning

Numbers 32:34 records the immediate practical action of the tribe of Gad following their agreement with Moses to settle on the east side of the Jordan. It signifies the commencement of their occupation and establishment within the conquered Amorite territories by "building" or fortifying key strategic cities: Dibon, Ataroth, and Aroer. This verse marks the physical initiation of the Transjordanian tribes' inheritance, asserting Israelite presence in the promised land, even prior to the full conquest of Canaan proper.

Numbers 32 34 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the critical dialogue between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, regarding their settlement before crossing the Jordan into Canaan. Seeing the fertile pastures of Transjordan, these tribes request to inherit land there rather than in Canaan proper. Moses initially interprets this as a cowardly act, reminiscent of the spies' rebellion, which led to the forty years of wandering (Num 32:6-15). However, when the tribes clarify their intention—that they will first join the other tribes in conquering Canaan before returning to settle their families in the east—Moses grants their request. The agreement stipulates their active participation in the military conquest. Verses 34-38 detail the cities that Gad and Reuben then proceed to "build" or "fortify," signifying the tangible start of their new lives and commitment to their word. Historically, these cities were within the former Amorite kingdom of Sihon, which Israel had already conquered (Num 21). Therefore, "building" implies reconstruction, fortification, or making them secure and Israelite in character. This action represents the immediate fulfillment of their promise to establish a secure home for their families before going to war.

Numbers 32 34 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunctive prefix. It connects this action to the preceding conversation and agreement in Numbers 32, indicating a continuation or immediate consequence.
• the sons of Gad (בְּנֵי גָד - b'nei Gad): Refers collectively to the entire tribe of Gad. This highlights a communal, corporate effort rather than the individual actions of Abraham's direct descendants. It signifies the tribe as the legal and acting entity.
• built (בָּנוּ - banu): This is the Qal perfect form of the Hebrew verb banah (בָּנָה), which means "to build," "to erect," "to rebuild," or "to fortify." In this specific context of conquest, it strongly implies "rebuilding" or "fortifying" existing cities rather than constructing entirely new ones from uninhabited land. The Israelites had just conquered the Amorite kingdoms (Num 21), and these cities already existed. The "building" here thus signifies taking full possession, establishing Israelite presence, making them habitable for their families, and fortifying them against potential threats or counter-attacks from surrounding peoples. This was an act of asserting control and permanence.
• Dibon (דִּיבֹן - Dibon): A significant Moabite city, strategically located east of the Dead Sea, often mentioned in later prophecies concerning Moab. At this point, it was part of Sihon's kingdom conquered by Israel. Later, during the divided kingdom period, it would revert to Moabite control or be contested. It is also referred to as "Dibon-Gad" in Numbers 33:45-46, underscoring its temporary occupation by the Gadites.
• and Ataroth (וַעֲטָרֹות - va'Atarot): Another prominent city in Transjordan, also allotted to Gad. Its name potentially means "crowns" or "circles," perhaps referring to its topography or strategic importance.
• and Aroer (וַעֲרֹעֵר - va'Aro'er): A city located on the north bank of the Arnon River, serving as a significant boundary marker (e.g., Deut 2:36; 3:12). Its name might mean "ruined places" or "stripped," perhaps suggesting previous desolation or its exposed position. Its mention highlights the extent of the land claimed.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the sons of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer": This phrase directly showcases the immediate, tangible action of the tribe. It indicates their practical commitment to establishing their presence in the promised land (albeit east of the Jordan). It demonstrates the process of Yarash (taking possession) through physical occupation and re-establishment, turning conquered foreign cities into Israelite settlements. This action solidified their claim to the land and fulfilled the initial part of their agreement with Moses. It signifies their tribal responsibility and communal effort in settling the land provided by God.

Numbers 32 34 Bonus section

The naming of these cities, like Dibon-Gad (Num 33:45), highlights a distinct aspect of tribal identity being fused with geographic markers. While these cities were on the eastern bank, they were still considered part of the "land" promised to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12:7), affirming God's expansive fulfillment of His covenant. The act of "building" simultaneously served two purposes: securing their home front and fulfilling their part of the deal, thereby preventing them from being a stumbling block to the rest of Israel's entry into Canaan, as Moses had initially feared. This careful arrangement avoided internal tribal discord, allowing for united military effort in the battles ahead.

Numbers 32 34 Commentary

Numbers 32:34 succinctly details the Gadites' immediate undertaking: securing and settling the land granted to them. The word "built" (Hebrew banah) is crucial, as it typically refers to fortifying, reconstructing, or preparing existing structures for inhabitation rather than original construction in a desolate place, especially since these were former Amorite cities. This activity underlines their commitment to Moses' stipulations: they first ensure the safety of their families by establishing secure cities before sending their fighting men to assist the other tribes in conquering Canaan. This verse thus stands as a testament to the initial stage of Israel's territorial inheritance, showcasing divine provision meeting human responsibility and action. It reflects the practical reality of covenant fulfillment – God providing the land, and His people actively taking possession and building a life within it.