Numbers 32 4

Numbers 32:4 kjv

Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

Numbers 32:4 nkjv

the country which the LORD defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock."

Numbers 32:4 niv

the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel?are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock.

Numbers 32:4 esv

the land that the LORD struck down before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock."

Numbers 32:4 nlt

The LORD has conquered this whole area for the community of Israel, and it is ideally suited for all our livestock.

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 4 Meaning

Numbers 32:4 presents the petition of the Reubenites and Gadites to Moses. They argue that the conquered land east of the Jordan River is uniquely suited for raising livestock due to its good pastureland. Their justification for wanting to settle there is based on their abundant herds and flocks, indicating that this territory directly aligns with their practical needs and economic livelihood. They emphasize that the victory over this land was a divine act witnessed by the entire Israelite community.

Numbers 32 4 Context

Numbers chapter 32 is situated at a critical juncture in Israel's wilderness journey, right before they are to enter the promised land of Canaan. They have just defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, on the east side of the Jordan River (Num 21). This verse is part of the appeal made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who possess a large number of livestock. Seeing the suitability of the Transjordanian territory—Gilead and Bashan—for pasturage, they request Moses that they be allowed to settle there permanently instead of crossing the Jordan with the rest of Israel to take possession of Canaan proper. Moses initially interprets their request as a desire to abandon their brethren, potentially repeating the failure of the spies at Kadesh-Barnea and undermining the morale of the nation. The historical context is critical: forty years of wandering are concluding, and the anticipation of entering the divinely promised land of Canaan is at its peak. This request momentarily disrupts the national unity and purpose, bringing the tension between individual tribal needs and corporate destiny to the forefront.

Numbers 32 4 Word analysis

• the country: (Hebrew: ha'aretz, הָאָרֶץ) – Literally "the land" or "the earth." In this context, it refers specifically to the recently conquered territory of Sihon and Og, east of the Jordan River. The definite article emphasizes that this is the particular land in question, significant because it was acquired through divine conquest. The land itself is central to Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with God.
• which the LORD: (Hebrew: asher YHWH, אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה) – Asher means "which" or "that." YHWH (the Tetragrammaton) is the personal covenant name of God. This attribution highlights that the conquest was not by Israel's might but by divine intervention. It subtly implies divine provision and justification for their request; they acknowledge God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty over the land.
• conquered: (Hebrew: hikkah, הִכָּה) – From the root nakah (נָכָה), meaning "to strike," "to smite," "to conquer," or "to defeat." It denotes a decisive and powerful military victory, typically by divine force. This verb is frequently used in scripture to describe God's destructive acts against His enemies, emphasizing His absolute power and His direct hand in the defeat of Sihon and Og. It reinforces the idea of divinely sanctioned land acquisition.
• before: (Hebrew: lifnei, לִפְנֵי) – Literally "in the face of," "in the presence of." It means "before the very eyes of" or "in the view of." This signifies a public, undeniable act witnessed by all present.
• the congregation: (Hebrew: ha'edah, הָעֵדָה) – A significant term referring to the assembled community or entire body of Israel, functioning as a religious and political unit. It emphasizes that this conquest was a national experience and blessing, observed by the whole nation. It contrasts with individual or partial knowledge, asserting a collective awareness.
• of Israel: (Hebrew: Yisrael, יִשְׂרָאֵל) – The name of the people, descendants of Jacob, collectively known as the nation. It signifies their identity as God's chosen people, beneficiaries and witnesses of His mighty acts.
• is a country: (Hebrew: eretz, אֶרֶץ) – Here again "land," reaffirming the physical territory.
• for livestock: (Hebrew: mikneh, מִקְנֶה) – A collective noun referring to cattle, flocks, herds, or possessions that are purchased. It signifies all domestic animals that graze, indicating good pasturage is available. Mikneh was a primary form of wealth in ancient Near Eastern societies, essential for sustenance, trade, and sacrifice. The mention emphasizes the economic foundation of these tribes.
• and your servants: (Hebrew: w'abadeka, וְעַבְדֶיךָ) – "And your servants." This is a respectful and humble form of address used when speaking to a superior, in this case, Moses. It indicates their submission and respect, framing their request as an appeal to authority.
• have livestock: (Hebrew: yesh mikneh, יֶשׁ מִקְנֶה) – "There is livestock" or "possess livestock." This phrase reiterates and confirms their extensive possessions of animals, directly connecting their current abundance to the suitability of the land, providing the logical justification for their request. It underscores their practical, agricultural-based reasoning.

Numbers 32 4 Bonus section

The appeal of the Reubenites and Gadites, specifically focusing on the land's suitability for livestock, reflects the prevailing agrarian-pastoral economy of the ancient world. Their wealth, tied to their large herds, necessitated vast tracts of good grazing land. This specific economic imperative heavily influenced their tribal identity and decisions, shaping their future history outside the core Israelite territory west of the Jordan. Historically, settling east of the Jordan eventually placed these tribes on the frontier of Israelite dominion, exposing them more directly to foreign invasions and often leading to their earlier displacement during Assyrian conquests. This request, initially seemingly minor, sets in motion a significant geographical and socio-political division within Israel.

Numbers 32 4 Commentary

Numbers 32:4 serves as the pivotal statement of intent from the tribes of Reuben and Gad, encapsulating their pragmatic justification for settling in the Transjordan. Their request is rooted in a clear recognition of God's role in the recent conquests: "the country which the LORD conquered." This acknowledgement is crucial; they don't claim personal valor or might but ascribe the victory to YHWH, witnessed "before the congregation of Israel." This also implies the legitimacy of the acquired land as a divine gift. Their argument hinges on the land's intrinsic suitability for their "livestock," which represented their primary wealth and livelihood. The simplicity of their statement—"is a country for livestock, and your servants have livestock"—presents a compelling and immediate economic need. This highlights a tension prevalent in human experience: balancing immediate, tangible needs with the broader, long-term national and spiritual vision (entering Canaan proper). While seemingly reasonable, Moses initially views this request as a potential abandonment of the collective covenant responsibility. The verse sets the stage for Moses' rebuke and the subsequent agreement, where these tribes promise to aid their brethren in conquering Canaan, ensuring unity despite their distinct settlement choice.