Numbers 32:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

Complete Jewish Bible:

But they came up to him and said, "Here we will build enclosures for our livestock and cities for our little ones,

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.

American Standard Version:

And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And they came near^{H5066} unto him, and said^{H559}, We will build^{H1129} sheepfolds^{{H1448}{H6629}} here for our cattle^{H4735}, and cities^{H5892} for our little ones^{H2945}:

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Commentary for Numbers 32:16

Numbers 32:16 is a verse that captures a moment in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. In this verse, the Reubenites and Gadites approach Moses with a proposal. They have seen the land of Jazer and Gilead and recognize it as suitable for livestock because of its fertile pastures. They propose to build sheepfolds for their cattle and cities for their children in this region east of the Jordan River.

The historical context of this verse is set towards the end of the Israelites' forty-year wandering in the wilderness. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, who were predominantly shepherds, saw the practicality of settling in the regions that were already conquered, which were ideal for grazing their large flocks. By asking for permission to settle there, they were seeking to secure a future for their livestock and their families, ensuring their material well-being.

The themes present in this verse include the importance of family and inheritance, as the tribes are concerned with providing for their children's future. It also reflects the themes of negotiation and compromise within the community, as the Reubenites and Gadites seek consent from Moses, recognizing his leadership and the collective goal of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. Additionally, it touches on the theme of stewardship, as they plan to develop and cultivate the land they wish to inhabit.

This verse is significant as it demonstrates the practical considerations of the Israelites as they transition from nomadic life to settlement, and it also prefigures the complexities that will arise when the land is distributed among the tribes. It is a moment where personal and tribal interests intersect with the larger divine promise and destiny of the Israelite nation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5066
   There are 112 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָגַשׁ
   Transliteration: nâgash
   Pronunciation: naw-gash'
   Description: a primitive root; to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causatively, to present; figuratively, to adduce an argument; by reversal, to stand back; (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1129
   There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּנָה
   Transliteration: bânâh
   Pronunciation: baw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1448
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גְּדֵרָה
   Transliteration: gᵉdêrâh
   Pronunciation: ghed-ay-raw'
   Description: feminine of גָּדֵר; enclosure (especially for flocks); (sheep-) cote (fold) hedge, wall.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6629
   There are 247 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צֹאן
   Transliteration: tsôʼn
   Pronunciation: tsone
   Description: or צאוֹן; (Psalm 144:13), from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men); (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds).
   
6. Strong's Number: H4735
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִקְנֶה
   Transliteration: miqneh
   Pronunciation: mik-neh'
   Description: from קָנָה; something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition; cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance.
   
7. Strong's Number: H5892
   There are 937 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עִיר
   Transliteration: ʻîyr
   Pronunciation: eer
   Description: or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from עוּר; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post); Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
   
8. Strong's Number: H2945
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טַף
   Transliteration: ṭaph
   Pronunciation: taf
   Description: from טָפַף (perhaps referring to the tripping gait of children); a family (mostly used collectively in the singular); (little) children (ones), families.