King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:
Complete Jewish Bible:
Our little ones, wives, flocks and all our livestock will be there in the cities of Gil'ad;
Berean Standard Bible:
Our children, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals will remain here in the cities of Gilead.
American Standard Version:
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Our little ones{H2945}, our wives{H802}, our flocks{H4735}, and all our cattle{H929}, shall be there in the cities{H5892} of Gilead{H1568}:
Cross-References (KJV):
Joshua 1:14
- Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
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Commentary for Numbers 32:26
Numbers 32:26 is a verse set within the context of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. The book of Numbers recounts the census of the Israelite tribes, various laws, and the events that occurred during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
In this particular chapter, the tribes of Reuben and Gad approach Moses with a request. They have noticed that the land of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, is suitable for raising livestock, which they possess in large numbers. Consequently, they propose to Moses that they be allowed to settle in this region rather than cross the Jordan into the land that had been promised to all the tribes of Israel.
The verse in question, Numbers 32:26, is part of their petition. The Reubenites and Gadites express their intention to build fortified cities for their children, wives, and animals in the land of Gilead, ensuring their safety and well-being. They promise to leave their families and possessions in these fortified cities while they join the rest of the Israelite tribes in battle to conquer the land west of the Jordan.
The themes present in this verse include the importance of family and possessions, the need for security, and the commitment to collective responsibility. The Reubenites and Gadites are demonstrating a pragmatic approach to their situation, seeking to balance their own needs with the larger mission of the Israelite community. They are also displaying a sense of duty by agreeing to fight alongside their fellow Israelites, despite their preference to settle in a different region.
Historically, this verse reflects the complexities of tribal dynamics and land distribution in the ancient Near East. It highlights the challenges of balancing individual tribal interests with the interests of the larger community, a common theme throughout the history of Israel. The request of these two tribes and the subsequent agreement set a precedent for how the Israelites would handle future territorial and communal issues, emphasizing negotiation, compromise, and mutual support.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- 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. - Strong's Number: H802
There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִשָּׁה
Transliteration: ʼishshâh
Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. - 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. - Strong's Number: H929
There are 172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּהֵמָה
Transliteration: bᵉhêmâh
Pronunciation: be-hay-maw'
Description: from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective); beast, cattle. - 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. - Strong's Number: H1568
There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גִּלְעָד
Transliteration: Gilʻâd
Pronunciation: ghil-awd'
Description: probably from גַּלְעֵד; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites; Gilead, Gileadite.
