Deuteronomy 3:20

KJV

Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and [until] they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and [then] shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Until the LORD {H3068} have given rest {H5117} unto your brethren {H251}, as well as unto you, and until they also possess {H3423} the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} hath given {H5414} them beyond {H5676} Jordan {H3383}: and then shall ye return {H7725} every man {H376} unto his possession {H3425}, which I have given {H5414} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

until ADONAI allows your brothers to rest, as he has allowed you; and they too take possession of the land ADONAI your God is giving them on the west side of the Yarden. At that point you will return, each man to his own possession which I have given you.'

Berean Standard Bible

until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to the possession I have given you.”

American Standard Version

until Jehovah give rest unto your brethren, as unto you, and they also possess the land which Jehovah your God giveth them beyond the Jordan: then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 3:20 encapsulates Moses' final instructions to the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—regarding their unique settlement east of the Jordan River. This verse outlines the crucial condition for their inheritance: they must actively participate in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan, fighting alongside their Israelite brethren until the entire nation has secured its divinely promised "rest" and possession. Only after this corporate mission is fulfilled are they permitted to return to their own allotted territories, underscoring themes of unity, shared responsibility, and the ultimate provision of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 3:20 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. Chapters 1-4 serve as a historical prologue, recounting the wilderness journey and a review of God's faithfulness and Israel's past failures. Specifically, chapter 3 details the victories over Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, whose lands were subsequently allocated to the Transjordanian tribes. Verse 20 directly follows Moses' recounting of his personal plea to enter the land, which God denied (Deuteronomy 3:23-29), thus setting the stage for Joshua's leadership. The instruction to the Transjordan tribes is a reiteration and confirmation of an earlier agreement made in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Request of the Transjordan Tribes"), emphasizing the covenantal obligation before the entire nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had extensive livestock and saw the fertile pastures east of the Jordan as ideal for their herds. Their request to settle there, documented in [Numbers 32:1-5](/numbers/32-1 "Numbers 32:1-5 - The Request for Transjordanian Land"), was initially met with Moses' concern that it would discourage the other tribes from entering Canaan. However, an agreement was reached: if they would arm themselves and lead the charge across the Jordan, fighting until the rest of Israel had secured their inheritance, then they could settle in the Transjordan. This verse confirms that agreement, highlighting the military and social structure of ancient Israel where tribal unity was paramount for successful conquest and settlement. The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: _menuchah_) in this context refers not merely to cessation of travel but to secure, settled possession of the land, free from enemies—a state of peace and stability that was a primary goal of the conquest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Corporate Responsibility and Unity** is central; the welfare of the individual tribes is inextricably linked to the well-being and success of the entire nation. No tribe could claim its inheritance in isolation; their "rest" was contingent upon ensuring the "rest" of their brethren. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Promise and "Rest"** is prominent. The land is repeatedly referred to as "which the LORD your God hath given them," emphasizing God's sovereign hand in fulfilling His covenant promises. The "rest" is ultimately a divine gift, signifying security and peace in the promised inheritance, a concept foundational to Israel's identity and future (cf. [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God Gives Rest from Enemies")). Thirdly, **Patience and Perseverance** are highlighted, as the Transjordan tribes were required to delay their full enjoyment of their own inheritance until their obligations to the wider community were fulfilled. This teaches the virtue of selfless service and delayed gratification for the greater good. Finally, **God's Faithfulness** is underscored by the repeated affirmation that the land is "given" by the Lord, reinforcing His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _menuchah'_):** This term signifies more than mere cessation from labor or travel. In the context of the Promised Land, _menuchah_ denotes a state of settled peace, security, and stability, free from the threat of enemies. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into a secure inheritance, where they can dwell safely under His blessing. This concept is deeply theological, pointing to the ultimate state of peace and well-being God desires for His people.
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** Meaning "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to dispossess," this verb emphasizes the act of taking hold of the land as an inheritance. It implies not only occupying the territory but also displacing previous inhabitants, highlighting the active role Israel must play in receiving God's gift, even though the land is ultimately "given" by God. It speaks to the legal and practical act of claiming what has been divinely apportioned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you,..."**: This establishes the primary condition for the Transjordan tribes' return. Their full settlement is contingent upon the Lord granting "rest" (security and settled possession) not only to themselves but, crucially, to the other tribes west of the Jordan. This clause emphasizes the divine source of this "rest" and the corporate nature of Israel's destiny.
* **"...and [until] they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan:"**: This further clarifies the scope of the mission. "They" refers to the remaining tribes of Israel. "Beyond Jordan" in this context, from the perspective of Moses and the tribes on the east bank, refers to the land west of the Jordan River, which is Canaan proper. The repeated phrase "which the LORD your God hath given them" reinforces that the land is a divine gift, not merely a conquest by human might, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
* **"and [then] shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you."**: This clause outlines the consequence of fulfilling the condition. Once the collective mission is complete, the Transjordan tribes are permitted to return to their specific, individual inheritances. The phrase "which I have given you" refers to the land Moses, acting as God's agent, had already allocated to them, underscoring the authority of Moses and the divine sanction of their Transjordanian inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:20 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its message. The primary structure is a **Conditional Clause**, marked by the "Until... and then..." construction. This clearly sets forth the prerequisite for the Transjordan tribes' return, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship between their corporate service and their individual enjoyment of inheritance. This conditional structure underscores the covenantal nature of their obligations. **Repetition** of the phrase "which the LORD your God hath given them" (and "which I have given you") serves to emphasize the divine origin and gifting of the land, reinforcing God's sovereignty and faithfulness as the ultimate provider of Israel's inheritance. This repetition acts as a theological anchor, reminding the audience that their possession is not earned but bestowed. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** on the concept of "rest" as a collective good, highlighting that true security and peace are not individual achievements but a shared blessing facilitated by mutual effort and God's provision. This collective emphasis reinforces the theme of national unity and shared destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 3:20 provides a profound theological lesson on the nature of God's covenant and the responsibilities of His people. The concept of "rest" is not merely a physical cessation from war but a spiritual state of security and peace found in God's promised land. This "rest" is a divine gift, yet it requires human cooperation and faithfulness. The verse powerfully illustrates the principle of corporate solidarity: individual blessings are often contingent upon contributing to the common good and the fulfillment of God's purposes for the entire community. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Church as the body of Christ, where each member's well-being is intertwined with the health and mission of the whole. The delayed gratification required of the Transjordan tribes teaches patience and selfless service, prioritizing the collective mission over immediate personal comfort, trusting that God will ultimately provide their promised inheritance.

* [Numbers 32:20-22](/numbers/32-20 "Numbers 32:20-22 - Moses' Agreement with the Transjordan Tribes")
* [Joshua 1:13-15](/joshua/1-13 "Joshua 1:13-15 - Joshua's Charge to the Transjordan Tribes")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 3:20 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, calling us to a life of corporate responsibility and patient perseverance in faith. Just as the Transjordan tribes were called to prioritize the collective mission of Israel before fully enjoying their personal inheritance, so too are we called to serve the wider body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom before seeking our own comfort or gain. This passage challenges us to consider how our individual gifts and resources can be deployed for the common good, actively participating in the "conquest" of spiritual darkness and the establishment of God's truth in the world. It reminds us that true "rest"—spiritual peace, security, and fulfillment—is ultimately a gift from God, often realized through faithful obedience and selfless service to others within the community of faith. Our commitment to unity, mutual support, and shared vision is crucial for the church to fulfill its divine mandate, trusting God's perfect timing for the complete realization of His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing my personal "possession" or comfort over the collective mission and well-being of my spiritual community?**
* **How does the concept of "rest" in this verse challenge my understanding of true peace and security in God?**
* **What specific actions can I take to better embody the principle of corporate responsibility and unity within my church or faith community?**
* **Where in my life am I being called to exercise patience and perseverance, delaying immediate gratification for a greater, God-ordained purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Transjordan tribes to fight with their brethren?**

Answer: It was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated **unity and corporate responsibility**. The conquest of Canaan was a national endeavor, not a collection of individual tribal campaigns. If the Transjordan tribes had immediately settled, it could have fostered division and discouraged the other tribes, as Moses initially feared ([Numbers 32:6-7](/numbers/32-6 "Moses' Initial Concern")). Secondly, it was a matter of **covenant faithfulness**. They had made an agreement with Moses and God to participate fully. Breaking this promise would have been an act of rebellion and distrust. Thirdly, it ensured **military strength**. A united front was essential for overcoming the formidable inhabitants of Canaan, as seen in the accounts in [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua"). Their participation was vital for the success of the entire nation in securing the land God had promised.

**What does "rest" mean in this context, and how does it relate to God?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy 3:20, "rest" (Hebrew: _menuchah_) signifies a state of secure, settled dwelling in the Promised Land, free from the threat of enemies and the arduous journey of the wilderness. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into a place of peace and stability. This rest is not something Israel achieves solely by its own might; rather, it is something "the LORD have given." This highlights God's active role as the provider of security and the fulfiller of His covenant. It's a theological concept that extends beyond physical geography, pointing to the ultimate peace and security found in God's presence and provision, a theme later developed in [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - God's Rest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 3:20, with its emphasis on corporate responsibility, a promised "rest," and an inheritance secured through a leader, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "rest" that the Lord gives to Israel in the land of Canaan foreshadows the deeper, spiritual rest that Christ offers to all who believe. While Israel's rest was geographical and conditional, the rest Christ provides is eternal and complete, a cessation from the burden of sin and the striving of self-righteousness, as He declares, "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")". Furthermore, the corporate mission of Israel to secure their inheritance points to the unified body of Christ, the Church, whose mission is to advance God's kingdom and steward the spiritual inheritance given through Him. Just as the Transjordan tribes had to fight alongside their brethren, believers are called to stand together, united in purpose and love, as "[one body in Christ, and individually members one of another](/romans/12-5 "Romans 12:5 - The Body of Christ")" for the sake of the Gospel. Christ is the true Joshua, the leader who brings His people into their ultimate inheritance—not merely a physical land, but "[every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")" and eternal life. His sacrifice on the cross secured the ultimate "possession" for us, enabling us to "[inherit eternal life](/mark/10-17 "Mark 10:17 - Inheriting Eternal Life")" and "[a kingdom that cannot be shaken](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")", a rest and inheritance far surpassing anything found in Canaan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.