Numbers 32:16

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 32:16 captures a pivotal moment in the negotiation between the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and Moses, regarding their desire to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River. This verse is their articulated proposal, designed to reassure Moses of their loyalty and commitment to the larger Israelite community.

Context

Prior to this verse, the tribes of Reuben and Gad, possessing vast herds, observed that the land of Gilead and Bashan, east of the Jordan, was exceptionally suitable for their livestock. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, requesting this territory as their inheritance, rather than crossing over with the rest of Israel to conquer Canaan (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses reacted with strong disapproval, fearing their actions would discourage the other tribes and provoke God's wrath, reminiscent of the disastrous rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea that led to forty years of wilderness wandering (Numbers 32:6-15). Verse 16 is the tribes' immediate response, a strategic offer to address Moses' concerns and demonstrate their willingness to fulfill their obligations.

Key Themes

  • Commitment and Responsibility: The core of their proposal is a pledge to secure their families and possessions first, then join the fight. This shows a balance between personal tribal needs and national responsibility.
  • Strategic Planning: The tribes are not just asking for land; they are presenting a practical plan for how they will manage their new territory while still participating in the conquest. Building "sheepfolds" and "cities" highlights their intention to establish stable, defensible communities.
  • Negotiation and Reassurance: This verse marks a turning point in the conversation, where the tribes actively seek to alleviate Moses' fears about their dedication. Their willingness to fight alongside their brethren is crucial to securing Moses' approval, which he eventually grants under strict conditions (Numbers 32:20-23).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "sheepfolds" (Hebrew: gidrot tson) and "cities" (Hebrew: arim) are straightforward descriptions of practical infrastructure. "Sheepfolds" refers to stone enclosures or pens used to protect livestock from predators and thieves, emphasizing their primary economic activity. "Cities" implies fortified settlements or towns for human habitation, underscoring their desire for security and permanence for their families, particularly their "little ones." This immediate focus on protection for their most vulnerable members and valuable assets is a significant part of their appeal to Moses.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:16 offers valuable lessons for today. It illustrates the importance of:

  • Balancing Personal and Communal Needs: We often face situations where personal desires or family needs must be balanced with broader community or organizational responsibilities. The Reubenites and Gadites sought to ensure their household was secure before contributing to the larger national effort.
  • Fulfilling Commitments: Once a promise is made, especially in negotiation, it is crucial to follow through. Their proposal was accepted on the condition that they would indeed fight, a commitment they honored (Joshua 4:12).
  • Proactive Problem Solving: Instead of merely defending their initial request, the tribes offered a solution that addressed Moses' concerns, demonstrating foresight and a willingness to compromise for the greater good.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 33:17 (2 votes)

    And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

  • Numbers 34:22 (2 votes)

    And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli.