Numbers 32:28

KJV

¶ So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

KJV (with Strong's)

So concerning them Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680} Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and the chief {H7218} fathers {H1} of the tribes {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So Moshe gave orders concerning them to El'azar the cohen, Y'hoshua the son of Nun and the clan leaders of the tribes of the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

So Moses gave charge concerning them to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers’housesof the tribes of the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 32:28 marks a pivotal moment of leadership transition and accountability within the Israelite narrative. Following the agreement with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh to assist in the conquest of Canaan before settling east of the Jordan, Moses formally delegates the responsibility for upholding this crucial covenant. He charges Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of all the Israelite tribes with the solemn duty of ensuring that these Transjordanian tribes fulfill their promises, thereby safeguarding national unity and integrity as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 32 details the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, to settle in the fertile pasturelands east of the Jordan River. Moses initially reacted with strong disapproval, fearing that their desire to settle prematurely would discourage the rest of the Israelites from entering Canaan, echoing the disastrous rebellion after the spies' report at Kadesh-Barnea ([Numbers 14:1-45](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")). However, after these tribes pledged to send their armed men across the Jordan to fight alongside their brethren until the conquest of Canaan was complete, Moses relented. [Numbers 32:20-27](/numbers/32-20 "Numbers 32:20-27 - Moses' Conditions for the Transjordanian Tribes") outlines the specific conditions for this agreement. Verse 28 then serves as the formal command, a critical administrative and spiritual act where Moses explicitly charges the future leaders of Israel—Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads—with the solemn duty of ensuring this covenant is upheld. This delegation sets the stage for the subsequent execution of the agreement and the eventual entry into Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stand at the threshold of the Promised Land, having concluded their forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses, their venerable leader, is nearing the end of his life and ministry, with the transfer of leadership to Joshua imminent. The request by the Transjordanian tribes reflects a practical consideration for their extensive livestock, but it also presented a profound test of national unity and commitment to the divine promise of the land of Canaan. Culturally, the patriarchal structure of Israelite society is clearly evident in the inclusion of "chief fathers of the tribes," highlighting the significant role of clan and family heads in governance and decision-making. The concept of a binding oath or covenant, made before God and the community, was paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies, carrying severe consequences for breach. Moses' command here is not merely an administrative directive but a solemn charge rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the sanctity of promises and the importance of collective responsibility.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. **Leadership and Succession** is prominent, as Moses formally prepares for the transfer of authority, ensuring continuity and stability for the nation after his departure, a theme further developed in [Deuteronomy 31](/deuteronomy/31 "Deuteronomy 31 - Moses' Final Instructions and Commissioning of Joshua"). The theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is central, emphasizing the sanctity of promises made, both between God and Israel, and among the Israelites themselves. The agreement with the Transjordanian tribes is a test of their integrity and commitment to the collective national goal of conquering the land, reflecting the broader call to obedience found throughout the Law. Furthermore, **Corporate Responsibility** is highlighted, demonstrating that the burden of governance and the upholding of national commitments rests not on a single individual but on a collective leadership body comprising religious, military, and tribal authorities, ensuring a robust system of accountability for the entire community of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tzavah'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, an injunction, or an order. It conveys more than a mere suggestion; it carries the weight of a legal or covenantal obligation, implying a non-negotiable instruction that must be obeyed. Its use here underscores the seriousness with which Moses viewed the agreement with the Transjordanian tribes and the solemnity of the charge given to the leaders responsible for its enforcement.
* **Chief fathers (Hebrew, _rashei avot'_):** Literally meaning "heads of fathers" or "heads of ancestral houses." This term refers to the patriarchal leaders or elders who represented their respective clans or families within the larger tribal structure. Their inclusion alongside Eleazar and Joshua demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Moses' delegation, involving both the religious and military leadership, as well as the foundational social and political authorities of Israelite society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest":** This clause initiates the formal delegation of authority. "Concerning them" refers to the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) and the agreement they had just made with Moses. Moses, acting as God's mediator and the supreme leader, issues a definitive instruction to Eleazar, who, as the high priest, represents the spiritual and religious authority of the nation. This highlights the sacred nature of the agreement and the priestly role in ensuring its fulfillment.
* **"and Joshua the son of Nun":** Joshua is identified as Moses' successor in military and political leadership. By including Joshua, Moses ensures that the future military campaigns and the overall governance of Israel will be conducted with full awareness and enforcement of the agreement made with the Transjordanian tribes. This underscores the practical and strategic importance of their commitment to the conquest of Canaan.
* **"and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel":** This final part of the list broadens the scope of responsibility to include the collective leadership of the entire Israelite community. The "chief fathers" were the heads of the ancestral clans, representing the tribal structure and local authority. Their inclusion signifies that the responsibility for upholding the agreement was not solely on the high priest or the military leader, but on the entire leadership body, ensuring communal accountability and participation in this vital national undertaking.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** by explicitly listing the key individuals entrusted with the command: Eleazar, Joshua, and the chief fathers. This precise listing serves to clearly define the chain of command and the shared responsibility for the covenant's fulfillment, leaving no ambiguity as to who is accountable. The use of **Authoritative Language** is evident in the verb "commanded" (_tzavah_), which conveys the solemnity and binding nature of Moses' directive, reinforcing the importance of the agreement. Furthermore, the verse functions as a moment of **Transition** and **Delegation**, marking a critical point in Moses' leadership as he prepares for his succession, formally passing on responsibilities to the next generation of leaders. This act of delegation is a literary foreshadowing of the leadership transfer that will fully unfold in the subsequent books.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 32:28 encapsulates profound theological principles related to divine order, human responsibility, and the nature of covenant. Moses' command underscores the importance of integrity in promises made, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The delegation of authority to Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal elders demonstrates God's design for distributed leadership and accountability within His people, ensuring that the burden of upholding national commitments is shared. This structure reflects the principle that the entire community, through its representatives, is responsible for adhering to the divine will and maintaining unity in purpose, particularly concerning the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.

* [Deuteronomy 3:28](/deuteronomy/3-28 "Deuteronomy 3:28 - Commissioning of Joshua")
* [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")
* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless insights into the dynamics of leadership, accountability, and community integrity. Moses' foresight in formally delegating this crucial responsibility before his departure serves as a powerful model for effective succession planning in any organization, particularly within the church. It reminds us that true leadership involves not just exercising authority but also empowering others and ensuring continuity of mission. For believers today, the emphasis on fulfilling promises made, especially those before God and community, speaks directly to our personal integrity and the health of our relationships. Whether it's a commitment to a spiritual discipline, a promise to a fellow believer, or a covenant within marriage or ministry, our word must be trustworthy. Furthermore, the shared responsibility among diverse leaders—spiritual, administrative, and communal—highlights the strength found in collaborative governance and mutual accountability, fostering a resilient and unified body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' act of delegation in this verse inform our understanding of leadership succession and mentorship in contemporary contexts?**
* **In what ways does the principle of covenant faithfulness, as demonstrated by the agreement with the Transjordanian tribes, challenge us to uphold our own commitments today?**
* **How can the model of shared leadership among Eleazar, Joshua, and the chief fathers inspire more effective and accountable governance within our communities or churches?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses so concerned about the Transjordanian tribes settling east of the Jordan?**

Answer: Moses' initial concern stemmed from the potential for discouragement and division within the Israelite community. He feared that if these tribes settled outside the main Promised Land before its conquest, it would demoralize the rest of the Israelites, causing them to lose heart and repeat the sin of their fathers at Kadesh-Barnea, where they refused to enter the land due to fear ([Numbers 14:1-45](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")). This could jeopardize the entire divine plan for Israel to inherit the land promised by God. His concern was for the unity and spiritual resolve of the nation to fulfill its God-given destiny.

**Who were "the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel" and what was their role?**

Answer: The "chief fathers" (Hebrew: _rashei avot_) were the heads of the ancestral houses or clans within each tribe of Israel. They were significant patriarchal figures who held considerable authority and influence in the social, judicial, and administrative affairs of their respective tribes. Their role was to represent their clans, participate in tribal decisions, and ensure the well-being and order of their people. By including them in this command, Moses ensured that the agreement with the Transjordanian tribes had the full backing and oversight of the foundational leadership structure of all Israel, ensuring broad communal accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 32:28, while seemingly an administrative detail concerning ancient Israelite leadership, subtly points to the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant and the ultimate leadership of Christ. Moses' act of delegating authority to Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal elders foreshadows the comprehensive and multi-faceted leadership that Christ embodies and establishes in His church. Just as Moses entrusted the continuity of the covenant and the pursuit of the promised land to a collective leadership, so Christ, the greater Moses, has commissioned His disciples to carry forward His mission. He is the ultimate High Priest, superior to Eleazar, who intercedes for His people and ensures the fulfillment of God's promises through His eternal sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")). He is also the greater Joshua, leading His people into their true spiritual inheritance, not a physical land, but the kingdom of God and eternal life ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains")). Furthermore, Christ empowers His church, a new "Israel," with diverse leadership gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church")). The integrity and faithfulness demanded in Numbers 32:28 find their ultimate perfection in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all covenant obligations and whose word is eternally trustworthy. His commission to His followers, the Great Commission, is the ultimate delegation, ensuring His global mission is carried out until His return ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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.