Numbers 32:31

KJV

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410} and the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205} answered {H6030}, saying {H559}, As the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} unto thy servants {H5650}, so will we do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Gad and of Re'uven answered, "We will do as ADONAI has said to your servants.

Berean Standard Bible

The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do.

American Standard Version

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As Jehovah hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 32:31 records the solemn and unified declaration of the tribes of Gad and Reuben to Moses, affirming their commitment to the terms set for their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. This pivotal verse signifies their willing submission to divine authority, as expressed through Moses, and their binding pledge to participate fully in the conquest of Canaan alongside the other Israelite tribes before returning to claim their allotted land. It underscores themes of corporate responsibility, integrity, and obedience crucial for the nation's unity and successful entry into the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 32:31 is the climactic response within a negotiation that begins at [Numbers 32:1](/numbers/32-1 "Numbers 32:1 - Gad and Reuben's Request"). The tribes of Gad and Reuben, observing the fertile lands of Gilead and Jazer, approach Moses with a request to settle there, citing their numerous livestock. Moses initially reacts with strong disapproval, fearing their desire to settle prematurely would discourage the other tribes, echoing the disastrous rebellion at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea"). However, Gad and Reuben clarify their intent: they would first build fortified cities for their families and folds for their flocks, but then they would arm themselves and fight on the front lines with their brethren until the entire land of Canaan was subdued and all tribes had received their inheritance. Only after the conquest would they return to their eastern territories. Moses accepts their terms, laying out specific conditions in [Numbers 32:20-23](/numbers/32-20 "Numbers 32:20-23 - Moses' Conditions to Gad and Reuben"), warning them of the consequences if they failed to fulfill their pledge. Verse 31 is their unequivocal, binding affirmation of these conditions, solidifying the agreement and ensuring tribal unity for the impending military campaign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense value on land as a divine gift and a source of identity, security, and sustenance. For nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples like the Israelites, securing permanent dwelling places was a primary goal. The Jordan River served as a significant geographical and symbolic boundary, often marking the transition into the promised land of Canaan. In this culture, a spoken word, especially a solemn oath or promise, carried immense weight and was considered legally and morally binding, often before divine witnesses. Failure to uphold such a pledge could result in severe social and divine repercussions, as seen in various covenant contexts throughout the Old Testament. The concept of corporate responsibility was also paramount; the actions of a few could impact the entire community, and the well-being of the nation often superseded individual desires, particularly in a military campaign of this magnitude.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Corporate Responsibility and Unity** is central, as the individual desires of Gad and Reuben are subordinated to the collective mission of conquering the Promised Land for all Israel. Their willingness to fight alongside their brethren before securing their own inheritance demonstrates a mature understanding of shared destiny and mutual obligation, echoing the call for unity in the face of a common goal found in [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity"). Secondly, **Obedience to Divine Authority** is highlighted by their phrase "As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do." This acknowledges Moses' role as God's appointed messenger and implies that their agreement is not merely a human negotiation but a sacred vow before God, a principle consistently emphasized in passages like [Deuteronomy 11:27](/deuteronomy/11-27 "Deuteronomy 11:27 - Obedience Brings Blessing"). Thirdly, the **Integrity of Promise and Covenant Faithfulness** is evident in their straightforward and unwavering declaration. Their word is their bond, laying the groundwork for trust among the tribes and setting a precedent for future interactions, aligning with the importance of truthfulness and promise-keeping articulated in [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Characteristics of One Who Dwells with God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Answered (Hebrew: וַיַּעֲנוּ, _wayyaʿanu'_):** This verb, from the root עָנָה (_ʿanah_), signifies a formal, often solemn, response or declaration. It's not merely a casual reply but a considered, authoritative statement, indicating that the tribes of Gad and Reuben are speaking with one voice, collectively and decisively, in response to Moses' conditions. This emphasizes the binding nature of their commitment.
* **Said (Hebrew: אָמַר, _'amar'_):** In the phrase "As the LORD hath said," this verb denotes a divine utterance or command. When used in conjunction with "the LORD" (YHWH), it elevates Moses' preceding conditions from human negotiation to divinely inspired directives. The tribes recognize that Moses' words carry the authority of God Himself, making their subsequent pledge a sacred vow.
* **Do (Hebrew: נַעֲשֶׂה, _naʿaseh'_):** This first-person plural imperfect verb from the root עָשָׂה (_ʿasah_) expresses a firm intention and commitment to action. It's not a passive acceptance but an active resolve to perform what has been agreed upon. "So will we do" is a powerful declaration of their readiness to fulfill their part of the covenant, demonstrating their integrity and determination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying":** This opening clause highlights the unified and formal nature of the tribes' response. It emphasizes that this is not a dissenting voice or a hesitant agreement, but a collective and decisive affirmation from both tribal groups, indicating their solidarity and shared commitment. Their "answering" is a direct and responsible engagement with Moses' conditions.
* **"As the LORD hath said unto thy servants":** This is the theological lynchpin of the verse. Gad and Reuben explicitly acknowledge that the terms laid out by Moses are not arbitrary human demands but divinely ordained instructions. By referring to themselves as "thy servants," they humble themselves before Moses as God's representative, recognizing the ultimate authority behind the command. This transforms their promise into a sacred vow made before God.
* **"so will we do":** This concluding phrase is a concise yet powerful declaration of commitment and obedience. It signifies their unwavering resolve to fulfill every aspect of the agreement. It is a pledge of action, demonstrating their integrity and readiness to prioritize the corporate mission of Israel over their immediate personal comfort or gain, reinforcing their trustworthiness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, presenting the exact words of the tribes of Gad and Reuben. This technique lends immediacy and authenticity to their solemn pledge, allowing the reader to directly apprehend their commitment. The phrase "As the LORD hath said... so will we do" functions as a **Formulaic Affirmation**, a concise and binding declaration that echoes the language of covenant and obedience found throughout the Pentateuch. It serves as a **Pledge** or **Vow**, formally sealing the agreement between the tribes and Moses (and by extension, God). Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Antithesis** by contrasting Moses' initial fear of disunity and self-interest with the tribes' demonstrated willingness to prioritize corporate responsibility and national unity. This contrast highlights the positive resolution of the conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 32:31 serves as a profound illustration of covenant faithfulness and the nature of divine leadership within the Israelite community. The tribes' acknowledgment that Moses' words were "as the LORD hath said" underscores the principle that obedience to God's appointed leaders is tantamount to obedience to God Himself. This verse highlights the critical balance between individual tribal needs and the overarching divine plan for the nation, emphasizing that the corporate mission of God's people takes precedence. Their solemn pledge to participate in the conquest before settling their inheritance reflects the biblical emphasis on integrity, the binding nature of promises, and the call to selfless service for the greater good of the community of faith. This commitment to shared responsibility and the fulfillment of a divinely sanctioned task foreshadows the collective effort required to inherit God's promises.

* [Joshua 1:16-18](/joshua/1-16-18 "Joshua 1:16-18 - The People's Pledge to Joshua")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the LORD")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Righteous Person's Integrity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The unwavering commitment of Gad and Reuben in Numbers 32:31 offers a powerful model for believers today. In a world often characterized by self-interest and broken promises, this verse calls us to cultivate integrity, ensuring that our "yes" means yes and our "no" means no, not only in our words but in our actions. It challenges us to consider how our personal desires align with the greater mission of God's kingdom and the well-being of the church community. Are we willing to defer personal gratification or comfort for the sake of corporate spiritual advancement or the needs of our brethren? Just as these tribes recognized divine authority in Moses' words, we are called to discern and obey God's will as revealed in Scripture and through His Spirit, trusting that His plans are always for our ultimate good and the flourishing of His people. This requires a spirit of humility, a willingness to serve, and a deep-seated commitment to the promises we make, both to God and to one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my commitment to God's revealed will influence my daily decisions and long-term plans?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing personal comfort or gain over the collective good of my family, church, or community?**
* **How faithfully do I keep the promises I make, both to God and to others, and what steps can I take to strengthen my integrity?**
* **What does it mean for me to "fight alongside my brethren" in the spiritual battles of today, and how can I actively participate in the corporate mission of the Church?**

### FAQ
**Why were Gad and Reuben allowed to settle east of the Jordan, and did they fulfill their promise?**

Answer: The tribes of Gad and Reuben were allowed to settle east of the Jordan because they possessed large herds and found the fertile lands of Gilead and Jazer suitable for their livestock. Moses initially hesitated, fearing it would discourage the other tribes from entering Canaan, but they clarified their intent: they would first build cities for their families and folds for their flocks, then arm themselves and lead the charge into Canaan, fighting alongside the other tribes until the entire land was subdued and all had received their inheritance. Only then would they return to their eastern lands. Yes, they did fulfill their promise. [Joshua 4:12-13](/joshua/4-12-13 "Joshua 4:12-13 - Reubenites, Gadites, and Half-Tribe of Manasseh Cross the Jordan") records them crossing the Jordan fully armed, and [Joshua 22:1-6](/joshua/22-1-6 "Joshua 22:1-6 - Joshua Dismisses the Eastern Tribes") recounts Joshua commending them for their faithfulness and sending them back to their inheritance after the conquest was complete.

**What is the significance of the phrase "As the LORD hath said"?**

Answer: The phrase "As the LORD hath said" (KJV) or "as the LORD commanded" (NIV) is profoundly significant because it elevates the terms of the agreement from a mere human negotiation to a divinely sanctioned command. By using this language, the tribes of Gad and Reuben acknowledge that Moses is acting as God's mouthpiece, and therefore, obeying Moses' conditions is equivalent to obeying the Lord Himself. This recognition imbues their promise with sacred weight, making it a solemn vow before God. It underscores the divine authority behind the leadership of Moses and the importance of adhering to God's revealed will for the nation of Israel, a theme central to the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:32-33](/deuteronomy/5-32-33 "Deuteronomy 5:32-33 - Walk in All the Way That the LORD Has Commanded You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 32:31, with its emphasis on a solemn pledge, corporate responsibility, and obedience to divine will, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The tribes' declaration, "As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do," foreshadows the perfect obedience of the Son of God. Jesus consistently declared that His mission was to do the will of His Father, stating, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Obedience")). Unlike any human promise, Christ's commitment to the Father's will was absolute and unwavering, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He perfectly fulfilled every promise and every aspect of God's covenant plan, not for His own inheritance, but for the inheritance of His people, the Church. He is the true leader who goes before His people, not just into a physical land, but into the spiritual reality of reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal life ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Willingness to Do God's Will")). The corporate responsibility seen in Gad and Reuben's commitment is fully realized in the body of Christ, the Church, where believers are called to unity and selfless service under the headship of Christ, working together to advance God's kingdom and inherit the ultimate "Promised Land" of new heavens and a new earth ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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.