Numbers 32:33

And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

And Moses {H4872} gave {H5414} unto them, even to the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410}, and to the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}, and unto half {H2677} the tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519} the son {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}, the kingdom {H4467} of Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, and the kingdom {H4467} of Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, the land {H776}, with the cities {H5892} thereof in the coasts {H1367}, even the cities {H5892} of the country {H776} round about {H5439}.

So Moshe gave the descendants of Gad and of Re'uven, and also to the half-tribe of M'nasheh the son of Yosef, the kingdom of Sichon king of the Emori and the kingdom of 'Og king of Bashan - the country and its cities within its borders, along with their surrounding towns.

So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land including its cities and the territory surrounding them.

And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, according to the cities thereof with their borders, even the cities of the land round about.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 32:33

Numbers 32:33 marks a significant moment in the Israelites' journey, as it details the initial distribution of territory to specific tribes before the full conquest of Canaan. This verse is the culmination of a pivotal agreement made between Moses and the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh. These tribes, seeing the fertile pastureland east of the Jordan River (Transjordan), requested it as their inheritance, rather than crossing into Canaan proper.

Moses initially expressed concern, fearing their request would discourage the rest of the Israelites, reminiscent of the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea. However, the tribes assured Moses they would first help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before settling their own inheritance. This verse confirms Moses' fulfillment of that promise, granting them the kingdoms of Sihon and Og, which the Israelites had recently conquered in a decisive victory. The defeat of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan was a crucial step, demonstrating God's power and paving the way for Israel's expansion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Promise: This verse highlights Moses' faithfulness in fulfilling his agreement with the tribes, underscoring the importance of keeping one's word in leadership and community.
  • Divine Provision and Inheritance: The land given to these tribes was not merely taken by force but was understood as a divine inheritance, demonstrating God's provision for His people. It signifies the beginning of Israel's settlement in their promised land.
  • Consequences of Agreement: The tribes received their inheritance in exchange for their commitment to participate in the broader conquest. This illustrates that blessings often come with responsibilities and adherence to covenants.
  • Tribal Identity and Territory: The specific mention of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh emphasizes the distinct identity and territorial allotments for each tribe, a foundational aspect of Israelite society.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts" is noteworthy. The word "coasts" in older English often refers to borders, regions, or territories, not exclusively to land adjacent to a sea or large body of water. Here, it denotes the boundaries and surrounding areas of the conquered kingdoms. The specific names of "Sihon king of the Amorites" and "Og king of Bashan" are crucial, as they represent the powerful pre-Israelite rulers whose defeat was a testament to God's strength and a significant historical marker for Israel's expansion.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:33 offers several timeless lessons. Firstly, it underscores the value of integrity and fulfilling commitments, whether personal or communal. Just as Moses kept his word, we are called to be reliable in our promises. Secondly, it reminds us that God provides for His people, often through human effort and strategic victories. The inheritance received by these tribes symbolizes the blessings and provisions God has for us, though sometimes they require us to first engage in difficult tasks or fulfill our part of an agreement. Finally, it illustrates the importance of unity and mutual support within a community; these tribes received their land only after committing to help their brethren, highlighting the interdependence of God's people in achieving common goals, much like the body of Christ working together.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 12:6

    Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it [for] a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

  • Deuteronomy 3:12

    ¶ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

  • Deuteronomy 3:17

    The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

  • Joshua 22:4

    And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, [and] unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

  • Deuteronomy 29:8

    And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:31

    And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

  • Numbers 21:23

    And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
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