Numbers 32:4

[Even] the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, [is] a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

Even the country {H776} which the LORD {H3068} smote {H5221} before {H6440} the congregation {H5712} of Israel {H3478}, is a land {H776} for cattle {H4735}, and thy servants {H5650} have cattle {H4735}:

the country that ADONAI conquered before the community of Isra'el, is livestock country; and your servants have livestock.

which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.”

the land which Jehovah smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle; and thy servants have cattle.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 32:4

Numbers 32:4 is part of a crucial discussion between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and later, the half-tribe of Manasseh) as the Israelites stood on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. The verse highlights their justification for requesting to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River, specifically Gilead and Bashan. These lands had recently been conquered by Israel from King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. The tribes, possessing "a very great multitude of cattle" (Numbers 32:1), saw this territory as perfectly suited for their extensive livestock, viewing it as a land of ideal pasture.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Suitability of the Land: The core message of this verse is the practical value of the recently conquered territory. The phrase "a land for cattle" directly underscores its pastoral richness, a key reason for the tribes' desire for this specific settlement.
  • Divine Provision and Conquest: The mention of "the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel" emphasizes that this land was not acquired by chance but through God's direct intervention and decisive victory on behalf of His people. It acknowledges divine assistance in their conquest and the provision of suitable land.
  • Tribal Priorities: This verse reveals the immediate priorities of the Reubenites and Gadites – the welfare of their extensive livestock. This focus on their material possessions and immediate needs sets the stage for Moses' initial concern that their request would discourage the other tribes from entering Canaan, requiring a solemn oath from them to join the conquest.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "smote" is nakah (נָכָה), which signifies a decisive striking or defeating. It highlights the completeness of the victory over the previous inhabitants of the land, affirming that the territory was truly secured by divine power for Israel's use. The phrase "a land for cattle" (אֶרֶץ מִקְנֶה, eretz mikneh) is quite literal, emphasizing its specific suitability for grazing and animal husbandry, which was a primary economic activity for these tribes.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:4 offers several insights for contemporary reflection:

  • Stewardship and Resource Management: The tribes recognized and valued the land's suitability for their resources. This reminds us to be good stewards of the provisions and opportunities God grants us, utilizing them wisely according to their purpose.
  • Balancing Personal Needs with Community Goals: While the tribes had a legitimate need for pasture, their request initially appeared to prioritize individual tribal welfare over the collective goal of conquering all of the promised land. This highlights the ongoing tension between personal interests and the broader community or spiritual mission, requiring discernment and commitment to the greater good, as seen in their eventual agreement to fight alongside their brethren (Numbers 32:16-17).
  • Acknowledging God's Hand: The verse implicitly acknowledges God's role in providing this land. It serves as a reminder to recognize and give thanks for God's blessings and provisions in our lives, understanding that even our material successes are often a result of His enabling hand.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 21:34

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

  • Deuteronomy 2:24

    ¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.

  • Deuteronomy 2:35

    Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.

  • Numbers 21:24

    And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.
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