Numbers 32:19

For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

For we will not inherit {H5157} with them on yonder side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, or forward {H1973}; because our inheritance {H5159} is fallen {H935} to us on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} eastward {H4217}.

We will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Yarden, westward; because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Yarden, eastward."

Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.โ€

For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, and forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.

Commentary

Numbers 32:19 captures a significant declaration from the tribes of Reuben and Gad, affirming their commitment to their fellow Israelites while also securing their designated inheritance. This verse is part of a crucial dialogue with Moses concerning the settlement of the Israelite tribes as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

Context

Following successful campaigns against Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites and Bashan, the land east of the Jordan River was conquered. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, seeing that this region was suitable for their large herds, approached Moses with a request to settle there, rather than crossing the Jordan into Canaan proper. Moses initially reacted with concern, fearing they would repeat the failure of their fathers who refused to enter the land (see Numbers 32:7). However, the tribes clarified their intentions, promising to send their armed men across the Jordan to fight alongside their brethren until the entire land of Canaan was subdued. Verse 19 is their specific assurance that once their brethren had their inheritance, they would not seek more for themselves on the western side of the Jordan, having already received their portion.

Key Themes

  • Commitment and Solidarity: The verse highlights the tribes' pledge to their kinsmen. Despite having secured their own land, they committed to participating in the arduous conquest of the western side of the Jordan. This demonstrates a vital principle of unity and mutual support within the community of Israel, preventing division and ensuring collective success. Their promise is further detailed in Numbers 32:17.
  • Contentment with Inheritance: The phrase "our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward" signifies their acceptance and contentment with the land allotted to them. In ancient Israel, land inheritance was crucial, representing stability, identity, and God's covenant faithfulness. This statement underscores their satisfaction with what God had provided, implying they would not covet or seek to expand beyond their divinely appointed boundaries once the western conquest was complete. The method of dividing land by lot ("fallen to us") often implied divine guidance in the distribution.
  • Distinction of Territory: The verse clearly delineates the geographical boundaries of their inheritance ("this side Jordan eastward") from the main Promised Land ("yonder side Jordan, or forward"). This distinction was critical for the future tribal divisions and understanding the unique position of these two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) who settled outside the primary land of Canaan promised to Abraham (see Genesis 15:18).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "our inheritance is fallen to us" translates the Hebrew "ื ึธืคึทืœ ืœึธื ื•ึผ" (naphal lanu). The verb "ื ึธืคึทืœ" (naphal), meaning "to fall," is frequently used in the context of land distribution by lot. When lots were cast to divide territory, a portion "fell" to a particular person or tribe. This emphasizes that their inheritance was not merely a random acquisition but a divinely ordained assignment, reflecting God's provision and guidance in the allocation of the land.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It speaks to the importance of fulfilling our commitments, especially when it involves supporting others in their endeavors, even if our immediate needs are met. It also encourages contentment with what God has provided for us, resisting the urge to constantly seek more or to covet what belongs to others. Furthermore, it reminds us of the value of unity within the community of faith, where individual blessings do not negate our responsibility to participate in the collective mission and support the spiritual well-being of our brethren.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 13:8 (4 votes)

    With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, [even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

  • Genesis 13:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

  • Genesis 13:12 (2 votes)

    Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched [his] tent toward Sodom.

  • Joshua 12:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now these [are] the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:

  • Joshua 12:6 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 34:15 (2 votes)

    The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan [near] Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.

  • Numbers 32:32 (2 votes)

    We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan [may be] ours.