Numbers 32:31

Numbers 32:31 KJV captures the pivotal response of the tribes of Gad and Reuben to Moses concerning their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This verse signifies their solemn agreement and commitment to the terms set forth by Moses, ensuring unity and cooperation in the upcoming conquest of Canaan.

Context of Numbers 32:31

The immediate context of this verse is found in Numbers chapter 32, where the tribes of Gad and Reuben, possessing large herds, saw the fertile lands of Gilead and Jazer on the east side of the Jordan as ideal for their livestock. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a request to settle there instead of crossing into Canaan with the other tribes. Moses initially reacted with concern, fearing this would discourage the other Israelites, reminiscent of the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea. However, the tribes of Gad and Reuben clarified their intent: they would build cities for their families and folds for their flocks, but then they would arm themselves and go forth fully prepared to fight alongside their brethren until the entire land of Canaan was subdued and every tribe had received its inheritance. Only then would they return to their own allotted territory. Moses accepted their terms, stating that if they fulfilled this commitment, their land on the east side of Jordan would be theirs (Numbers 32:20-23). Verse 31 is their affirmative and binding pledge, confirming their readiness to act according to the Lord's will, as communicated through Moses.

Key Themes and Messages

• Commitment and Corporate Responsibility: This verse highlights the importance of keeping one's word, especially when it impacts the collective good. Gad and Reuben understood their individual desires had to align with the larger mission of the Israelite nation to conquer the Promised Land. Their willingness to prioritize the national conquest before settling their own affairs demonstrates a mature understanding of shared responsibility.
• Obedience to Divine Authority: Their phrase, "As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do," underscores their recognition that Moses' instructions carried divine weight. It wasn't merely a human negotiation but an agreement made before God. This emphasizes the principle of obedience to God's revealed will and His appointed leaders.
• Integrity of Promise: The straightforward declaration reflects a strong sense of integrity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a spoken promise was a binding covenant, and failure to uphold it could have severe consequences. This commitment laid the groundwork for trust and unity among the tribes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "As the LORD hath said" (Hebrew: ka'asher dibber YHWH) is crucial. It signifies that the tribes of Gad and Reuben perceived Moses' terms not as arbitrary demands, but as divinely inspired directives. This acknowledgment elevated their promise beyond a mere human agreement, making it a sacred vow before God Himself. It reinforced the idea that Moses was indeed God's mouthpiece, and that obeying Moses was tantamount to obeying the Lord.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:31 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Fulfilling Commitments: Just as Gad and Reuben were bound by their word, we are called to be people of integrity who honor our promises, whether to God, to others, or in our professional lives. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and being trustworthy.
• Serving the Greater Good: The tribes' willingness to fight alongside their brethren before settling their own affairs is a powerful example of prioritizing corporate responsibility and the well-being of the community or church over immediate personal comfort or gain. This reflects a spirit of selflessness.
• Trusting God's Direction: Their acceptance of Moses' terms, framed as "as the LORD hath said," reminds us to seek and obey God's direction in our own lives and plans, trusting that His ways are always best, even when they require personal sacrifice or delayed gratification.