Números 32
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Números 32
NJB (MT versing) Reuben and Gad Settle in Gilead The Tribes Settling East of the Jordan The Allotment of Land in Trans Jordan The Tribes East of the Jordan The Allocation of the Trans-Jordan 32:1-5 32:1-5 32:1-5 32:1-5 32:1-5 32:6-15 32:6-15 32:6-15 32:6-15 32:6-15 32:16-19 32:16-19 32:16-19 32:16-19 32:16-19 32:20-24 32:20-27 32:20-24 32:20-24 32:20-24 32:25-27 32:25-27 32:25-27 32:25-27 32:28-32 32:28-32 32:28-32 32:28-30 32:28-30 32:31-33 32:31-33 32:33-42 32:33-42 32:33-42 32:34-38 32:34-38 32:39-42 32:39-42 Etc.
Números 32:1-5
32:1 There are two tribes listed here that had many livestock. It is not stated if this is related to the capture of Midian livestock listed in Numbers 31 livestock from Egypt (cf. Exod. 112:38) A third tribe (i.e., half tribe) is also mentioned as desiring to dwell on this eastern side of Jordan (i.e., Manasseh) in Num. 32:33. These three tribes will be given the land of (Num. 32:33; Numbers 21) Sihon, king of the Amorites Og, king of Bashan This is also found in Deut. 3:12-20 and Josh. 13:8-32; 22:1-9. 32:2 Notice the levels of leadership. Moses, the main leader Eleazar, the priest the leaders of the tribes (cf. Num. 32:28) Joshua, the soon to be successor of Moses (Num. 32:28) 32:5 "If we have found favor in your sight" This is a Hebrew idiom used over 40 times in the OT. It denotes a request from an inferior to a superior (usually YHWH, but here, Moses). This is a tactful request (two IMPERFECTS used in a JUSSIVE sense). However, the second one made Moses think they did not want to go into Canaan at all.
Números 32:6-15
32:6-15 At first Moses was not pleased. He assumed these tribes did not want to participate in the conquest of Canaan. He also assumed this reluctance was related to the unbelief of Numbers 13 (i.e., the report of the spies). 32:11 YHWH's anger at the unbelief of the Israelites in refusing to have faith in His promises to the Patriarchs (see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS) was the death of that entire generation (i.e., 20 years of age and up) in the wilderness (v. 13). None of them, except Joshua and Caleb, would enter Canaan (v. 12). 32:4-15 This is Moses' assumption of the motives of these tribes and his warning (also v. 23). 32:14 NASB, NKJV, JPSOA "a brood of sinful men" "a brood of sinners" "a new generation of sinful people" "an offshoot of sinful stock" "a fresh brood of sinful men" "a band of sinful persons" "a generation of sinful people" The MT has "a brood of sinful men." The word "brood" (BDB 916) appears only here in the OT. The same concept of a generation or groups of sinful people is used by Jesus of the religious leaders of His day (cf. Matt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33). Here, Moses initially accuses the tribes of Reuben and Gad of following the same path of unfaithfulness as the Israelites in Numbers 13. ▣ NASB, JB "to add still more" "to increase still more" NRSV, NJB "increase" JPSOA, LXX "add still further" "to fire" "to augment still" The MT has the VERB (BDB 705, KB 763, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT), which means "sweep away," but the versions are assuming a different root (BDB 414), meaning "to increase." The NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 278, #3, suggests that the MT root could denote "fanning or heaping up" Israel's sin, so as to increase YHWH's fiery anger (BDB 354 CONSTRUCT BDB 60 I).
Números 32:16-19
32:16-19 The tribes of Reuben and Gad explain their intentions. building temporary pens for their livestock fortifying a few key cities for their families their commitment to accompanying the rest of the tribes into the conquest of Canaan every able bodied man would go and not return until the conquest was completed 32:17 This implies these two tribes will be the vanguard of the Israeli troops. They would not just accompany Israel but go before them (i.e., Josh. 4:12-13, the traditional marching order of Judah). There is an emendation suggested by the LXX, Peshitta, and Vulgate. The MT has the Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLE, "make hast" (BDB 301, KB 300) but the ancient versions have changed it to a similar Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLE, "in battle array" (BDB 332, cf. Exod. 13:18; Josh. 1:14; 4:12; Jdgs. 1:11; NEB, NJB).
Números 32:20-24
32:20-27 Moses was pleased with their suggestion and promise. 32:21 "you armed men" The VERB (BDB 323, KB 321, Niphal IMPERFECT, cf. Num. 32:17, 20, 30; 31:3; Josh. 6:7, 9, 13), basically means "to strip," but in this military context, it means to equip oneself for battle (NIDOTTE, vol. 2, pp. 157-158). 32:22 "be free of obligation toward the Lord" This ADJECTIVE (BDB 667) denotes freedom from a vow/oath (cf. Josh. 2:17, 20). Although this context does not mention an oath, it is surely implied.
Números 32:28-32
32:28-32 Moses states clearly the conditions and consequences of the two tribes' promises.
Números 32:33-42
32:33 Without explanation half of the tribe of Manasseh chooses to be a part of this compact. 32:38 The pagan cities of "Nebo" and "Baal-meon" had their names changed by the Israelites but the text does not mention the new names.