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Numbers 32:16 Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, "We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.
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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then they came up to him and said, “We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But they approached Moses and said, “We simply want to build pens for our livestock and fortified towns for our wives and children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they came near to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then they came near to him and said: “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they approached him and said, “We will build sheepfolds for our livestock here and cities for our little ones;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the people of Reuben and Gad approached Moses and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our flocks and [walled] cities for our children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they approached him and said, “We want to build sheep pens here for our livestock and cities for our dependents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they approached him and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our dependents. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The men from Reuben and Gad replied: Let us build places to keep our sheep and goats, and towns for our wives and children, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the tribes of Gad and Reuben came up to Moses and said, "Allow us to build stone fences for our livestock and cities for our families here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They approached Moses and said, "First, allow us to build stone enclosures here for our sheep and fortified towns for our dependents. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they approached him and said, "Here's where we're going to build corrals for our cattle and cities for our families,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, ?We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then they came very close to him and said, "We will build sheep folds here for our flocks and cities for our families,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They came near to him, and said, "We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they came near to him, and said, We will build sheep-folds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They came near to him, and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they come near to him and say, “We build folds for the flock here for our livestock, and cities for our infants;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they come nigh unto him, and say, 'Folds for the flock we build for our cattle here, and cities for our infants;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will draw near to him, and say, Sheep-folds will we build for our cattle here, and cities for our little ones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But they coming near, said: We will make sheepfolds, and stalls for our cattle, and strong cities for our children : <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But approaching closer, they said: “We will manufacture sheep pens and cattle stalls, as well as fortified cities, for our little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But they approached him and said: “We will only build sheepfolds here for our flocks and towns for our families;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they came up to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our flocks, and towns for our little ones,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then they came near to him and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle and cities for our little ones;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they came to him and they said, “We will build pens of sheep for our livestock here and towns for our little ones:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they came near unto him, and said: 'We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they came to him, and said, We will build here folds for our cattle, and cities for our possessions;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/32-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=9953" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/32.htm">The Tribes East of the Jordan</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: way·yig·gə·šū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To draw near, approach. ">Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: niḇ·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">“We want to build</a> <a href="/hebrew/1448.htm" title="1448: giḏ·rōṯ (N-fpc) -- A wall. Feminine of gader; enclosure.">sheepfolds</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: pōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here</a> <a href="/hebrew/4735.htm" title="4735: lə·miq·nê·nū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cp) -- Cattle. From qanah; something bought, i.e. Property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition.">for our livestock</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: wə·‘ā·rîm (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">and cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/2945.htm" title="2945: lə·ṭap·pê·nū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cp) -- Children. From taphaph; a family.">for our little ones.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-14.htm">Joshua 1:14-15</a></span><br />Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, / until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you, and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you may return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/3-18.htm">Deuteronomy 3:18-20</a></span><br />At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites. / But your wives, your children, and your livestock—I know that you have much livestock—may remain in the cities I have given you, / until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to the possession I have given you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-1.htm">Joshua 22:1-4</a></span><br />Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-31.htm">Numbers 14:31-33</a></span><br />But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it. / As for you, however, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. / Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/5-18.htm">1 Chronicles 5:18-22</a></span><br />The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. / They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. / And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16-18</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. / Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. / Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a></span><br />And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-7.htm">2 Samuel 10:7-9</a></span><br />On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. / When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">1 Kings 20:27</a></span><br />The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">Nehemiah 4:13-14</a></span><br />So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. / After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-11.htm">Psalm 68:11-12</a></span><br />The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it: / “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-15.htm">Isaiah 21:15-17</a></span><br />For they flee from the sword—the sword that is drawn—from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle. / For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. / The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-28.htm">Jeremiah 49:28-29</a></span><br />Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east! / They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-4.htm">Ezekiel 38:4-5</a></span><br />I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. / Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-21.htm">Matthew 8:21-22</a></span><br />Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they came near to him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/4-13.htm">Joshua 4:13</a></b></br> About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/34-22.htm">Genesis 34:22</a></b></br> Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they <i>are</i> circumcised.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-17.htm">Genesis 33:17</a></b></br> And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Build</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/32-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/numbers/27-1.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/numbers/31-18.htm">Infants</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Livestock</a> <a href="/numbers/31-17.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-6.htm">Pens</a> <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Places</a> <a href="/numbers/31-15.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Sheepfolds</a> <a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Sheep-Folds</a> <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/numbers/31-35.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/32-34.htm">Build</a> <a href="/numbers/32-26.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/32-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/32-17.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/8-11.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Infants</a> <a href="/numbers/35-3.htm">Livestock</a> <a href="/numbers/32-17.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Pens</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Places</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Sheepfolds</a> <a href="/judges/5-16.htm">Sheep-Folds</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/32-1.htm">The Reubenites and Gadites ask for inheritance on the east side of Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/32-6.htm">Moses reproves them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/32-16.htm">They offer him conditions with which he is content</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/32-33.htm">Moses assigns them the land</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/32-39.htm">They conquer it.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said,</b><br>The tribes of Gad and Reuben were part of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons. Their approach to Moses signifies a moment of negotiation and decision-making. Moses, as the leader and prophet, was the intermediary between God and the Israelites. This approach indicates a formal request, highlighting the tribal structure and leadership dynamics within the Israelite community. Historically, this moment occurs as the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, having journeyed from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.<p><b>“We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock</b><br>The request to build sheepfolds reflects the pastoral lifestyle of these tribes. Livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance, indicating their economic priorities. The land east of the Jordan River, where they were currently located, was fertile and suitable for grazing, making it an attractive option for these tribes. This request also shows a desire for stability and settlement, contrasting with the nomadic life they had led. The mention of sheepfolds suggests a need for protection and management of their herds, which were vital to their livelihood.<p><b>and cities for our little ones.</b><br>The mention of cities for their little ones underscores the importance of family and community. It reflects a concern for the safety and future of their children, indicating a long-term vision for settlement. Building cities implies a shift from a temporary, nomadic existence to a more permanent, structured society. This request also highlights the cultural emphasis on family and the continuation of the tribal lineage. The desire for cities suggests an understanding of the need for defense and organization, as cities would provide protection and a center for community life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tribes_of_reuben_and_gad.htm">The Tribes of Reuben and Gad</a></b><br>These tribes approached Moses with a request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, as the land was suitable for their large herds of livestock.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who was approached by the tribes of Reuben and Gad with their request. He was responsible for guiding the people according to God's will.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a></b><br>The land west of the Jordan River, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The request by Reuben and Gad was significant because it involved settling outside this designated area.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheepfolds_and_cities.htm">Sheepfolds and Cities</a></b><br>The practical needs of the tribes, indicating their desire to secure a future for their families and livestock, which were central to their livelihood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a></b><br>A geographical boundary that represented the transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land. The request to settle east of the Jordan was a pivotal moment in Israel's journey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_god's_promises.htm">Prioritizing God's Promises</a></b><br>The tribes' request reflects a tension between immediate needs and long-term promises. Believers today must prioritize God's promises over immediate comforts or conveniences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_unity.htm">The Importance of Unity</a></b><br>The request by Reuben and Gad could have led to division. Christians are called to maintain unity within the body of Christ, even when individual desires differ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_practical_needs_with_spiritual_goals.htm">Balancing Practical Needs with Spiritual Goals</a></b><br>The tribes sought to provide for their families, a legitimate concern. Believers must balance practical responsibilities with spiritual commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_counsel.htm">Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>Reuben and Gad approached Moses, a godly leader, for guidance. Christians should seek counsel from wise and godly individuals when making significant decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_provision.htm">Trusting in God's Provision</a></b><br>The tribes' desire for fertile land reflects a human tendency to rely on visible resources. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision, even when it is not immediately apparent.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/musical_terms_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abiram in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_the_tribe_of_reuben_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/any_historical_proof_of_moses'_warnings.htm">Numbers 32:23: Are there any historical or archaeological records that corroborate Moses' warnings about sin and its consequences for these tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_reuben's_and_gad's_settlement_sparse.htm">Joshua 13:8-14 - If Reuben's and Gad's territories east of the Jordan were truly established, why is tangible evidence of extensive settlement in those regions sparse?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">We will build sheepfolds . . . --</span>The sheepfolds were commonly constructed of loose stones piled up on one another.<p><span class= "bld">And cities for our little ones.</span>--The word which is rendered "build<span class= "ital">" </span>often means to "build up" or "repair," and it probably has that meaning in this place, as applied to the cities. (See <a href="/numbers/32-26.htm" title="Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:">Numbers 32:26</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Sheep-folds.</span> <span class="hebrew">גִּדְרֹת צֹאן</span>. These were rude enclosures built of loose stones piled on one another, into which the flocks were driven at night for safety. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/32-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then [the Gadites and Reubenites] approached</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּגְּשׁ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yig·gə·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Moses]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“We want to build</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְנֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sheepfolds</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּדְרֹ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(giḏ·rōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1448.htm">Strong's 1448: </a> </span><span class="str2">Enclosure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">here</span><br /><span class="heb">פֹּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(pōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> </span><span class="str2">This place, here</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for our livestock</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִקְנֵ֖נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miq·nê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4735.htm">Strong's 4735: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and cities</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for our little ones.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְטַפֵּֽנוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ṭap·pê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2945.htm">Strong's 2945: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/32-16.htm">OT Law: Numbers 32:16 They came near to him and said (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/32-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 32:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 32:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/32-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 32:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 32:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>