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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/32-19.htm" title="Numbers 32:19">◄</a> Numbers 32:20 <a href="/numbers/32-21.htm" title="Numbers 32:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div 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 Moses said to them, &#8220If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses said, “If you keep your word and arm yourselves for the LORD’s battles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Moses said to them, “If you will do this, if you will take up arms to go before the LORD for the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Moses said to them: “If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses said to them, “If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Moses said to them, &#8220If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Moses said to them, “If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Moses said to them, “If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before Yahweh for the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied, “If you will do as you say, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied to them, “If you do this—if you arm yourselves for battle before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied to them, &#8220If you do this—if you arm yourselves for battle before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will arm yourselves to go before Jehovah to the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Moses said: You promised that you would be ready to fight for the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing; If ye will arm yourselves to go before the LORD to the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Moses answered, "Do what you have said. In the LORD's presence have all your armed men get ready for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Moses answered, "If you really mean what you say, then here in the presence of the LORD get ready to go into battle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"If you do this," Moses replied to them, "that is, if you equip yourselves for war in the LORD's presence <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied, ?If you will do this?if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses replied, "If you will do this thing, and if you will arm yourselves for battle before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to them, "If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before the LORD to the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to them: “If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses says to them, “If you do this thing, if you are armed before YHWH for battle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses saith unto them, 'If ye do this thing: if ye are armed before Jehovah for battle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will say to them, If ye will do this word, if ye will arm yourselves before Jehovah for battle,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to them: If you do what you promise, go on well appointed for war before the Lord: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to them: “If you accomplish what you have promised, you may go out, equipped for battle, before the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to them in reply: “If you do this—if you march as troops before the LORD into battle<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Moses said to them, “If you do this—if you take up arms to go before the LORD for the war,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to them, If you will do this thing and arm yourselves before the LORD for war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe said to them, “If you make this answer, also equip yourselves before LORD JEHOVAH for battle,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses said unto them: 'If ye will do this thing: if ye will arm yourselves to go before the LORD to the war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to them, If ye will do according to these words, if ye will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/32-20.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=9996" 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">19</span>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.” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śūn (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you will do</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this—</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/2502.htm" title="2502: tê·ḥā·lə·ṣū (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to pull off; hence to strip, To depart; by implication, to deliver, equip; present, strengthen.">you will arm yourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: lam·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">for battle,</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD, until He has driven His enemies out before Him,…<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/1-12.htm">Joshua 1:12-15</a></span><br />But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, / “Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’ / 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, ...<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 22:1-6</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="/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23</a></span><br />‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’<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="/hebrews/4-8.htm">Hebrews 4:8-11</a></span><br />For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. / There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. / For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a></span><br />Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Philippians 2:4</a></span><br />Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1-3</a></span><br />We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. / For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-25.htm">1 Corinthians 12:25-26</a></span><br />so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. / If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3-4</a></span><br />Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">1 Samuel 30:24</a></span><br />Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a></span><br />Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Moses said to them, If you will do this thing, if you will go armed before the LORD to war,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/3-18.htm">Deuteronomy 3:18-20</a></b></br> And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all <i>that are</i> meet for the war… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-13.htm">Joshua 1:13-15</a></b></br> Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/4-12.htm">Joshua 4:12,13</a></b></br> And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/numbers/32-17.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Arming</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/numbers/32-6.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/numbers/32-6.htm">War</a> <a href="/numbers/32-6.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-34.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/numbers/32-21.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-9.htm">Arming</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/numbers/32-27.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/numbers/32-27.htm">War</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Yourselves</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Moses replied</b><br>Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, often served as the mediator between God and the people. His role was to ensure that the commands of God were followed and that the people remained faithful. This response comes after the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, rather than crossing into the Promised Land. Moses' reply is significant as it reflects his concern for unity and obedience among the tribes.<p><b>If you will do this</b><br>Moses sets a condition for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. This conditional statement emphasizes the importance of commitment and responsibility. It reflects a covenantal approach, where blessings and privileges are contingent upon obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.<p><b>If you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle</b><br>The phrase "arm yourselves" indicates preparation and readiness for warfare. The Israelites were about to enter Canaan, a land inhabited by various peoples, and military engagement was necessary to claim the land promised by God. The mention of doing so "before the LORD" underscores the belief that their battles were not merely physical but spiritual, with God as their ultimate commander. This reflects the biblical theme that God fights for His people, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/exodus/14-14.htm">Exodus 14:14</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/20-4.htm">Deuteronomy 20:4</a>. The act of arming themselves also serves as a type of spiritual readiness, paralleling the New Testament call to put on the "full armor of God" (<a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is addressing the tribes of Reuben and Gad.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuben_and_gad.htm">Reuben and Gad</a></b><br>Two of the twelve tribes of Israel. They requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River because the land was suitable for their livestock.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The tribes of Reuben and Gad are negotiating their settlement before entering this land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a></b><br>A significant geographical boundary for the Israelites, marking the border of the Promised Land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is central to the account as the one who commands and guides His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_community.htm">Commitment to Community</a></b><br>The tribes of Reuben and Gad were reminded of their duty to support the entire community of Israel. As believers, we are called to support and serve our faith community, not just focus on our personal interests.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God’s Commands</a></b><br>Moses' instruction underscores the importance of obedience to God. Our actions should align with God's will, demonstrating our faith through obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>The willingness of the tribes to arm themselves for battle before settling shows faith in action. We are called to actively participate in God's plans, trusting Him for the outcome.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_purpose.htm">Unity in Purpose</a></b><br>The agreement between Moses and the tribes highlights the importance of unity. As the body of Christ, we must work together towards common spiritual goals.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a></b><br>Moses held the tribes accountable for their promise. In our spiritual walk, accountability to one another helps us stay true to our commitments and grow in faith.<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/how_reconcile_moses'_war_orders_today.htm">Numbers 32:20–22: How do we reconcile Moses’ instructions to engage in warfare and seize land with concepts of justice and morality today? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_believed_in_the_old_testament.htm">Who were the believers in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_verify_rapid_city_builds_in_transjordan.htm">Numbers 32:34–38: Can we verify the rapid construction or fortification of these cities in Transjordan through any historical or archaeological findings?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">if ye will go armed before the Lord . . . --</span>The same verb and the same preposition are here used which are used in <a href="/numbers/32-17.htm" title="But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.">Numbers 32:17</a>. It may be inferred from this expression that the army of the Israelites was regarded as the army of the Lord; and it seems probable that there is a reference to the ark of the Lord as being carried on certain occasions into the war. If the order of march prescribed in the second chapter of this Book was still observed, there may be a reference to the fact that the tribes of Reuben and Gad, which encamped on the south side of the Tabernacle, immediately preceded the ark (see <a href="/context/numbers/10-18.htm" title="And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.">Numbers 10:18-22</a>), just as those of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh immediately followed it (<a href="/psalms/80-2.htm" title="Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up your strength, and come and save us.">Psalm 80:2</a>). At the time of the passage of the Jordan, the priests who bare the ark stood still in the river until the whole of the people had passed over "before the ark of the Lord" (<a href="/joshua/4-5.htm" title="And Joshua said to them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:">Joshua 4:5</a>; <a href="/joshua/4-11.htm" title="And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.">Joshua 4:11</a>); but at the siege of Jericho it appears that the ark was carried in the midst of the host, some of the armed men going before it, and some following after it (<a href="/joshua/6-9.htm" title="And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.">Joshua 6:9</a>). If this is the true meaning of the word "before the Lord," it was natural that the Reubenites, or their spokesman, should first use the words "before the children of Israel" in <a href="/numbers/32-17.htm" title="But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.">Numbers 32:17</a>, and should not adopt the expression "before the Lord," as in <a href="/numbers/32-32.htm" title="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.">Numbers 32:32</a>, until it had been previously employed by Moses. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Before the Lord.</span> Perhaps in a quasi-local sense, as the vanguard of the host before the sacred symbols of the Lord's presence (see on chapter Numbers 10:21, and <a href="/joshua/6-9.htm">Joshua 6:9</a>). But since the same expression (<span class="hebrew">לִפְנֵי יְהוָה</span>) is twice used in a much vaguer sense in verse 22, it is more probable that it only means "in the Lord's service, or "beneath his eye." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/32-20.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">“If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲשׂ֖וּן</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·śūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<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">“if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will arm yourselves</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּחָֽלְצ֛וּ</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ḥā·lə·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2502.htm">Strong's 2502: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for battle,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lam·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/32-20.htm">OT Law: Numbers 32:20 Moses said to them If you will (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/32-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 32:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 32:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/32-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 32:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 32:21" /></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>