Deuteronomy 3:18
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 that are meet for the war.
Original Language Analysis
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּעֵ֥ת
you at that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֥ת
you at that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
3 of 22
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
הַהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 22
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
נָתַ֨ן
hath given
H5414
נָתַ֨ן
hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ
to possess
H3423
לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ
to possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
13 of 22
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
חֲלוּצִ֣ים
armed
H2502
חֲלוּצִ֣ים
armed
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
14 of 22
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
תַּֽעַבְר֗וּ
it ye shall pass over
H5674
תַּֽעַבְר֗וּ
it ye shall pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
15 of 22
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לִפְנֵ֛י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֛י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 22
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֲחֵיכֶ֥ם
your brethren
H251
אֲחֵיכֶ֥ם
your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
17 of 22
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּנֵי
all that are meet
H1121
בְּנֵי
all that are meet
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
18 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
19 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Numbers 32 records the original agreement where Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh promised to lead Israel's army in conquering western Canaan before returning to their families. This conditional inheritance taught that community solidarity must accompany individual blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- What blessings has God given you that come with responsibility to help others?
- How are you using your advantages to serve those still waiting for their breakthrough?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' charge to the Transjordan tribes—'I commanded you at that time'—establishes their obligation despite receiving inheritance first. God's promise that He 'hath given you this land to possess it' came with responsibility: 'ye shall pass over armed before your brethren.' Blessing brings duty. Those who receive first must help others obtain their inheritance. This principle of serving others from our blessing runs throughout Scripture.