Numbers 32:1
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
Original Language Analysis
מִקְנֶֽה׃
for cattle
H4735
מִקְנֶֽה׃
for cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
1 of 20
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
רַ֗ב
multitude
H7227
רַ֗ב
multitude
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
2 of 20
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
הָיָ֞ה
H1961
הָיָ֞ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְלִבְנֵי
Now the children
H1121
וְלִבְנֵי
Now the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְלִבְנֵי
Now the children
H1121
וְלִבְנֵי
Now the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֖ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֖ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
7 of 20
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
עָצ֣וּם
great
H6099
עָצ֣וּם
great
Strong's:
H6099
Word #:
8 of 20
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
מְאֹ֑ד
had a very
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
had a very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וַיִּרְא֞וּ
and when they saw
H7200
וַיִּרְא֞וּ
and when they saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גִּלְעָ֔ד
of Gilead
H1568
גִּלְעָ֔ד
of Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
16 of 20
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
מְק֥וֹם
that behold the place
H4725
מְק֥וֹם
that behold the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
Cross References
Historical Context
Jazer and Gilead were conquered from Sihon and Og (21:21-35). The land was indeed suitable for grazing, as Reuben and Gad accurately observed. Yet their observation of material advantage tempted them to settle short of the full promise. Recognizing opportunity isn't wrong, but prioritizing it above God's purposes is.
Questions for Reflection
- How do material opportunities tempt you to settle for less than God's best?
- When is pragmatic thinking about resources actually lack of faith in God's provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Reuben and Gad, possessing large cattle herds, saw that Transjordan land was 'a place for cattle.' Their focus on economic opportunity at the threshold of Canaan would lead to requesting settlement east of Jordan (verse 5)—a choice with troubling implications about priorities and commitment to the whole community's mission.