Numbers 32:2
The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
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 #:
3 of 15
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
וּבְנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
11 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נְשִׂיאֵ֥י
and unto the princes
H5387
נְשִׂיאֵ֥י
and unto the princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
Historical Context
This occurs in the fortieth year of wilderness wandering (circa 1406 BC), on the Plains of Moab east of Jericho, just before Israel's Jordan crossing. The Transjordan territory had been conquered from Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35), making settlement appear feasible.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you approached spiritual leaders with respectful words while harboring self-serving motives?
- How can seemingly wise decisions about 'good land' distract from God's better purposes?
- What red flags should alert us when convenience and comfort drive major life choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses—the narrative order is significant: Gad listed first though Reuben was Jacob's firstborn (Genesis 29:32), perhaps because Gad was more numerous (Numbers 26:18) or took initiative in this request. They approach the leadership triad: Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation—civil, religious, and tribal authorities, showing proper protocol for a major tribal decision.
This diplomatic approach masks a dangerous proposal: choosing inheritance east of Jordan rather than in Canaan proper. What appears as reasonable negotiation will provoke Moses' fierce rebuke (vv.6-15), exposing how self-interest can masquerade as prudent planning. Their respectful tone cannot disguise their defection from God's intended inheritance.