Numbers 32:25
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָד֙
of Gad
H1410
גָד֙
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
3 of 13
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
will do
H6213
יַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Moses' initial suspicion (32:6-15) that Reuben and Gad were repeating the exodus generation's unbelief required these tribes to clearly demonstrate covenant faithfulness. Their submissive response and detailed battle-participation commitment (32:16-19,25-27) convinced Moses of sincere intent, leading to authorization of their Transjordan settlement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the phrase 'thy servants will do as my lord commands' model appropriate submission to spiritual authority in covenant communities?
- What distinguishes healthy biblical submission from either rebellious independence or servile people-pleasing?
- How can you cultivate willingness to submit to legitimate spiritual authority while maintaining conscience freedom and personal responsibility before God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth—The tribal representatives' response—thy servants will do as my lord commandeth (עֲבָדֶיךָ יַעֲשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר אֲדֹנִי מְצַוֶּה avadekha ya'asu ka'asher adoni metzaveh)—demonstrates submissive covenant obedience. The self-designation thy servants (עֲבָדֶיךָ) acknowledges Moses' prophetic authority, while as my lord commandeth commits to complete compliance.
This response models healthy submission to spiritual authority—not begrudging compliance but willing covenant partnership. The New Testament teaches: 'Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account' (Hebrews 13:17). Submission isn't servility but recognizing God-ordained authority structures that provide order and protection in covenant community.