Numbers 32:26
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:
Original Language Analysis
טַפֵּ֣נוּ
Our little ones
H2945
טַפֵּ֣נוּ
Our little ones
Strong's:
H2945
Word #:
1 of 9
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
מִקְנֵ֖נוּ
our flocks
H4735
מִקְנֵ֖נוּ
our flocks
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
3 of 9
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּהֶמְתֵּ֑נוּ
and all our cattle
H929
בְּהֶמְתֵּ֑נוּ
and all our cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
יִֽהְיוּ
H1961
יִֽהְיוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Historical Context
Gilead's cities (east of Jordan) sat on Israel's frontier, exposed to raids from surrounding nations (Ammon, Moab, desert tribes). Leaving families there while warriors fought in Canaan (potentially 7+ years of conquest, Judges 1:1-36) required extraordinary faith in divine protection. God honored this faith—no record exists of Transjordan families suffering enemy attacks during the conquest period.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leaving families in vulnerable Gilead while fighting in Canaan model faith that prioritizes covenant responsibilities over family security?
- What modern equivalents exist where following God's call requires trusting Him with family safety and provision?
- How can you balance appropriate family responsibility with willingness to prioritize kingdom service when they seem to conflict?
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Analysis & Commentary
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead—The strategic plan: families and livestock remain in fortified Gilead cities (בְּעָרֵי הַגִּלְעָד be'arei haGil'ad) while military-age males cross Jordan to fight. The phrase our little ones... wives... flocks... cattle (טַפֵּנוּ נָשֵׁינוּ... צֹאנֵנוּ... בְּהֶמְתֵּנוּ) emphasizes complete dependents remaining in security while warriors fulfill covenant obligations.
This arrangement demonstrates faith—leaving families in frontier territories (vulnerable to Ammonite/Moabite raids) while fighting distant battles westward required trusting God's protection. The New Testament teaches similar principle: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you' (Matthew 6:33)—prioritizing covenant responsibilities over family security requires faith that God protects those we entrust to Him.