Numbers 32:29
And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יַֽעַבְר֣וּ
will pass with you over
H5674
יַֽעַבְר֣וּ
will pass with you over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 26
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וּבְנֵֽי
and the children
H1121
וּבְנֵֽי
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 26
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֣ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֣ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
7 of 26
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
וּבְנֵֽי
and the children
H1121
וּבְנֵֽי
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 26
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִ֠תְּכֶם
H854
אִ֠תְּכֶם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חָל֤וּץ
every man armed
H2502
חָל֤וּץ
every man armed
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
14 of 26
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
לַמִּלְחָמָה֙
to battle
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָה֙
to battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
15 of 26
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 26
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֥ה
shall be subdued
H3533
וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֥ה
shall be subdued
Strong's:
H3533
Word #:
18 of 26
to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate
לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
20 of 26
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם
you then ye shall give
H5414
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם
you then ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
21 of 26
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This conditional land grant established precedent for Israel's covenant relationship with the land throughout history: obedience → blessing and possession; disobedience → curse and exile. Deuteronomy 28 expands this principle; ultimately, northern Israel's exile (722 BC) and Judah's Babylonian captivity (586 BC) demonstrated that land possession depended on covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the conditional 'if... then' structure of the land grant illustrate that biblical blessings often require obedient participation?
- What distinguishes unconditional promises (God's covenant faithfulness) from conditional blessings (dependent on human response)?
- How can you discern which biblical promises are unconditional and which require responsive obedience for fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass over with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession—Moses establishes conditional grant: if (אִם im) Reuben and Gad fulfill military obligations, then (וּנְתַתֶּם unetatem, 'then you shall give') they receive Gilead. The repeated phrase before the LORD emphasizes divine witness to this covenant—God Himself oversees compliance and holds both parties accountable.
Conditional blessings pervade Scripture: 'If you love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15); 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just' (1 John 1:9). Biblical promises often include conditional obedience clauses—grace is free, but blessing flow requires covenant faithfulness. The land grant wasn't unconditional entitlement but covenant reward for faithful military service.