Numbers 32:31
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲנ֧וּ
answered
H6030
וַיַּֽעֲנ֧וּ
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֛ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֛ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
3 of 14
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֧ר
hath said
H1696
דִּבֶּ֧ר
hath said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֛ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The tribes' recognition that Moses' commands mediated divine instruction reflects mature covenantal understanding—God's authority operates through ordained human structures. This prevented individualistic 'I answer only to God' mentality that bypasses institutional authority. The pattern continues in New Testament church structure: elders exercise genuine authority that congregants must honor (Hebrews 13:17), yet ultimately serve under Christ's headship (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the progression from 'as my lord commands' (v.25) to 'as the LORD has said' (v.31) demonstrate mature recognition of divine authority operating through human structures?
- What dangers arise when believers claim direct divine authority while bypassing ordained human leadership structures?
- How can you honor spiritual authority as mediating God's will while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ above all human authorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do—The tribes' response—as the LORD hath said... so will we do (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה... כֵּן נַעֲשֶׂה ka'asher diber YHWH... ken na'aseh)—attributes Moses' instructions to God Himself, recognizing prophetic authority. This elevation from 'as my lord commands' (v.25) to 'as the LORD has said' demonstrates spiritual maturity—seeing human authority as mediating divine will.
The covenant formula 'as... so' appears at Sinai: 'All that the LORD has said we will do' (Exodus 19:8; 24:3,7). This verbal pattern creates binding covenant obligation. The New Testament warns against lip-service: 'Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom... but he who does the will of My Father' (Matthew 7:21)—saying 'we will do' requires actual doing, not mere verbal commitment.