Numbers 32:5
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מָצָ֤אנוּ
they if we have found
H4672
מָצָ֤אנוּ
they if we have found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
חֵן֙
grace
H2580
חֵן֙
grace
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
4 of 15
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
in thy sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
in thy sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יֻתַּ֞ן
be given
H5414
יֻתַּ֞ן
be given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַֽאֲחֻזָּ֑ה
for a possession
H272
לַֽאֲחֻזָּ֑ה
for a possession
Strong's:
H272
Word #:
11 of 15
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
12 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ
and bring us not over
H5674
תַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ
and bring us not over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
13 of 15
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Historical Context
Their request echoed the previous generation's refusal to enter Canaan (chapter 13-14). Moses explicitly made this connection (verses 7-13), recognizing that settling for less than God's promise, however practical it seemed, repeated the sin that cost that generation the Promised Land.
Questions for Reflection
- How do seemingly practical decisions actually constitute lack of faith in God's promises?
- What community missions are you tempted to abandon for personal advantage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They requested, 'let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.' This seemingly reasonable request actually proposed abandoning the main mission at the crucial moment. Seeking personal advantage when the community faces its greatest challenge constitutes betrayal. Moses' angry response (verses 6-15) showed he understood the request's serious implications.