They establish cities, uphold responsibility for family and property, and honor their word.
Moses is responding to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who desired to settle east of the Jordan, by instructing them to follow through on their commitment. He says, “So build yourselves cities for your little ones and sheepfolds for your sheep, and do what you have promised.” (v.24) This statement comes during the broader negotiations over the land in Gilead, a region characterized by elevated plateaus ideal for raising livestock. Historically, this took place around 1407 BC (toward the end of Moses’ life, which spanned approximately 1526 BC-1406 BC). The tribes had agreed to help the rest of Israel conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own chosen territory, and Moses calls them to keep that pledge.
When Moses urges them to “build yourselves cities for your little ones” (v.24), he stresses the importance of providing safe communities for their families. These fledgling towns would have needed walls or fortifications for protection, as well as common structures for trade and worship. By adding “and sheepfolds for your sheep” (v.24), Moses highlights the necessity of tending to the practical affairs of livestock management, which was a staple part of their livelihood in the region. This is consistent with God’s broader principle of responsible stewardship over the resources and people under one’s care.
Finally, Moses’ straightforward command, “do what you have promised” (v.24), underscores the biblical principle of honoring one’s word, echoing the values later taught by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 5:33-37). The tribes of Reuben and Gad would demonstrate their obedience to God by upholding their bargain, going first with the rest of Israel to conquer the Promised Land, and then returning to Gilead. Their trustworthiness anchored their relationship with the rest of the community and with God.
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Numbers 32:24 meaning
Moses is responding to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who desired to settle east of the Jordan, by instructing them to follow through on their commitment. He says, “So build yourselves cities for your little ones and sheepfolds for your sheep, and do what you have promised.” (v.24) This statement comes during the broader negotiations over the land in Gilead, a region characterized by elevated plateaus ideal for raising livestock. Historically, this took place around 1407 BC (toward the end of Moses’ life, which spanned approximately 1526 BC-1406 BC). The tribes had agreed to help the rest of Israel conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own chosen territory, and Moses calls them to keep that pledge.
When Moses urges them to “build yourselves cities for your little ones” (v.24), he stresses the importance of providing safe communities for their families. These fledgling towns would have needed walls or fortifications for protection, as well as common structures for trade and worship. By adding “and sheepfolds for your sheep” (v.24), Moses highlights the necessity of tending to the practical affairs of livestock management, which was a staple part of their livelihood in the region. This is consistent with God’s broader principle of responsible stewardship over the resources and people under one’s care.
Finally, Moses’ straightforward command, “do what you have promised” (v.24), underscores the biblical principle of honoring one’s word, echoing the values later taught by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 5:33-37). The tribes of Reuben and Gad would demonstrate their obedience to God by upholding their bargain, going first with the rest of Israel to conquer the Promised Land, and then returning to Gilead. Their trustworthiness anchored their relationship with the rest of the community and with God.