The Reubenites rebuilt three key cities east of the Jordan as part of their inheritance in the land.
“Now the sons of Reuben built Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim” (Numbers 32:37). This verse highlights how the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, settled east of the Jordan River after Israel’s military victories in that region. Because they had a large number of livestock, and the pastureland there was good, they requested and received permission from Moses to occupy land formerly belonging to King Sihon of the Amorites. By taking on the responsibility to help their fellow Israelites conquer Canaan on the west side of the Jordan, the Reubenites were allowed to rebuild and fortify these cities for their own families (Numbers 32:1-25). By building up Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, they established a permanent home in the area the Lord gave them.
Heshbon once served as the capital of King Sihon, whom the Israelites defeated under Moses’ leadership. It sat at a strategic spot east of the Jordan and became an important location for the Reubenites after they took it over. Elealeh was a nearby town typically mentioned alongside Heshbon, indicating their close proximity. Kiriathaim lay further south in an area associated with Moab, east of the southern Jordan River and the Dead Sea (Numbers 32:37). This city had a significant history, dating back to earlier inhabitants before the Reubenites occupied it. By building up these places, the Reubenites secured safe dwellings and fresh pastures, showing God’s provision in granting their request for land suited to their abundant herds.
In a broader sense, this action demonstrates how Israel, even before fully entering the Promised Land west of the Jordan, was beginning to fulfill God’s plan of inheritance. The Reubenites honored their obligation in helping the other tribes conquer the rest of the land (Numbers 32:20-22), illustrating that God blesses unity and faithfulness among His people. Their focus on strengthening these cities points to a desire to trust the Lord’s promise while also diligently preparing for the challenges of establishing themselves in a new homeland. Believers today can see in this passage a reminder that God calls His people to cooperate and support one another as they dwell in the blessings He provides.
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Numbers 32:37 meaning
“Now the sons of Reuben built Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim” (Numbers 32:37). This verse highlights how the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, settled east of the Jordan River after Israel’s military victories in that region. Because they had a large number of livestock, and the pastureland there was good, they requested and received permission from Moses to occupy land formerly belonging to King Sihon of the Amorites. By taking on the responsibility to help their fellow Israelites conquer Canaan on the west side of the Jordan, the Reubenites were allowed to rebuild and fortify these cities for their own families (Numbers 32:1-25). By building up Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, they established a permanent home in the area the Lord gave them.
Heshbon once served as the capital of King Sihon, whom the Israelites defeated under Moses’ leadership. It sat at a strategic spot east of the Jordan and became an important location for the Reubenites after they took it over. Elealeh was a nearby town typically mentioned alongside Heshbon, indicating their close proximity. Kiriathaim lay further south in an area associated with Moab, east of the southern Jordan River and the Dead Sea (Numbers 32:37). This city had a significant history, dating back to earlier inhabitants before the Reubenites occupied it. By building up these places, the Reubenites secured safe dwellings and fresh pastures, showing God’s provision in granting their request for land suited to their abundant herds.
In a broader sense, this action demonstrates how Israel, even before fully entering the Promised Land west of the Jordan, was beginning to fulfill God’s plan of inheritance. The Reubenites honored their obligation in helping the other tribes conquer the rest of the land (Numbers 32:20-22), illustrating that God blesses unity and faithfulness among His people. Their focus on strengthening these cities points to a desire to trust the Lord’s promise while also diligently preparing for the challenges of establishing themselves in a new homeland. Believers today can see in this passage a reminder that God calls His people to cooperate and support one another as they dwell in the blessings He provides.