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Matthew Henry on Numbers 32:1-5
Here is a proposal made by the Reubenites and Gadites, that the land lately conquered might be allotted to them. Two things common in the world might lead these tribes to make this choice; the lust of the eye, and the p…
The Request of the Reubenites. (b. c. 1452.)
THE REQUEST OF THE REUBENITES. (B. C. 1452.) Israel's tents were now pitched in the plains of Moab, where they continued many months, looking back upon the conquests they had already made of the land of Sihon and Og, an…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad. Reuben and Gad had both been camped on the same (southern) side of the tabernacle, but had not apparently been neighbours, since Simeon intervened on the march (see on Num…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1-5
A BIRD IN THE HAND WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH This common proverb, so limited in the scope of its application, and so liable to be misused by timid and selfish people, is clearly illustrated in the conduct of these two tribe…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1-42
EXPOSITION THE TWO AND A HALF TRIBES BEYOND JORDAN (Numbers 32:1-42).
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1-42
THE MISTAKEN CHOICE In this chapter we have, spiritually, the choice of those who do not (on the one hand) wish to sever themselves from the people of God, nor to desert their brethren, but who are (on the other hand) g…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:3
Ataroth. As to the nine places here mentioned, see on Numbers 32:34-38. They all lie to the south of Gilead, properly so called, within a comparatively short distance of the route by which the main body of the Israelite…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:5
Bring us not over Jordan. The two tribes have been charged on the strength of these words with "shameless selfishness," but there is nothing to justify such an accusation. If they thought at all of the effect of their r…
Matthew Henry on Numbers 32:6-15
The proposal showed disregard to the land of Canaan, distrust of the Lord's promise, and unwillingness to encounter the difficulties and dangers of conquering and driving out the inhabitants of that land. Moses is wroth…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:6
Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here. Moses had good cause to feel great anxiety about the entry into Canaan proper. Once already the faith and courage of the people had failed them on the very threshold…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:6-15
A THOROUGH EXPOSURE OF A SELFISH PROPOSITION I. MOSES APPEALS TO THE SENSE OF SHAME. They had been one nation until now. The suffering of one tribe had been the suffering of all. They had marched in company and fought i…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:7
Discourage. The verb נוֹא, translated "discourage" here and in Numbers 32:9, is of somewhat doubtful meaning. The Septuagint renders it by διαστρέφω, and perhaps the sense is, "Why do ye draw away the heart?" i.e; rend…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:8
Thus did your fathers. It is impossible not to see that this mode of address is in striking contrast to that used in the Book of. Deuteronomy (e.g; in Numbers 1:22, Numbers 1:27; Numbers 5:3, Numbers 5:23). At the same…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:9
When they went up, i.e; no doubt the spies, although the word is not expressed. Moses, indeed, in the heat of his displeasure, seemed to charge their "fathers" generally with the wickedness of ten men. No further proof…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:11
That came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward. Here is another instance of the haste and inaccuracy with which Moses spoke. The Divine sentence of exclusion had been pronounced upon all who were numbered a…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:12
The Kenezite. See on Numbers 13:6.
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:14
An increase of sinful men. תַּרְבּוּת is rendered by the Septuagint συντριμμα, which properly means a contusion or fracture; but it is probably equivalent to "brood," used in a contemptuous sense. The strong language of…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:15
He will yet again leave them in the wilderness. Properly speaking, Israel had already emerged from the wilderness; but until they had fairly made good their possession of Canaan, their desert wanderings could not be con…
Matthew Henry on Numbers 32:16-27
Here is the good effect of plain dealing. Moses, by showing their sin, and the danger of it, brought them to their duty, without murmuring or disputing. All men ought to consider the interests of others as well as their…
Matthew Henry on Numbers 32:16-27
We have here the accommodating of the matter between Moses and the two tribes, about their settlement on this side Jordan. Probably the petitioners withdrew, and considered with themselves what answer they should return…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:16-32
THE FINAL ARRANGEMENT I. REUBEN AND GAD DO NOT RESENT THE LANGUAGE OF MOSES. This is all the more noticeable because the language is so strong and humiliating. They seem to admit that his reproaches, his warnings, and h…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:16
Sheep-folds. גִּדְרֹת צֹאן. These were rude enclosures built of loose stones piled on one another, into which the flocks were driven at night for safety.
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:17
We ourselves will go ready armed. Rather, "we will equip ourselves in haste." נֵחָלַץ חֻשִׁים. They meant that they would not delay the forward movement of Israel, but would hasten to erect the necessary buildings, and…
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:19
On yonder side Jordan. מֵעֵבֶר לירְדֵּן. Septuagint, ἀπὸ τοῦ πέραν τοῦ ἰορδάνου. This phrase is here used in what is apparently its more natural sense, as it would be used by one dwelling in the plains of Moab (s…