Bible Commentaries
Numbers 32

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 32:1, The Reubenites and Gadites sue for their inheritance on the east side of Jordan; Numbers 32:6, Moses reproves them; Numbers 32:16, They offer him conditions with which he is content; Numbers 32:33, Moses assigns them the land; Numbers 32:39, They conquer it.

Verse 1

the children: Numbers 2:10-15, Numbers 26:5-7, Numbers 26:15-18, Genesis 29:32, Genesis 30:10, Genesis 30:11

Jazer: Numbers 32:3, Numbers 32:35, Numbers 21:32, Jaazer, Joshua 13:25, 2 Samuel 24:5, Isaiah 16:8, Isaiah 16:9

the place: Numbers 32:26, Genesis 13:2, Genesis 13:5, Genesis 13:10, Genesis 13:11, Genesis 47:4, Jeremiah 50:19, Micah 7:14, 1 John 2:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:21 - Gilead Genesis 49:4 - thou shalt not excel Genesis 49:19 - General Genesis 49:22 - a fruitful Numbers 10:31 - forasmuch Numbers 21:24 - Israel Numbers 32:33 - Moses Deuteronomy 33:21 - the first part Joshua 21:39 - Jazer Joshua 22:9 - the country of Gilead Judges 5:16 - sheepfolds Judges 20:1 - with the 1 Samuel 13:7 - Gad 2 Samuel 2:9 - Gilead 2 Samuel 17:26 - General 2 Samuel 24:6 - Gilead 2 Kings 15:29 - Gilead 1 Chronicles 4:41 - pasture 1 Chronicles 6:81 - Jazer Song of Solomon 4:1 - mount Jeremiah 48:32 - Jazer Ezekiel 47:18 - from Gilead

Verse 2

Reciprocal: Joshua 13:7 - General Joshua 21:8 - as the Lord

Verse 3

Ataroth: Numbers 32:1, Numbers 32:34-38, Joshua 13:17, Isaiah 15:2-4, Jeremiah 48:22, Jeremiah 48:23

Nimrah: Numbers 32:36, Beth-nimrah, Isaiah 15:6, Nimrim

Heshbon: Numbers 21:25, Numbers 21:26, Numbers 21:28, Judges 11:26, Nehemiah 9:22, Isaiah 15:4, Isaiah 16:8, Isaiah 16:9, Jeremiah 48:2, Jeremiah 48:34, Jeremiah 48:45

Shebam: Numbers 32:38, Shibmah, Joshua 13:19, Isaiah 16:8, Jeremiah 48:32, Sibmah

Beon: Numbers 32:38, Baal-meon

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:54 - many Numbers 32:35 - Jaazer Numbers 32:37 - Heshbon Deuteronomy 11:29 - General Joshua 13:27 - Bethnimrah Joshua 21:39 - Jazer 2 Samuel 24:5 - Jazer 1 Chronicles 5:8 - Nebo 1 Chronicles 6:81 - Jazer Ezra 2:29 - Nebo Jeremiah 48:1 - Nebo Jeremiah 48:18 - Dibon

Verse 4

Numbers 21:24, Numbers 21:34, Deuteronomy 2:24-35

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 13:15 - God smote Isaiah 15:4 - Heshbon

Verse 5

if we have: Genesis 19:19, Ruth 2:10, 1 Samuel 20:3, 2 Samuel 14:22, Esther 5:2, Jeremiah 31:2

bring us: Deuteronomy 1:37, Deuteronomy 3:25, Deuteronomy 3:26, Joshua 7:7

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:54 - many Deuteronomy 1:1 - on this

Verse 6

shall ye sit here: 2 Samuel 11:11, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Philippians 2:4

Verse 7

wherefore: Numbers 32:9, Numbers 21:4, Deuteronomy 1:28

discourage: Heb. break, Acts 21:13

Reciprocal: Nehemiah 6:11 - would go

Verse 8

Numbers 13:2-26, Numbers 14:2, Deuteronomy 1:22, Deuteronomy 1:23, Joshua 14:6, Joshua 14:7

Reciprocal: Numbers 13:3 - General Numbers 13:26 - Kadesh Numbers 34:4 - Kadeshbarnea Deuteronomy 1:34 - and sware Joshua 10:41 - Kadeshbarnea Joshua 15:3 - Zin

Verse 9

Numbers 13:23-33, Numbers 14:1-10, Deuteronomy 1:24-28

Reciprocal: Numbers 13:31 - General Numbers 21:4 - the soul Numbers 32:7 - wherefore Deuteronomy 20:8 - lest his brethren's 1 Chronicles 21:3 - why will Nehemiah 4:10 - The strength

Verse 10

Numbers 14:11, Numbers 14:21, Numbers 14:23, Numbers 14:29, Deuteronomy 1:34-40, Psalms 95:11, Ezekiel 20:15, Hebrews 3:8-19

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 6:15 - lest 1 Chronicles 21:3 - why will Hebrews 3:11 - I sware

Verse 11

from twenty: Numbers 14:28, Numbers 14:29, Numbers 26:2, Numbers 26:64, Numbers 26:65, Deuteronomy 1:35, Deuteronomy 2:14, Deuteronomy 2:15

because: Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:30, Joshua 14:8, Joshua 14:9

wholly followed me: Heb. fulfilled after me

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:7 - Unto thy Genesis 24:7 - which spake Genesis 50:24 - sware Exodus 13:5 - sware Exodus 30:14 - from twenty Numbers 1:3 - twenty Numbers 14:23 - Surely they shall not see John 3:36 - see John 12:26 - let

Verse 12

for: Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:30, Numbers 26:65, Deuteronomy 1:36, Joshua 14:8, Joshua 14:9

Reciprocal: Joshua 14:6 - Kenezite Joshua 15:17 - Kenaz

Verse 13

wander: Numbers 14:33-35, Deuteronomy 2:14, Psalms 78:33

until all: Numbers 26:64, Deuteronomy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 3:16-19

Reciprocal: Numbers 17:13 - consumed Psalms 59:13 - Consume Psalms 95:10 - Forty Ezekiel 2:3 - rebelled Ezekiel 20:18 - I said Mark 9:19 - O faithless Ephesians 5:6 - cometh

Verse 14

an increase: Genesis 5:3, Genesis 8:21, Nehemiah 9:24-26, Job 14:4, Psalms 78:57, Isaiah 1:4, Isaiah 57:4, Ezekiel 20:21, Matthew 23:31-33, Luke 11:48, Acts 7:51, Acts 7:52

to augment: Deuteronomy 1:34, Deuteronomy 1:35, Ezra 9:13, Ezra 9:14, Ezra 10:10, Nehemiah 13:18, Isaiah 65:6, Isaiah 65:7

Reciprocal: Judges 2:14 - the anger 2 Kings 21:20 - as his father 2 Chronicles 28:13 - add more Ezra 9:7 - Since the days Job 36:13 - heap Psalms 106:6 - General Isaiah 30:1 - add Isaiah 43:27 - first father Jeremiah 5:6 - because Ezekiel 2:3 - rebelled Ezekiel 20:30 - Are ye Ezekiel 22:4 - and thou hast Hosea 13:2 - now Matthew 23:32 - the measure Mark 9:19 - O faithless Romans 4:15 - Because Ephesians 5:6 - cometh

Verse 15

if ye turn: Leviticus 26:14-18, Deuteronomy 28:15-68, Deuteronomy 30:17-19, Joshua 22:16-18, 2 Chronicles 7:19-22, 2 Chronicles 15:2

he will yet: Numbers 14:30-35

ye shall: Jeremiah 38:23, Matthew 18:7, Romans 14:15, Romans 14:20, Romans 14:21, 1 Corinthians 8:11, 1 Corinthians 8:12

Reciprocal: Joshua 22:15 - General Hebrews 12:25 - turn away

Verse 16

This proposal was very equitable, and it was honestly made and faithfully executed; though it did not imply that all men capable of bearing arms should go, and so leave their families and possessions defenceless, but only a sufficient detachment of them. Among the inhabitants of the land were the Ammonites, Moabites, Idumeans, and the remains of the Midianites and Amorites; and as it was impossible for the women and children to keep the defenced cities, when placed in them, many of the men of war must of course stay behind. In the last census - Numbers 26:1, the tribe of Reuben consisted of 43,730 men; the tribe of Gad 40,500; and the tribe of Manasseh 52,700; the half of which is 26,350; which together amount to 110,580. Now from Joshua 4:13, we learn, that of these tribes only 40,000 armed men passed over Jordan to assist their brethren: consequently 70,580 men were left behind for the defence of the women, the children, and the flocks: which was amply sufficient for this purpose. Numbers 34:22, Genesis 33:17

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:24 - General Deuteronomy 33:21 - the first part

Verse 17

Numbers 32:29-32, Deuteronomy 3:18-20, Joshua 4:12, Joshua 4:13

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:27 - armed Joshua 1:15 - Until

Verse 18

Joshua 22:4, Joshua 22:5

Reciprocal: Joshua 22:1 - Joshua Jeremiah 12:15 - heritage

Verse 19

we will: Genesis 13:10-12, Genesis 14:12, 2 Kings 10:32, 2 Kings 10:33, 2 Kings 15:29, 1 Chronicles 5:25, 1 Chronicles 5:26, Proverbs 20:21

because: Numbers 32:33, Joshua 12:1-6, Joshua 13:8

on this side: Numbers 32:32, Numbers 34:15, Joshua 1:14, Joshua 1:15

Reciprocal: Numbers 22:1 - on this side Deuteronomy 1:1 - on this Deuteronomy 4:46 - On this side

Verse 20

Deuteronomy 3:18-20, Joshua 1:13-15, Joshua 4:12, Joshua 4:13, Joshua 22:2-4

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:29 - General Joshua 6:8 - before the Lord Judges 11:9 - If ye bring 1 Samuel 18:17 - the Lord's

Verse 21

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 33:21 - he came

Verse 22

land: Deuteronomy 3:20, Joshua 10:30, Joshua 10:42, Joshua 11:23, Joshua 18:1, Psalms 44:1-4, Psalms 78:55

ye shall: Joshua 22:4, Joshua 22:9

be guiltless: Joshua 2:19, 2 Samuel 3:28

this land: Deuteronomy 3:12-18, Joshua 1:15, Joshua 13:8, Joshua 13:29-32, Joshua 22:9

Verse 23

if ye will: Leviticus 26:14-46, Deuteronomy 28:15-68

be sure your sin: If the persons concerned prevaricated, and so imposed on men, or if they afterwards refused to fulfil their engagement, God would most certainly detect and expose their wickedness, and inflict condign punishment upon them. Of all the ways, says Dr. South, to be taken for the prevention of that great plague of mankind, Sin, there is none so rational and efficacious as to confute and baffle those motives by which men are induced to embrace it; and among all such motives, the heart of man seems to be chiefly overpowered and prevailed upon by two, viz. secrecy in committing sin, and impunity with respect to its consequences. Accordingly, Moses, in this chapter, having to deal with a company of men suspected of a base and fraudulent design, though couched under a very fair pretence, as most such designs are, endeavours to quash it in its very conception, by secretly applying himself to encounter those secret motives and arguments, which he knew were the most likely to encourage them in it. And this he does very briefly, but effectually, by assuring them, that how covertly and artificially soever they might carry on their dark project, yet their sin would infallibly find them out. Though the subject and occasion of these words are indeed particular, yet the design of them is manifestly of an universal import, as reaching the case of all transgressors, in their first entrance on any sinful act or course. Genesis 4:7, Genesis 44:16, Psalms 90:8, Psalms 139:11, Psalms 140:11, Proverbs 13:21, Isaiah 3:11, Isaiah 59:1, Isaiah 59:2, Isaiah 59:12, Romans 2:9, 1 Corinthians 4:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:9 - sin Genesis 42:21 - they said Numbers 34:14 - General Joshua 7:18 - was taken 1 Kings 2:9 - with 2 Kings 7:9 - some mischief will come upon us 2 Chronicles 18:34 - he died Jeremiah 2:17 - Hast thou Hosea 7:2 - their own Jonah 1:7 - and the Zechariah 1:6 - did

Verse 24

Numbers 32:16, Numbers 32:34-42

Reciprocal: Genesis 50:8 - only their Numbers 32:36 - fenced cities Judges 5:16 - sheepfolds

Verse 25

Joshua 1:13, Joshua 1:14

Reciprocal: Joshua 1:16 - General

Verse 26

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:1 - the place Joshua 22:9 - the country of Gilead

Verse 27

thy servants: Joshua 4:12

armed: Numbers 32:17, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Timothy 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:8

as my lord: Numbers 11:28, Numbers 12:11, Numbers 36:2

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 18:17 - the Lord's

Verse 28

Joshua 1:13

Verse 29

Numbers 32:20-23

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:17 - General Joshua 14:3 - Moses Joshua 18:7 - and Gad Joshua 22:9 - the country of Gilead Judges 10:3 - a Gileadite 1 Samuel 18:17 - the Lord's

Verse 30

Joshua 22:19

Reciprocal: Joshua 17:5 - beside 1 Chronicles 7:14 - Machir

Verse 31

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 33:6 - General

Verse 32

Reciprocal: Leviticus 14:34 - which I Numbers 32:19 - on this side Numbers 34:15 - on this side Jordan Deuteronomy 1:1 - on this Deuteronomy 33:6 - General

Verse 33

Moses: Numbers 32:1, Deuteronomy 3:12-17, Deuteronomy 29:8, Joshua 12:6, Joshua 13:8-14, Joshua 22:4

half the: Numbers 34:14, 1 Chronicles 5:18, 1 Chronicles 12:31, 1 Chronicles 26:32

the kingdom: Numbers 21:23-35, Deuteronomy 2:30-33, Deuteronomy 3:1-8, Psalms 135:10, Psalms 135:11, Psalms 136:18-21

Reciprocal: Genesis 50:23 - the children Numbers 21:24 - Israel Numbers 21:25 - dwelt Numbers 21:31 - General Numbers 21:33 - Og Numbers 32:19 - because Deuteronomy 3:4 - all his cities Deuteronomy 3:8 - the land Deuteronomy 3:16 - Reubenites Deuteronomy 29:7 - General Deuteronomy 33:21 - a portion Deuteronomy 34:1 - showed him Joshua 13:16 - General Joshua 17:1 - Gilead 1 Samuel 13:7 - Gad 2 Kings 10:33 - the land of Gilead 1 Chronicles 5:22 - they dwelt 1 Chronicles 12:37 - the other side Psalms 136:21 - General Mark 3:8 - beyond

Verse 34

Dibon: Eusebius says that Dibon was a large town, near the river Arnon. Burckhardt says, that when he was about an hour's distance north of the Modjeb or Arnon, he was shown to the ne the ruins of Diban, the ancient Dibon, situated in the low ground of the Koura, or plains of Moab. Numbers 32:3, Numbers 21:20, Numbers 33:45, Numbers 33:46

Aroer: Aroer was situated, according to Eusebius, on a mountain on the north bank of the river Arnon. This is confirmed by Burckhardt, who says it is called Araayr, and is seated on the edge of the precipice, at the foot of which the river flows. Deuteronomy 2:36, Isaiah 17:2

Reciprocal: Numbers 21:30 - Dibon Numbers 32:24 - General Joshua 13:24 - General 1 Chronicles 5:8 - Aroer 1 Chronicles 5:11 - Gad Jeremiah 48:19 - Aroer Jeremiah 48:22 - Dibon

Verse 35

Jaazer: Numbers 32:1, Numbers 32:3, Jazer

Reciprocal: Numbers 21:32 - Jaazer Joshua 13:25 - their coast Joshua 21:39 - Jazer Judges 8:11 - Nobah 2 Samuel 24:5 - Jazer Jeremiah 48:32 - Jazer

Verse 36

Bethnimrah: Probably the same as Nimrim in Jeremiah 48:34, and the Bethnabris mentioned by Eusebius, five miles north from Livias. Burckhardt says, that "in the valley of the Jordan, south of Abou Obeida, are the ruins of Nemrim, probably the Beth-nimrah of the Scriptures." Numbers 32:3, Nimrah

fenced cities: Numbers 32:24

Reciprocal: Joshua 13:27 - Betharam Isaiah 15:6 - Nimrim

Verse 37

Heshbon: Numbers 32:3, Numbers 21:27, Isaiah 15:4

Elealeh: Elealeh is placed, by Eusebius, a mile from Heshbon. It is now called El Aal, "the high," and is situated on a hill.

Reciprocal: Joshua 13:19 - And Kirjathaim Joshua 21:39 - Heshbon 1 Chronicles 6:76 - Kirjathaim 1 Chronicles 6:81 - Heshbon Jeremiah 48:1 - Nebo Jeremiah 48:2 - Heshbon Jeremiah 48:25 - and his Jeremiah 48:34 - Elealeh Ezekiel 25:9 - Baalmeon

Verse 38

Nebo: Isaiah 46:1

Baalmeon: This town is placed, by Eusebius and Jerome, nine miles from Heshbon, at the foot of mount Abarim. Numbers 22:41

gave other names unto the cities: Heb. they called by names the names of the cities, Numbers 32:3, Genesis 26:18, Exodus 23:13, Joshua 23:7, Psalms 16:4, Isaiah 46:1

Reciprocal: Joshua 13:17 - Bamothbaal Joshua 13:19 - And Kirjathaim 1 Chronicles 5:8 - Nebo Isaiah 15:2 - Nebo Isaiah 16:8 - the vine Jeremiah 48:1 - Nebo Jeremiah 48:23 - Bethmeon Jeremiah 48:32 - vine Ezekiel 25:9 - Baalmeon

Verse 39

Numbers 26:29, Genesis 50:23, Joshua 17:1

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 3:13 - the rest Deuteronomy 3:15 - Machir Joshua 13:30 - General Joshua 13:31 - the children of Machir by Joshua 22:9 - the country of Gilead Judges 5:14 - Machir Judges 12:4 - and the men 2 Samuel 24:6 - Gilead 1 Chronicles 2:21 - Machir

Verse 40

Deuteronomy 3:13-15, Joshua 13:29-31, Joshua 17:1

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:29 - Machir Deuteronomy 3:15 - Machir Joshua 13:31 - the children of Machir by Joshua 22:9 - the country of Gilead Judges 5:14 - Machir Judges 12:4 - and the men Judges 20:1 - with the 2 Kings 15:29 - Gilead 1 Chronicles 2:21 - Machir Song of Solomon 4:1 - mount

Verse 41

Jair: Deuteronomy 3:14, Joshua 13:30, 1 Chronicles 2:21-23

Havothjair: Judges 10:4, 1 Kings 4:13

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 2:22 - Jair

Verse 42

Reciprocal: Judges 8:11 - Nobah 1 Chronicles 2:23 - Kenath