Study Desk

Then they approached him and said, "We will build sheepfolds for our livestock here and cities for our little ones;

^(C1)but we ourselves will be armed, hurrying ahead of the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

"^(C1)We will not return to our homes until every one of the sons of Israel has gained possession of his inheritance.

"But we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us ^(C1)on this side of the Jordan toward the east."

^(C1)So Moses said to them, "If you will do ^(F1)this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,

and all of you armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out from Him,

^(C1)and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you may return and be ^(F1)free of obligation toward the LORD and toward Israel, and this land shall be yours as property before the LORD.

"But if you do not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure that ^(C1)your sin will find you out.

"Build yourselves cities for your little ones, and sheepfolds for your sheep, and ^(C1)do ^(F1)what you have promised."

Then the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, "Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

"^(C1)Our little ones, our wives, our livestock, and all our cattle shall ^(F1)remain there in the cities of Gilead,

while your servants, that is, everyone who is armed for war, ^(C1)cross over in the presence of the LORD to battle, just as my lord says."