Num. 32 The Reubenites and Gadites sue for their inheritance on that side Jordan, as being fit for cattle, Num. 32:1–5. Moses reproves them as discouraging the people, and herein following their fathers’ ill example, Num. 32:6–15.

Jazer; a city and country taken from the Amorites, Num. 21:32. Gilead; a mountainous country, famous for pasturage, Jer. 1:19, Mic. 7:14.

Ataroth; different from that Ataroth, Josh. 16:2, Josh. 16:7, which was on the other side of Jordan. Nimrah, called Beth-nimrah, Num. 22:36, Josh. 13:27; and the waters of Nimrim, Isa. 15:6. Shebam, called Shibmah, Num. 32:38. Beon which is thought to be the same place called Baal-meon, Num.

Which the Lord smote before the congregation, and gave to them for a possession, in the same manner as he will give the land of Canaan.

To wit, to give us our possession there, but let this land on this side Jordan be our whole possession.

In case and peace, whilst your brethren are engaged in a bloody war. Their words were ambiguous, and Moses thought this to be an act of unbelief and sloth and self-love and policy.

That they should not attempt to go, but rather return to Egypt. Num. 14:4

The Kenezite; so called from Kenaz, his grandfather, or one of his eminent ancestors, Josh. 15:17, 1 Chron. 4:13–15.

Succeeding your fathers, as in their places and estates, so also in their sins.

Who being moved by your counsel and example, will refuse to go over Jordan, and to possess the land of Canaan.

We ourselves; either all, or as many of us as shall be thought necessary, leaving only so many as may be necessary to provide for the sustenance and defence of our wives and children here. See Josh. 4:12–13. The inhabitants of the land; the Moabites and Edomites, or other bordering people.

Before the Lord; either, 1. Sincerely and heartily, as in God’s presence. Or rather, 2. Before the ark, which was the token of God’s presence. He alludes either to the order of the tribes in their march, whereby Reuben and Gad marched next and immediately before the ark, as appears from Num.

Before the Lord, i.e. by his presence, and gracious and powerful assistance.

i.e. The punishment of your sin; as that word is very oft used.

Which you have uttered and promised to do. See this or the like phrase Num. 20:2, Matt. 15:8.

Largely so called, as that word is oft used, for that whole country beyond Jordan, as in other places it is taken more strictly for a part of it, as here below, Num. 32:39–40, and elsewhere.

They shall forfeit and lose their possessions in Gilead, and shall be constrained to go over Jordan, and to seek possessions there among their brethren.

As the Lord hath said; either at this time by thy mouth; or formerly, where he commandeth us as well as our brethren to go into Canaan and possess it.

Half the tribe of Manasseh are here added to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, either because upon the good success of the two tribes of Reuben and Gad, they were encouraged to make the same request for themselves, as having much cattle as well as they; or because upon further consideration it was…

i.e. Repaired and fortified, as that word is oft used, as 1 Kings 12:25, 2 Kings 14:22, 2 Chron. 8:1, 2 Chron. 11:5, 2 Chron. 26:2, Dan. 4:30; for they neither had need nor leisure as yet to do more, the old cities not being burnt and ruined, as divers in Canaan were.

Nebo; of which city see Deut. 34:1, Jer. 48:1. Their names being changed; either because conquerors of places use to do so; or because the names of other gods (which Nebo and Baal-meon unquestionably were) were not to be mentioned, Ex.

Took it, i.e. part of it; or Gilead is here taken more strictly. See Poole on “Num. 32:29”; Gen. 31:21, Deut. 3:12–13.

Unto Machir, i.e. not to Machir himself, who doubtless was long since dead; see Gen. 1:23; but the family or posterity of Machir, which are called by their father’s name; as the names of Abraham, Acts 7:16; of Isaac, Amos 7:9; of Jacob or Israel frequently; of Judah and Simeon, Judg.

Jair is called here the son of Manasseh, partly because he was so by his mother, 1 Chron. 2:21–22; and partly because he joined himself with the Manassites in this expedition, and settled himself among them.

Nobah, who though not elsewhere named, was doubtless an eminent person of the tribe of Manasseh.