Numbers 32:1-42
32:1-4 The tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad have a common interest: each tribe is pastoral. They raise, keep and care for sheep and cattle. Each tribe observes the land Jazer and Gilead and determine the land would be perfect for their lifestyles.
32:5 The children of Israel still need to cross over the Jordan river in order to get to the promise land. Although they have not reached the promised land yet, the tribes of Reuben and Gad want to claim this land.
32:6-15 Moses shows concern: he asks the representatives of the tribes of Reuben and Gad if they intent to abandon the rest of their family and end their journey prematurely. Moses reminds each tribe of their ancestors mistakes: previously, certain of the children of Israel rejected God's promised land, wished to turn away from God, and thus were excluded from any inheritance at all.
32:16-19 Moses' questioning, however, reveals the honest intentions of Reuben and Gad. They do not want to abandon their family or God, in fact, they wish to help the group accomplish their goal of achieving their inheritance. The tribes promise to help each person receive his/her inheritance but then wish to return and claim their own inheritance, east of the Jordan river.
32:20-24 Moses explains that if the tribes of Reuben and Gad are honest, they may indeed inherit the land east of the Jordan. Moses cautions them to remain honest in faith, however, as any opposition against God will lose them their inheritance (more than land, they would also lose His love and guidance).
32:25-27 The children (families) of Reuben and God make a commitment to stand by their word, and by the rest of their group (the children of Israel) through the rest of their journey. This chapter is symbolic of the lesson that is: never place your desires before your family.
32:28-30 Moses passes on the news of this arrangement with Eleazar the priest and Joshua (who will be Moses' successor). Reuben and Gad are only allowed to inherit the land east of Jordan if the participate in the capture of Canaan.
32:31-32 Before Eleazar and Joshua, tribes Reuben and Gad remain committed to their cooperation.
32:33-38 Moses gives tribes Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh (which had split into two) land east of the Jordan. To understand this visually:
32:39-42 Gilead is conquered and given to half of the tribe of Manasseh (also featured in the above-map).
