28 So Moses gave command concerning them to Eleazar the priest , and to Joshua the son of Nun , and to the heads of the fathers' households of the tribes of the sons of Israel . 29 Moses said to them, "If the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben , everyone who is armed for battle , will cross with you over the Jordan in the presence of the Lord , and the land is subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession ; 30 but if they will not cross over with you armed , they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan ." 31 The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben answered , saying , "As the Lord has said to your servants , so we will do . 32 "We ourselves will cross over armed in the presence of the Lord into the land of Canaan , and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us across e the Jordan ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 32:28-32
Commentary on Numbers 32:28-42
(Read Numbers 32:28-42)
Concerning the settlement of these tribes, observe, that they built the cities, that is, repaired them. They changed the names of them; probably they were idolatrous, therefore they should be forgotten. A spirit of selfishness, of seeking our own, not the things of Christ, when each one ought to assist others, is as dangerous as it is common. It is impossible to be sincere in the faith, sensible of the goodness of God, constrained by the love of Christ, sanctified by the power of the Holy Ghost, and yet be indifferent to the progress of religion, and the spiritual success of others, through love of ease, or fear of conflict. Let then your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.