34 And the sons of Gad build Dihon, and Ataroth, and Aroer, 35 and Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah, 36 and Beth-Nimrah, and Beth-Haran, cities of defence, and sheepfolds. 37 And the sons of Reuben have build Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim, 38 and Nebo, and Baal-Meon (changed in name), and Shibmah, and they call by 'these' names the names of the cities which they have built. 39 And sons of Machir son of Manasseh go to Gilead, and capture it, and dispossess the Amorite, who 'is' in it; 40 and Moses giveth Gilead to Machir son of Manasseh, and he dwelleth in it. 41 And Jair son of Manasseh hath gone and captureth their towns, and calleth them 'Towns of Jair;' 42 and Nobah hath gone and captureth Kenath, and its villages, and calleth it Nobah, by his own name.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 32:34-42
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.