Deuteronomy 3:18

Verse

At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites.

American Standard Version (1901)

And I commanded you at that time, saying, Jehovah your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all the men of valor.

Bible in Basic English

At that time I gave you orders, saying, The Lord has given you this land for your heritage: all the men of war are to go over armed before your brothers the children of Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And I commanded you at that time, saying: The Lord your God giveth you this land for an inheritance, go ye well appointed before your brethren the children of Israel, all the strong men of you,

Free Bible Version

This was when I gave you these instructions: “The Lord your God has given you this country as yours to own. All your warriors are to cross over, ready for battle, leading your fellow Israelites.

Geneva Bible 1599

And I commanded you the same time, saying, The Lord your God hath giuen you this lande to possesse it: ye shall goe ouer armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all men of warre.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.

One Unity Resource Bible

I enjoined you at that time, saying, “Adonai your God has given you this land to possess it. You shall pass over armed before your brothers the children of Israel [God prevails], all the men of valor.

Translation for Translators

At that time, I told you three tribes, ‘Yahweh our God is giving you this land east of the Jordan River, for you to occupy/capture. So now, give your soldiers weapons, and send them across the Jordan River ahead of the men from the other Israeli tribes to help them to conquer/capture the land that has been allotted to them.

Unlocked Literal Bible

I commanded you at that time, saying, 'Yahweh your God has given you this land to possess it; you, all the men of war, will pass over armed before your brothers, the people of Israel.

Noah Webster Bible

And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it; ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.

World English Bible

I commanded you at that time, saying, “Yahweh your God has given you this land to possess it. All of you men of valor shall pass over armed before your brothers, the children of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation

'And I command you, at that time, saying, Jehovah your God hath given to you this land to possess it; armed ye pass over before your brethren the sons of Israel, all the sons of might.

Context

Land Division East of the Jordan

¹⁷The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east.¹⁸At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites.¹⁹But your wives, your children, and your livestock—I know that you have much livestock—may remain in the cities I have given you,

Summary

In this verse, Moses encourages the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to fulfill their promise to help the other Israelite tribes conquer the land of Canaan. He reminds them of their commitment to assist in the battle until all the tribes have received their inheritance. This highlights the importance of unity, cooperation, and keeping one's word within the community of God's people. It serves as a reminder that each tribe has a role to play in the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle,.... These were to be left behind: for I know that ye have much cattle; which made the countries of Gilead and Bashan, so famous for pasturage, agreeable to them; see Num 32:1 these, under the care of servants, and also their wives and children: shall abide in your cities which I have given you; and which they rebuilt and repaired, Num 32:34.