Numbers 32:1

← Numbers 32:2 →

Numbers 32:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock.

King James Version KJV

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

American Standard Version ASV

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a great number of cattle: and when they saw that the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead was a good place for cattle;

Free Bible Version FBV

The tribes of Reuben and Gad had large numbers of livestock and saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead was a good place to rear them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad had an exceeding great multitude of cattell: and they sawe the lande of Iazer, and the lande of Gilead, that it was an apt place for cattel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And much cattle hath been to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad, very many; and they see the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, and lo, the place [is] a place [for] cattle;

World English Bible WEB

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock. They saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead. Behold, the place was a place for livestock.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the sons of Ruben and Gad had many flocks of cattle, and their substance in beasts was infinite. And when they saw the lands of Jazer and Galaad fit for feeding cattle,

Translation for Translators T4T

The people of the tribes of Reuben and Gad had much livestock. They saw that the land near Jazer city and the Gilead region east of the Jordan River had good grass for the animals to graze on.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 32:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 32:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מִקְנֶ֣ה רַ֗ב הָיָ֞ה לִ/בְנֵ֧י רְאוּבֵ֛ן וְ/לִ/בְנֵי גָ֖ד עָצ֣וּם מְאֹ֑ד וַ/יִּרְא֞וּ אֶת אֶ֤רֶץ יַעְזֵר֙ וְ/אֶת אֶ֣רֶץ גִּלְעָ֔ד וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה הַ/מָּק֖וֹם מְק֥וֹם מִקְנֶֽה

וּ/מִקְנֶ֣ה miqneh H4735 livestock Conj | N-ms

רַ֗ב rab H7227 many Adj

הָיָ֞ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לִ/בְנֵ֧י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

רְאוּבֵ֛ן Rᵉʼûwbên H7205 Reuben N-proper

וְ/לִ/בְנֵי bên H1121 son Conj | Prep | N-mp

גָ֖ד Gâd H1410 Gad N-proper

עָצ֣וּם ʻâtsûwm H6099 mighty Adj

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

וַ/יִּרְא֞וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

יַעְזֵר֙ Yaʻăzêyr H3270 Jazer N-proper

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

גִּלְעָ֔ד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

הַ/מָּק֖וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Art | N-ms

מְק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms

מִקְנֶֽה miqneh H4735 livestock N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:1

וּ/מִקְנֶ֣ה miqneh H4735 "livestock" Conj | N-ms

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.

Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.

רַ֗ב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

הָיָ֞ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לִ/בְנֵ֧י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

רְאוּבֵ֛ן Rᵉʼûwbên H7205 "Reuben" N-proper

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben

Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.

וְ/לִ/בְנֵי bên H1121 "son" Conj | Prep | N-mp

Definition: : child/son

גָ֖ד Gâd H1410 "Gad" N-proper

Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.

עָצ֣וּם ʻâtsûwm H6099 "mighty" Adj

This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.

Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

וַ/יִּרְא֞וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

יַעְזֵר֙ Yaʻăzêyr H3270 "Jazer" N-proper

Jazer was a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad, and was originally an Amorite city. The name Jazer means helped and it is mentioned in the Bible as a Levitical city.

Definition: § Jazer or Jaazer = "helped" a Levitical city east of the Jordan, in Gilead in the territory of Gad, formerly an Amorite city; site uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Jaazer, Jazer. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Samuel 24:5; Isaiah 16:8.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

גִּלְעָ֔ד Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" N-proper

Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.

Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

הַ/מָּק֖וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Art | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

מְק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

מִקְנֶֽה miqneh H4735 "livestock" N-ms

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.

Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.

Study Notes — Numbers 32:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 32:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 32:1
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 32:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 32:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 32:1
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 32:1
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 32:1
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:1
Sermons on Numbers 32:1

Context — The Tribes East of the Jordan

1Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock.

2So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, 3“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 21:32	After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there.
2	Numbers 32:3	“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,
3	Genesis 13:10–11	And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.
4	Genesis 13:2	And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.
5	Numbers 32:35	Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,
6	Numbers 32:26	Our children, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals will remain here in the cities of Gilead.
7	Numbers 2:10–15	On the south side, the divisions of Reuben are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Reubenites is Elizur son of Shedeur, and his division numbers 46,500. The tribe of Simeon will camp next to it. The leader of the Simeonites is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, and his division numbers 59,300. Next will be the tribe of Gad. The leader of the Gadites is Eliasaph son of Deuel, and his division numbers 45,650.
8	Genesis 13:5	Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.
9	Genesis 47:4	Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”
10	Numbers 26:5–7	Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben, and their registration numbered 43,730.

Numbers 32:1 Summary

This verse tells us that the Reubenites and Gadites had a lot of animals and were looking for a place to keep them. They found a region called Jazer and Gilead that was perfect for their livestock. This shows us that God provides for our needs, just like He provided a home for the Israelites in the Promised Land (as seen in Exodus 3:8). We can trust God to take care of us, just like the Reubenites and Gadites trusted Him to provide for their animals, and remember that God's plans are always good, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated the Reubenites and Gadites to survey the lands of Jazer and Gilead?

The Reubenites and Gadites had very large herds and flocks, and they were looking for a region that was suitable for their livestock, as seen in Numbers 32:1, similar to how Abraham looked for a place to settle in Genesis 12:5-6.

Why was the region of Jazer and Gilead suitable for livestock?

The region was likely suitable for livestock due to its fertile land, abundant water, and ample grazing space, much like the land God promised to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:7-10.

What can we learn from the Reubenites and Gadites' desire for a suitable place for their livestock?

We can learn the importance of being good stewards of the resources God has given us, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, and seeking to use them in a way that honors Him.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites' journey?

This verse is part of the story of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, and it shows how different tribes were looking for their own place to settle, which is a theme that continues throughout the book of Numbers and into the book of Joshua 1:1-9.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am seeking comfort and security, and how can I trust God to provide for me?
How can I be a good steward of the resources God has given me, and use them to honor Him?
What are some ways I can seek to use my talents and abilities to serve God and others, just as the Reubenites and Gadites sought to use their land to raise their livestock?
How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when I don't know what the future holds, just as the Israelites trusted God to lead them into the Promised Land?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:1

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle,.... By which it seems that they had more in proportion than any of the other tribes; by what means it is not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:1

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 32:1

NUMBERS CHAPTER 32 The Reubenites and Gadites sue for their inheritance on that side Jordan, as being fit for cattle, . Moses reproves them as discouraging the people, and herein following their fathers’ ill example, . They promise to leave their children and cattle there, and go armed before their brethren till Canaan should be subdued, ; on which condition they, together with the half-tribe of Manasseh, obtain their desire, . Jazer; a city and country taken from the Amorites, . Gilead; a mountainous country, famous for pasturage, .

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 32:1

Numbers 32:1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place [was] a place for cattle;Ver. 1. A place for cattle.] Fat, and fit for the purpose; like those pastures in Ireland, so fertile and abounding with sweet grass, that the people are forced to drive their cattle to some other more barren grounds, at some time of the day, lest they should over eat. See Micah 7:14 Jeremiah 50:19.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 32:1

XXXII.(1) Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad . . . —These tribes had occupied a contiguous position in their encampments for the space of thirty-eight years (Numbers 2:10; Numbers 2:14), and it was natural that they should desire to be permanently located near each other. The land of Jazer.—See Numbers 21:32. This district was remarkable for its rich pasture-land. The land of Gilead.—This land lay north and south of the Jabbok, and even in its present desolation shows traces of its great fertility.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 32:1

CHAPTER XXXII The Reubenites and Gadites request Moses to give them their inheritance on this side of Jordan, 1-5. Moses expostulates with and reproves them, 6-15. They explain themselves, and propose conditions, with which Moses is satisfied-they are to build cities for their wives and children, and folds for their cattle, and go ever Jordan armed with the other tribes, and fight against their enemies till the land is subdued; after which they are to return, 16-27. Moses proposes the business to Eleazar, Joshua, and the elders, 28-30. The Gadites and Reubenites promise a faithful observance of the conditions, 31, 32; on which Moses assigns to them, and the half tribe of Manasseh, the kingdom of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og, king of Bashan, 33. The cities built by the Gadites, 34-36. The cities built by the Reubenites, 37, 38. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, expel the Amorites from Gilead, 39, which Moses grants to them, 40. Jair, the son of Manasseh, takes the small towns of Gilead, 41. And Nobah takes Kenath and its villages, 42. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXII

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 32:1

1. the land of Jazer] Jazer always appears, elsewhere, as the name not of a district but of a town (see Numbers 32:3; Numbers 32:35 and notes on Numbers 21:24; Numbers 21:32). It is difficult to see any reason for its special mention here other than the fact that it marked the limit of Gilead on the east (cf. Joshua 13:25). the land of Gilead] The extent of country covered by the name Gilead varies in different passages. Here, and in Numbers 32:29, the name denotes the land south of the R. Jabbok, as is shewn by the towns enumerated in Numbers 32:3; Numbers 32:34-38; cf. Joshua 13:24 f. The modern name of this tract is ‘the Belka.’ But in Numbers 32:39 f., Joshua 17:1; Joshua 17:5 f. the name Gilead is applied to land north of the Jabbok as far as the R. Jarmuk. Once more, these two tracts are sometimes treated as the two halves of Gilead (cf. Joshua 12:2; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:31, Deuteronomy 3:12 f.), so that the name could be used in the widest sense of all the land occupied by Israel on the east of the Jordan (cf. Joshua 22:9; Joshua 22:13). Its borders on the north, east and south would vary from time to time, according as the neighbouring nations were weak or powerful; for example, at least ten of the fourteen towns in Numbers 32:34-38 were at times in possession not of Israel but of Moab. The northern half of Gilead, in the wide sense, is an agricultural territory, its hills covered with forests, and its valleys and plains with orchards, vineyards and cornfields. But the southern half consists of moorland, useless for agriculture but affording rich pasture for flocks. See G. A. Smith, Hist. Geog. ch. xxvii.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 32:1

Jazer - Compare the marginal reference. This district, although included in the land of Gilead, seems to have had special attractions for the Israelite settlers.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:1

THE SUIT OF REUBEN AND GAD FOR THEIR , Numbers 32:1-5. 1. Jazer — We first hear of this city in the possession of the Amorites, from whom it was taken by the Israelites after Heshbon, on their way to Bashan.

Sermons on Numbers 32:1

	Sermon	Description
	Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye	E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way
	(Genesis) Genesis 13:5-13 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of love and unity among believers. He shares a personal story about his uncle who never came to the Lord because of the figh
	(Genesis) Genesis 19:28 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the sinfulness of engaging in homosexuality and labels it as a sin. He refers to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 as an importan
	Three Stages of Spiritual Growth by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving and internalizing God's word. He compares this process to a baby effortlessly swallowing mashed food, highlightin
	Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter Three by Steve Gallagher	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of worldly culture on the church and how it can deceive and weaken the faith of believers. He uses the story of Lot and his fami
	(Pdf Book) Intolerance by Sister Joela	Sister Joela addresses the challenges of navigating the storm of end-time humanism in her sermon 'Intolerance.' She draws parallels between the choices made by Lot and the moral di
	The True Church and Babylon by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the full purpose of God, focusing on the dangers of serving both God and money. It delves into the concept of Babylon as a syst