Numbers 32:4

Verse

which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.”

American Standard Version (1901)

the land which Jehovah smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle; and thy servants have cattle.

Bible in Basic English

The land which the Lord gave into the hands of the children of Israel, is a land for cattle, and your servants have cattle.

Free Bible Version

which the Lord conquered in full view of the Israelites, are well-suited for the livestock that we your servants own.”

King James (Authorized) Version

Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

One Unity Resource Bible

the land which Adonai struck before the congregation of Israel [God prevails], is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock.”

Translation for Translators

Yahweh has enabled us Israelis to capture some land that is very good for animals to graze on—the land near Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon towns.

Unlocked Literal Bible

These are the lands that Yahweh attacked before the community of Israel, and they are good places for livestock. We, your servants, have a lot of livestock.”

Noah Webster Bible

Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

World English Bible

the land which Yahweh struck before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock.”

Young's Literal Translation

the land which Jehovah hath smitten before the company of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle.'

Context

The Tribes East of the Jordan

³“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,⁴which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.”

Summary

In Numbers 32:4, the Reubenites and Gadites express their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan River, which was fertile for their livestock. However, this decision raised concerns among the other tribes as it seemed like they were abandoning their brothers in the conquest of Canaan. This verse highlights the importance of unity and commitment among God's people, emphasizing the need to prioritize the collective mission over personal comfort or convenience. It serves as a reminder that individual choices can impact the community as a whole, urging believers to consider the greater good in their decisions.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight,.... Directing their speech to Moses, the ruler of the congregation, in a very modest, decent, and respectable manner: let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession; as their own portion and inheritance, to be enjoyed by them, and their children after them: and bring us not over Jordan; into the land of Canaan, where as they after explain themselves, they did not desire to have any part with their brethren, but should be content with their possession here, should it be granted them.

Numbers 32:4

The Tribes East of the Jordan

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.”

American Standard Version (1901)

the land which Jehovah smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle; and thy servants have cattle.

Bible in Basic English

The land which the Lord gave into the hands of the children of Israel, is a land for cattle, and your servants have cattle.

Free Bible Version

which the Lord conquered in full view of the Israelites, are well-suited for the livestock that we your servants own.”

King James (Authorized) Version

Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

One Unity Resource Bible

the land which Adonai struck before the congregation of Israel [God prevails], is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock.”

Translation for Translators

Yahweh has enabled us Israelis to capture some land that is very good for animals to graze on—the land near Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon towns.

Unlocked Literal Bible

These are the lands that Yahweh attacked before the community of Israel, and they are good places for livestock. We, your servants, have a lot of livestock.”

Noah Webster Bible

Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

World English Bible

the land which Yahweh struck before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock.”

Young's Literal Translation

the land which Jehovah hath smitten before the company of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle.'