Numbers 32:16
New International Version
Then they came up to him and said, “We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children.

New Living Translation
But they approached Moses and said, “We simply want to build pens for our livestock and fortified towns for our wives and children.

English Standard Version
Then they came near to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones,

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.

King James Bible
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

New King James Version
Then they came near to him and said: “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones,

New American Standard Bible
Then they approached him and said, “We will build sheepfolds for our livestock here and cities for our little ones;

NASB 1995
Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;

NASB 1977
Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;

Amplified Bible
But the people of Reuben and Gad approached Moses and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our flocks and [walled] cities for our children,

Christian Standard Bible
Then they approached him and said, “We want to build sheep pens here for our livestock and cities for our dependents.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they approached him and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our dependents.

American Standard Version
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

Contemporary English Version
The men from Reuben and Gad replied: Let us build places to keep our sheep and goats, and towns for our wives and children,

English Revised Version
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the tribes of Gad and Reuben came up to Moses and said, "Allow us to build stone fences for our livestock and cities for our families here.

Good News Translation
They approached Moses and said, "First, allow us to build stone enclosures here for our sheep and fortified towns for our dependents.

International Standard Version
Then they approached him and said, "Here's where we're going to build corrals for our cattle and cities for our families,

Majority Standard Bible
Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, ?We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.

NET Bible
Then they came very close to him and said, "We will build sheep folds here for our flocks and cities for our families,

New Heart English Bible
They came near to him, and said, "We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones:

Webster's Bible Translation
And they came near to him, and said, We will build sheep-folds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

World English Bible
They came near to him, and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they come near to him and say, “We build folds for the flock here for our livestock, and cities for our infants;

Young's Literal Translation
And they come nigh unto him, and say, 'Folds for the flock we build for our cattle here, and cities for our infants;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will draw near to him, and say, Sheep-folds will we build for our cattle here, and cities for our little ones.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But they coming near, said: We will make sheepfolds, and stalls for our cattle, and strong cities for our children :

Catholic Public Domain Version
But approaching closer, they said: “We will manufacture sheep pens and cattle stalls, as well as fortified cities, for our little ones.

New American Bible
But they approached him and said: “We will only build sheepfolds here for our flocks and towns for our families;

New Revised Standard Version
Then they came up to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our flocks, and towns for our little ones,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then they came near to him and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle and cities for our little ones;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they came to him and they said, “We will build pens of sheep for our livestock here and towns for our little ones:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they came near unto him, and said: 'We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they came to him, and said, We will build here folds for our cattle, and cities for our possessions;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tribes East of the Jordan
15For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.” 16Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. 17But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land.…

Cross References
Joshua 1:14-15
Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, / until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you, and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you may return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
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. / But your wives, your children, and your livestock—I know that you have much livestock—may remain in the cities I have given you, / until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to the possession I have given you.”

Joshua 22:1-4
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ...

Numbers 14:31-33
But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it. / As for you, however, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. / Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.

1 Chronicles 5:18-22
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. / They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. / And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. ...

Judges 5:16-18
Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. / Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. / Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield.

1 Samuel 25:13
And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

2 Samuel 10:7-9
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. / When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

1 Kings 20:27
The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

Nehemiah 4:13-14
So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. / After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Psalm 68:11-12
The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it: / “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.

Isaiah 21:15-17
For they flee from the sword—the sword that is drawn—from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle. / For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. / The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.

Jeremiah 49:28-29
Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east! / They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’

Ezekiel 38:4-5
I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. / Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets,

Matthew 8:21-22
Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”


Treasury of Scripture

And they came near to him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

Joshua 4:13
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.

Genesis 34:22
Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.

Genesis 33:17
And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

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Build Cattle Children Cities Drew Infants Livestock Ones Pens Places Safe Sheepfolds Sheep-Folds Towns Women
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Build Cattle Children Cities Drew Infants Livestock Ones Pens Places Safe Sheepfolds Sheep-Folds Towns Women
Numbers 32
1. The Reubenites and Gadites ask for inheritance on the east side of Jordan
6. Moses reproves them
16. They offer him conditions with which he is content
33. Moses assigns them the land
39. They conquer it.














Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said,
The tribes of Gad and Reuben were part of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons. Their approach to Moses signifies a moment of negotiation and decision-making. Moses, as the leader and prophet, was the intermediary between God and the Israelites. This approach indicates a formal request, highlighting the tribal structure and leadership dynamics within the Israelite community. Historically, this moment occurs as the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, having journeyed from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.

“We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock
The request to build sheepfolds reflects the pastoral lifestyle of these tribes. Livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance, indicating their economic priorities. The land east of the Jordan River, where they were currently located, was fertile and suitable for grazing, making it an attractive option for these tribes. This request also shows a desire for stability and settlement, contrasting with the nomadic life they had led. The mention of sheepfolds suggests a need for protection and management of their herds, which were vital to their livelihood.

and cities for our little ones.
The mention of cities for their little ones underscores the importance of family and community. It reflects a concern for the safety and future of their children, indicating a long-term vision for settlement. Building cities implies a shift from a temporary, nomadic existence to a more permanent, structured society. This request also highlights the cultural emphasis on family and the continuation of the tribal lineage. The desire for cities suggests an understanding of the need for defense and organization, as cities would provide protection and a center for community life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Tribes of Reuben and Gad
These tribes approached Moses with a request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, as the land was suitable for their large herds of livestock.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was approached by the tribes of Reuben and Gad with their request. He was responsible for guiding the people according to God's will.

3. The Promised Land
The land west of the Jordan River, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The request by Reuben and Gad was significant because it involved settling outside this designated area.

4. Sheepfolds and Cities
The practical needs of the tribes, indicating their desire to secure a future for their families and livestock, which were central to their livelihood.

5. The Jordan River
A geographical boundary that represented the transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land. The request to settle east of the Jordan was a pivotal moment in Israel's journey.
Teaching Points
Prioritizing God's Promises
The tribes' request reflects a tension between immediate needs and long-term promises. Believers today must prioritize God's promises over immediate comforts or conveniences.

The Importance of Unity
The request by Reuben and Gad could have led to division. Christians are called to maintain unity within the body of Christ, even when individual desires differ.

Balancing Practical Needs with Spiritual Goals
The tribes sought to provide for their families, a legitimate concern. Believers must balance practical responsibilities with spiritual commitments.

Seeking Godly Counsel
Reuben and Gad approached Moses, a godly leader, for guidance. Christians should seek counsel from wise and godly individuals when making significant decisions.

Trusting in God's Provision
The tribes' desire for fertile land reflects a human tendency to rely on visible resources. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision, even when it is not immediately apparent.(16) We will build sheepfolds . . . --The sheepfolds were commonly constructed of loose stones piled up on one another.

And cities for our little ones.--The word which is rendered "build" often means to "build up" or "repair," and it probably has that meaning in this place, as applied to the cities. (See Numbers 32:26.)

Verse 16. - Sheep-folds. גִּדְרֹת צֹאן. These were rude enclosures built of loose stones piled on one another, into which the flocks were driven at night for safety.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then [the Gadites and Reubenites] approached
וַיִּגְּשׁ֤וּ (way·yig·gə·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

[Moses]
אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

and said,
וַ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“We want to build
נִבְנֶ֥ה (niḇ·neh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1129: To build

sheepfolds
גִּדְרֹ֥ת (giḏ·rōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1448: Enclosure

here
פֹּ֑ה (pōh)
Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

for our livestock
לְמִקְנֵ֖נוּ (lə·miq·nê·nū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition

and cities
וְעָרִ֖ים (wə·‘ā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

for our little ones.
לְטַפֵּֽנוּ׃ (lə·ṭap·pê·nū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 2945: A family


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OT Law: Numbers 32:16 They came near to him and said (Nu Num.)
Numbers 32:15
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