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. 18We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. 19Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.”
Sheepfolds and Cities
“This effectively answered the issue of discouragement. None of the tribes would envy Reuben or Gad, resting in ease, while the rest of them are battling for their lands. The men of Reuben and Gad would fight right beside them.” (Guzik)
Notice this last verse: “our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.”
With vast amounts of livestock and large grazing lands on the east side of the Jordan the Tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted this as their inheritance and they wanted to build sheepfolds and cities for their little ones.
Do you think the Lord could have conquered the promised land without the tribes of Reuben and Gad? Of course He could have, but He wanted the tribes to be united.
Blessings
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