King James Version
What Does Numbers 32:26 Mean?
“Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:”
Numbers 32:26 · KJV
Context
24
Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.
25
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.
26
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:
27
But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, as my lord saith.
28
So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOur little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead—The strategic plan: families and livestock remain in fortified Gilead cities (בְּעָרֵי הַגִּלְעָד be'arei haGil'ad) while military-age males cross Jordan to fight. The phrase our little ones... wives... flocks... cattle (טַפֵּנוּ נָשֵׁינוּ... צֹאנֵנוּ... בְּהֶמְתֵּנוּ) emphasizes complete dependents remaining in security while warriors fulfill covenant obligations.
This arrangement demonstrates faith—leaving families in frontier territories (vulnerable to Ammonite/Moabite raids) while fighting distant battles westward required trusting God's protection. The New Testament teaches similar principle: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you' (Matthew 6:33)—prioritizing covenant responsibilities over family security requires faith that God protects those we entrust to Him.
This arrangement demonstrates faith—leaving families in frontier territories (vulnerable to Ammonite/Moabite raids) while fighting distant battles westward required trusting God's protection. The New Testament teaches similar principle: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you' (Matthew 6:33)—prioritizing covenant responsibilities over family security requires faith that God protects those we entrust to Him.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Gilead's cities (east of Jordan) sat on Israel's frontier, exposed to raids from surrounding nations (Ammon, Moab, desert tribes). Leaving families there while warriors fought in Canaan (potentially 7+ years of conquest, Judges 1:1-36) required extraordinary faith in divine protection. God honored this faith—no record exists of Transjordan families suffering enemy attacks during the conquest period.
Reflection Questions
- How does leaving families in vulnerable Gilead while fighting in Canaan model faith that prioritizes covenant responsibilities over family security?
- What modern equivalents exist where following God's call requires trusting Him with family safety and provision?
- How can you balance appropriate family responsibility with willingness to prioritize kingdom service when they seem to conflict?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsמִקְנֵ֖נוּ3 of 9
“our flocks”
H4735something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
וְכָל4 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּהֶמְתֵּ֑נוּ5 of 9
“and all our cattle”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
יִֽהְיוּ6 of 9
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּעָרֵ֥י8 of 9
“shall be there in the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הַגִּלְעָֽד׃9 of 9
“of Gilead”
H1568gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 32:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 32:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge