Numbers 32:17
New International Version
But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land.

New Living Translation
Then we will arm ourselves and lead our fellow Israelites into battle until we have brought them safely to their land. Meanwhile, our families will stay in the fortified towns we build here, so they will be safe from any attacks by the local people.

English Standard Version
but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. And our little ones shall live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Berean Standard Bible
But 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.

King James Bible
But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

New King James Version
but we ourselves will be armed, ready to go before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones will dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

New American Standard Bible
but we ourselves will be armed, hurrying ahead of the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

NASB 1995
but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

NASB 1977
but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Legacy Standard Bible
but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, and our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Amplified Bible
but we will be armed and ready to go to war before the [other tribes of the] Israelites, until we have brought them to their place, while our children live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Christian Standard Bible
But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our dependents will remain in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our dependents will remain in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

American Standard Version
but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Contemporary English Version
where they can stay and be safe. Then we'll prepare to fight and lead the other tribes into battle.

English Revised Version
but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then we'll be ready [to march] in battle formation?to march[ ahead quickly."> ahead of the other Israelites until we have brought them to their land. Meanwhile our families will live in walled cities, safe from the other people who live here.]

Good News Translation
Then we will be ready to go with the other Israelites into battle and lead the attack until we have settled them in the land that will be theirs. In the meantime, our dependents can live here in the fortified towns, safe from the people of this land.

International Standard Version
but we will keep ourselves armed and stay ready to go with the Israelis until we've brought them to their own places. Our families intend to live in fortified cities in the presence of the inhabitants of the land,

Majority Standard Bible
But 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.

NET Bible
but we will maintain ourselves in armed readiness and go before the Israelites until whenever we have brought them to their place. Our descendants will be living in fortified towns as a protection against the inhabitants of the land.

New Heart English Bible
but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Webster's Bible Translation
But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities, because of the inhabitants of the land.

World English Bible
but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. Our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but we are armed, hastening before the sons of Israel until we have brought them to their place; and our infants have dwelt in the cities of defense because of the inhabitants of the land;

Young's Literal Translation
and we -- we are armed hasting before the sons of Israel till that we have brought them in unto their place; and our infants have dwelt in the cities of defence because of the inhabitants of the land;

Smith's Literal Translation
And we will arm ourselves, basting on before the sons of Israel, till we brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And we ourselves will go armed and ready for battle before the children of Israel, until we bring them in unto their places. Our little ones, and all we have, shall be in walled cities, for fear of the ambushes of the inhabitants.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But we ourselves will continue on, armed and girded for battle, before the sons of Israel, until we lead them to their places. Our little ones, and whatever we may be able to have, shall be in walled cities, because of the treachery of the inhabitants.

New American Bible
but we ourselves will march as troops in the vanguard before the Israelites, until we have led them to their destination. Meanwhile our families will remain in the fortified towns because of the land’s inhabitants.

New Revised Standard Version
but we will take up arms as a vanguard before the Israelites, until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our little ones will stay in the fortified towns because of the inhabitants of the land.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But we ourselves will arm and go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones shall dwell in fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we shall be equipped and we shall go before the children of Israel until we shall bring them to their country and our little ones will dwell in the mighty cities from before the inhabitants of the land.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place; and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and we will arm ourselves and go as an advanced guard before the children of Israel, until we shall have brought them into their place; and our possessions shall remain in walled cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tribes East of the Jordan
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.…

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 4:12-13
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over before the Israelites, armed for battle as Moses had instructed them. / About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.

Judges 5:8
When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel.

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. ...

1 Samuel 8:11-12
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.

2 Samuel 10:9-10
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. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.

1 Kings 22:36
As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”

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 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 46:3-4
“Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! / Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!

Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

2 Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.


Treasury of Scripture

But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Numbers 32:29-32
And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession: …

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war…

Joshua 4:12,13
And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them: …

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Armed Children Cities Dwell Inhabitants Israel Little Ones Ourselves Ready
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.














But we will arm ourselves
The phrase "arm ourselves" indicates a readiness and commitment to engage in battle. The Hebrew root word here is "חָלַץ" (chalats), which means to equip or prepare for war. This reflects a proactive stance, emphasizing the responsibility and duty of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to support their fellow Israelites. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call for believers to be prepared and equipped with the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, to face spiritual battles.

and go ahead of the Israelites
The commitment to "go ahead" signifies leadership and courage. The tribes of Reuben and Gad are not only willing to fight but to lead the charge. This act of going before others is reminiscent of Christ's leadership and sacrifice, as He went before us in all things, including suffering and victory over sin. Historically, this also shows the unity and cooperation among the tribes, as they prioritize the collective goal of entering the Promised Land.

until we have brought them to their place
This phrase underscores a sense of mission and completion. The Hebrew word for "brought" is "הֵבִיא" (hevi), which means to lead or bring to a destination. It reflects the commitment to see the task through to the end, ensuring that the Israelites reach their God-given inheritance. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian journey, where believers are called to support one another until they reach their heavenly home.

Meanwhile, our women and children
The mention of "women and children" highlights the importance of family and the need to protect the vulnerable. In the ancient Near Eastern context, women and children were often left defenseless during times of war, so their safety was a priority. This reflects God's heart for the protection and care of families, emphasizing the role of men as protectors and providers.

will live in the fortified cities
"Fortified cities" refers to places of safety and refuge. The Hebrew word "מִבְצָר" (mivtsar) means a stronghold or fortress. This indicates a strategic plan to ensure the safety of their families while the men are away at war. Spiritually, it can be seen as a reminder that God is our fortress and refuge, a place of safety in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

for protection from the inhabitants of the land
The need for "protection" from the "inhabitants of the land" acknowledges the real and present danger posed by those who occupied the land. The Hebrew word for protection, "מִפְּנֵי" (mipnei), implies a defense against potential threats. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers must remain vigilant against the forces that seek to harm or derail their faith journey. Historically, it also reflects the constant tension and conflict in the region, necessitating a strong defense strategy.

(17) Will go ready armed . . . --Or, will equip ourselves in haste.

And our little ones shall dwell . . . --The word taph, which is here rendered "little ones," appears to include all the defenceless portion of the nation. (See Exodus 12:37.)

Verse 17. - We ourselves will go ready armed. Rather, "we will equip ourselves in haste." נֵחָלַצ חֻשִׁים. They meant that they would not delay the forward movement of Israel, but would hasten to erect the necessary buildings, and to array themselves for war.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But we
וַאֲנַ֜חְנוּ (wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

will arm ourselves
נֵחָלֵ֣ץ (nê·ḥā·lêṣ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen

and be ready
חֻשִׁ֗ים (ḥu·šîm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 2363: To hurry, to be eager with excitement, enjoyment

to go ahead of
לִפְנֵי֙ (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

until
עַ֛ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

we have brought
הֲבִֽיאֹנֻ֖ם (hă·ḇî·’ō·num)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

them into
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

their place.
מְקוֹמָ֑ם (mə·qō·w·mām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

Meanwhile, our little ones
טַפֵּ֙נוּ֙ (ṭap·pê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 2945: A family

will remain
וְיָשַׁ֤ב (wə·yā·šaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in the fortified
הַמִּבְצָ֔ר (ham·miḇ·ṣār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

cities
בְּעָרֵ֣י (bə·‘ā·rê)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

for protection from
מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the inhabitants
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

of the land.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Law: Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will be ready armed (Nu Num.)
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