The reminder to the Transjordan tribes refers to the exhortation given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh regarding their commitment to assist the other Israelite tribes in conquering the land of Canaan. This event is primarily recorded in the Old Testament books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua.

Background and Context

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were allotted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, an area known as Transjordan. This allocation occurred during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, as described in Numbers 32. The land was suitable for their large herds and flocks, and they requested to settle there rather than crossing the Jordan into Canaan.

Moses initially expressed concern that their decision might discourage the other tribes from entering the Promised Land. However, the leaders of these tribes assured Moses that they would fully support their fellow Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. They pledged to send their warriors to fight alongside the other tribes until the land was secured.

Biblical Account

In Numbers 32:20-22 , Moses responds to their commitment: "If you do this—if you arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of your obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will belong to you as a possession before the LORD."

Later, in Deuteronomy 3:18-20 , Moses reiterates this agreement, reminding the tribes of their promise: "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.’"

Fulfillment of the Promise

The fulfillment of this promise is recorded in the book of Joshua. After Moses' death, Joshua took leadership and reminded the Transjordan tribes of their commitment. In Joshua 1:12-15 , Joshua addresses them: "But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 'Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land. Your wives, your children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all your mighty men of valor, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, until the LORD gives them rest, as He has done for you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may return to the land of your possession and take it as your own, the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan to the sunrise.'"

The tribes faithfully honored their commitment, as detailed in Joshua 4:12-13 : "The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, armed for battle, ahead of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them. About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the LORD to the plains of Jericho for war."

Significance

The reminder to the Transjordan tribes underscores the importance of unity and faithfulness among God's people. It highlights the necessity of fulfilling vows and commitments, especially those made before the LORD. The narrative serves as a testament to the cooperative spirit required to achieve the collective goals of the Israelite nation, as well as the faithfulness of God in granting rest and inheritance to His people.