The request for land east of the Jordan River is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers, chapter 32. This event involves the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who sought to settle in the fertile lands of Gilead and Bashan, east of the Jordan River, rather than crossing into the Promised Land with the rest of the Israelites.

Biblical Context

As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, they encountered various territories and peoples. The lands east of the Jordan, including Gilead and Bashan, were conquered under the leadership of Moses. These regions were known for their rich pastures, making them ideal for livestock. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, who had large herds and flocks, saw the potential of these lands and approached Moses with a request to settle there.

The Request

Numbers 32:1-5 details the initial request: "Now the Reubenites and Gadites had very large herds and flocks, and they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. So they came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, 'If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.'"

Moses' Response

Moses initially responded with concern, fearing that their request might discourage the rest of the Israelites from entering the Promised Land. He reminded them of the previous generation's failure to trust God, which resulted in their wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Moses questioned whether the tribes of Reuben and Gad were repeating the same mistake by not wanting to enter the land God had promised.

Numbers 32:6-15 captures Moses' admonition: "But Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, 'Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land the LORD has given them?'"

The Agreement

In response to Moses' concerns, the tribes of Reuben and Gad proposed a compromise. They promised to build fortified cities for their families and livestock in the lands east of the Jordan but pledged to join the other Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. They vowed not to return to their homes until every Israelite had received their inheritance.

Numbers 32:16-19 records their proposal: "Then they came up to him and said, 'We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.'"

Moses' Approval

Moses accepted their proposal, provided they fulfilled their promise to assist in the conquest of Canaan. He granted them the lands of Gilead and Bashan as their inheritance, contingent upon their commitment to fight alongside their fellow Israelites.

Numbers 32:20-22 outlines Moses' conditions: "Moses replied, 'If you will do this—if you will 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 be your possession before the LORD.'"

Fulfillment and Legacy

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh honored their commitment, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. They played a crucial role in the conquest of Canaan and were eventually allowed to return to their families and lands east of the Jordan. This event highlights themes of faithfulness, responsibility, and the importance of unity among God's people.

The request for land east of the Jordan serves as a reminder of the need to balance personal desires with communal obligations and the importance of keeping one's promises before God and fellow believers.