Old Testament
Numbers 32:31
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The tribes of Gad and Reuben answered, "Whatever the LORD has told your servants, that's what we'll do.
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And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.
What Numbers 32:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the tribes of Gad and Reuben are responding to Moses after he has expressed concerns about their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan River instead of crossing into Canaan. They affirm their commitment to obeying God's commands as conveyed through Moses. This shows their willingness to follow God's will and fulfill their responsibilities, even if it means leaving their families and possessions temporarily to help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land. Their response highlights the importance of obedience and unity among the Israelites as they prepare to enter a new phase in their journey. It reflects a collective commitment to God's plan and the necessity of working together to achieve it, emphasizing that faithfulness to God’s directives is paramount in their mission.
How to apply Numbers 32:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to be obedient to God's guidance in our lives. Just as Gad and Reuben committed to following God's commands, we should also be willing to act on what we believe God is calling us to do, even when it requires sacrifice or stepping out of our comfort zones.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 32:31 mean?
Numbers 32:31 shows the tribes of Gad and Reuben affirming their commitment to obey God's commands as conveyed through Moses. They express their willingness to fulfill their responsibilities, even if it means making sacrifices.
What does the phrase 'as the LORD hath said' indicate in Numbers 32:31?
The phrase 'as the LORD hath said' indicates the tribes' acknowledgment of God's authority and their commitment to act according to His directives. It emphasizes their dedication to following God's will.
How can we apply the message of Numbers 32:31 in our lives?
We can apply the message of Numbers 32:31 by being obedient to God's guidance in our own lives. Like Gad and Reuben, we should be willing to act on what we believe God is calling us to do, even if it requires sacrifice.
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