Numbers 32:25
New International Version
The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “We your servants will do as our lord commands.

New Living Translation
Then the men of Gad and Reuben replied, “We, your servants, will follow your instructions exactly.

English Standard Version
And the people of Gad and the people of Reuben said to Moses, “Your servants will do as my lord commands.

Berean Standard Bible
The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as our lord commands.

King James Bible
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

New King James Version
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying: “Your servants will do as my lord commands.

New American Standard Bible
Then the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

NASB 1995
The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

Amplified Bible
Then the descendants of Gad and of Reuben said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

Christian Standard Bible
The Gadites and Reubenites answered Moses, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Gadites and Reubenites answered Moses, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

American Standard Version
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

Contemporary English Version
The men from Reuben and Gad answered: Sir, we will do just what you have said.

English Revised Version
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the tribes of Gad and Reuben said to Moses, "Sir, we will do as you command.

Good News Translation
The men of Gad and Reuben said, "Sir, we will do as you command.

International Standard Version
Then the descendants of Gad and descendants of Reuben spoke up. "Your servants will do exactly what our master has commanded." They said.

NET Bible
So the Gadites and the Reubenites replied to Moses, "Your servants will do as my lord commands.

New Heart English Bible
The people of Gad and the people of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, "Your servants will do as my lord commands.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as our lord commands.

World English Bible
The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do as my lord commands.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben speak to Moses, saying, “Your servants do as my lord is commanding;

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben speak unto Moses, saying, 'Thy servants do as my lord is commanding;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben will speak to Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commanded.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Gad and Ruben said to Moses: We are thy servants, we will do what my lord commandeth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the sons of Gad and of Ruben said to Moses: “We are your servants, we shall do what you, our ruler, orders.

New American Bible
The Gadites and Reubenites answered Moses, “Your servants will do as my lord commands.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the Gadites and the Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do as my lord commands.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad said to Moses, Your servants will do as our lord commands.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the children of Rubil and the children of Gad said to Moshe: “Your Servants shall do as our Lord commanded.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke unto Moses, saying: 'Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Ruben and the sons of Gad spoke to Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as our lord commands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tribes East of the Jordan
24Build cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks, but do what you have promised.” 25The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as our lord commands. 26Our children, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals will remain here in the cities of Gilead.…

Cross References
Joshua 1:16-18
So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. / Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. / Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

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 22:1-4
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ...

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 5:2
“When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD.

1 Chronicles 12:32-33
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. / From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David.

1 Kings 20:12
Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city.

2 Samuel 19:14
So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.”

1 Samuel 14:7
His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

2 Kings 10:15-16
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, / saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.

Matthew 8:9
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

Luke 7:8
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Ephesians 6:5-6
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Your servants will do as my lord commands.

Joshua 1:13,14
Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land…

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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.














The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses
The tribes of Gad and Reuben were part of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons. These tribes had large herds and flocks, which influenced their desire to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River. This request to Moses came after the Israelites had conquered the land of Sihon and Og, which was suitable for livestock. Their approach to Moses shows a recognition of his leadership and authority as God's appointed leader of Israel. This moment reflects the importance of tribal identity and the practical needs of the community in the context of their nomadic lifestyle.

“Your servants will do just as our lord commands.”
This statement reflects a commitment to obedience and submission to Moses' leadership, which was seen as divinely appointed. The use of "your servants" indicates humility and a willingness to serve under Moses' direction. The phrase "our lord" acknowledges Moses' role as a leader, akin to a master-servant relationship, which was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This obedience is crucial as it aligns with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where following God's appointed leaders was part of maintaining the covenant. This commitment also prefigures the New Testament call to follow Christ's commands, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sons of Gad
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob. They were known for their warrior skills and settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

2. Sons of Reuben
Another tribe of Israel, descended from Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. They also chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, alongside the Gadites.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who guided them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He was responsible for communicating God's laws and commands to the people.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and gave them the Promised Land.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The tribes of Gad and Reuben requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan, which was part of the broader promise.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Commands
The response of the tribes of Gad and Reuben demonstrates a commitment to follow God's instructions through Moses. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word and trust in His plans.

Unity and Cooperation
The willingness of these tribes to support their fellow Israelites in conquering the Promised Land underscores the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Promises
Just as the tribes kept their promise to Moses, we are reminded of the importance of being faithful in our commitments to God and others.

Trust in God's Provision
The decision to settle east of the Jordan was based on the tribes' trust in God's provision for their needs. We are encouraged to trust God to provide for us in every situation.

Role of Leadership
Moses' role in guiding and mediating between God and the people highlights the importance of godly leadership in the church and community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 32:25?

2. How does Numbers 32:25 demonstrate obedience to God-ordained leadership?

3. What can we learn about commitment from the Reubenites and Gadites' response?

4. How does Numbers 32:25 connect to Hebrews 13:17 on obeying leaders?

5. In what ways can we apply the Reubenites' promise to our daily lives?

6. How does this verse encourage unity within the body of Christ today?

7. How does Numbers 32:25 reflect the Israelites' commitment to Moses' leadership and God's commands?

8. What historical context surrounds the tribes' response in Numbers 32:25?

9. How does Numbers 32:25 illustrate the theme of obedience in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 32?

11. What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben?

12. Numbers 32:23: Are there any historical or archaeological records that corroborate Moses' warnings about sin and its consequences for these tribes?

13. Numbers 32:34-38: Can we verify the rapid construction or fortification of these cities in Transjordan through any historical or archaeological findings?

14. Numbers 32:20-22: How do we reconcile Moses' instructions to engage in warfare and seize land with concepts of justice and morality today?
What Does Numbers 32:25 Mean
The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses

- Two of Israel’s tribes, having asked for the pasture-rich lands east of the Jordan, now answer Moses directly (Numbers 32:1-19).

- Their address to Moses recognizes him as God’s appointed leader, echoing earlier moments when Israel appealed to him (“the people cried out to Moses,” Exodus 15:25).

- The conversation happens in camp, not a courtroom; yet it is covenant language, reinforcing that the tribes remain part of Israel’s united mission (cf. Joshua 22:1-4, where Joshua later commends them for the same loyalty).


Your servants

- By calling themselves “servants,” they submit to God’s order as mediated through Moses (“Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening,” 1 Samuel 3:9).

- Servant language signals humility and accountability, contrasting earlier rebellions in the wilderness (Numbers 14:4-10).

- The phrase also anticipates true greatness in God’s kingdom coming through service (Matthew 20:26-28).


Will do

- A decisive pledge: not vague intentions but concrete obedience (James 1:22, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only”).

- Their action will soon be verified— they will cross the Jordan armed, fight, and only then return (Numbers 32:20-22).

- Obedience here protects national unity; partial compliance would splinter Israel’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 29:18-21 warns against half-heartedness).


Just as

- Indicates complete, not selective, obedience. They are not negotiating terms but accepting them in full (cf. Deuteronomy 5:27, “Tell us whatever the LORD our God says, and we will listen and obey”).

- “Just as” ties this moment to the covenant principle that blessing follows full compliance (Leviticus 26:3-13).

- It also foreshadows the church’s call to “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).


Our lord commands

- “Lord” (lowercase) refers to Moses as leader, yet behind Moses stands the LORD (uppercase) whose command Moses relays (Exodus 7:2).

- Acknowledging command affirms God’s chain of authority: God → Moses → tribes, paralleling Romans 13:1’s teaching on delegated authority.

- The tribes’ response models the New Testament pattern of believers obeying earthly leaders insofar as they speak God’s word (Hebrews 13:17).


summary

Numbers 32:25 records a wholehearted pledge of obedience by the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Recognizing Moses’ God-given authority, they humbly call themselves servants, promise concrete action, and submit without reservation to every detail of the command. Their words underscore the blessings of unity, the necessity of full obedience, and the enduring principle that true service to God is demonstrated by willing submission to the leaders He appoints.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Gadites
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and Reubenites
וּבְנֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

“Your servants
עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

will do
יַעֲשׂ֔וּ (ya·‘ă·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

our lord
אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

commands.
מְצַוֶּֽה׃ (mə·ṣaw·weh)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order


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OT Law: Numbers 32:25 The children of Gad and the children (Nu Num.)
Numbers 32:24
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