What consequences arise from not keeping commitments, according to Numbers 32:20?

Numbers 32:20 states that permission for Reuben and Gad to settle east of the Jordan depended on their keeping a specific pledge—going armed before the LORD until Canaan was subdued. If they failed, several consequences would follow (vv. 22–23 clarify them):

• They would remain “obligated to the LORD and to Israel,” forfeiting the freedom Moses offered (v. 22).

• Their failure would be counted as “sin against the LORD” (v. 23).

• That sin would “find [them] out,” meaning exposure and inevitable divine reckoning (v. 23).

Other passages underline the same principle: breaking a vow invites guilt and judgment (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; Psalm 15:4).