Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 32:19 mean?
A: Numbers 32:19 refers to the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River (Transjordan) rather than in the land of Canaan. They assured Moshe (Moses) that they would still help the other tribes conquer Canaan, but their permanent inheritance would be on the east side. Rashi explains that they were committed to fulfilling their duty before settling their own land.
Q: Why did Reuven and Gad want land east of the Jordan?
A: Reuven and Gad were shepherds and saw that the land east of the Jordan (Gilead) had good pasture for their flocks (Numbers 32:1). The Ramban notes that while this land was suitable for their needs, they still had to first help the other tribes secure their inheritance in Canaan before settling there.
Q: Was it allowed for some tribes to settle outside Canaan?
A: Yes, but only under strict conditions. Moshe initially rebuked Reuven and Gad (Numbers 32:6-15), fearing they would discourage the nation like the spies did. They then pledged to fight alongside their brothers until Canaan was conquered (Numbers 32:16-19). The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) discusses how this arrangement was a unique exception, not the original plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 32:19?
A: This verse teaches the importance of unity and responsibility. Even though Reuven and Gad wanted different land, they committed to helping their brethren first. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:9) highlights that personal interests should not override communal obligations—a lesson in prioritizing collective responsibility.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: The principle of balancing personal needs with communal duty remains relevant. Just as Reuven and Gad ensured their brothers' security before settling, Jewish law (Halacha) emphasizes helping others achieve their goals before focusing solely on oneself (Pirkei Avot 1:14). This applies in family, community, and national responsibilities.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bamidbar 32:19) is part of the dialogue between Moshe Rabbeinu and the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River rather than in Eretz Yisrael proper. The tribes clarify that they do not seek to avoid participating in the conquest of Eretz Yisrael, but rather that their portion has been divinely allotted on the eastern side.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bamidbar 32:19) emphasizes that the tribes were not seeking to abandon their brethren in battle. Rather, they were stating that their inheritance was already designated for them on the eastern side of the Jordan ("מֵעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרָחָה"). Rashi notes that this land was conquered from Sichon and Og, kings of the Emorites, and was thus already under Israelite control.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Terumot (1:2), Rambam discusses the halachic status of Transjordan (עבר הירדן) in relation to mitzvot hateluyot ba'aretz (agricultural commandments). He rules that although this region was part of the lands promised to Avraham, it does not carry the same sanctity as Eretz Yisrael proper west of the Jordan. This explains why Reuven and Gad were permitted to settle there, though it was not the ideal inheritance.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Chazon Ish (Shevi'it 24:5) discusses how this verse establishes that Transjordan, while part of the biblical borders, has a secondary status to Eretz Yisrael west of the Jordan. This distinction affects various halachot, including the sanctity of the land for mitzvot like shemitah and terumot.