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Numbers 32:31 - Tribes pledge obedience to Hashem

Numbers 32:31 - במדבר 32:31

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲנוּ בְנֵי־גָד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן לֵאמֹר אֵת אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־עֲבָדֶיךָ כֵּן נַעֲשֶׂה׃

English Translation

And the children of Gad and the children of Re᾽uven answered, saying, as the Lord has said to thy servants, so will we do.

Transliteration

Va'ya'anu venei Gad uvenei Reuven lemor et asher diber Adonai el-avadeicha ken na'aseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּֽעֲנ֧וּ בְנֵי־גָ֛ד וּבְנֵ֥י רְאוּבֵ֖ן לֵאמֹ֑ר אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶל־עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ כֵּ֥ן נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃
וַיַּֽעֲנ֧וּ בְנֵי־גָ֛ד וּבְנֵ֥י רְאוּבֵ֖ן לֵאמֹ֑ר אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶל־עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ כֵּ֥ן נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 32:31) records the response of the tribes of Gad and Reuven to Moshe Rabbeinu after he reiterated Hashem's conditions for their settlement on the eastern side of the Jordan. This follows their initial request to dwell there due to its suitability for their livestock (Bamidbar 32:1-5).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (ad loc.) notes that the phrasing "כֵּן נַעֲשֶׂה" ("so will we do") indicates their wholehearted acceptance of Moshe's terms. He contrasts this with their earlier response (32:16), where they said "נִבְנֶה" ("we will build"), which Moshe corrected to "תִּבְנוּ" ("you shall build") to emphasize that their primary obligation was to assist in conquering Eretz Yisrael before settling their own portion.

Rambam's Perspective on Commitment

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:7) teaches that proper speech reflects inner conviction. The tribes' declaration "as the Lord has said... so will we do" demonstrates their complete alignment with divine will, serving as a model for how one should accept mitzvot - with clarity and without reservation.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:9) highlights that their response mirrored the national declaration at Har Sinai ("נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע" - "we will do and we will hear"). This parallel suggests that even when making practical arrangements, one should maintain the same spiritual commitment as when receiving the Torah.

Halachic Implications

  • The Ohr HaChaim (ad loc.) notes that their phrasing "אֶל־עֲבָדֶיךָ" ("to thy servants") shows proper deference to Moshe's authority, teaching the importance of respecting Torah leadership.
  • The Kli Yakar observes that their commitment to assist in conquering the land before tending to their own needs establishes the principle of "צרכי ציבור קודמים" - communal needs take precedence over personal interests.

Lessons in Avodat Hashem

The Sforno explains that their statement reflects the ideal relationship between man and Hashem - first recognizing Divine command ("as the Lord has said"), then committing to action ("so will we do"). This models the proper sequence in spiritual growth: first understanding G-d's will, then implementing it in practice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 32:31 mean?
A: Numbers 32:31 records the response of the tribes of Gad and Reuben to Moshe (Moses), affirming their commitment to fulfill what Hashem commanded. They declare, 'As the Lord has said to your servants, so will we do,' showing their acceptance of divine instruction. Rashi explains that this demonstrates their willingness to follow Hashem's will, even though they initially requested to settle outside the Land of Israel (on the eastern side of the Jordan).
Q: Why is the response of Gad and Reuben important?
A: The response of Gad and Reuben is important because it shows their commitment to the collective mission of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel). Despite their desire to settle in Transjordan, they pledged to first help the other tribes conquer the Land of Israel. The Midrash highlights this as an example of unity and responsibility among the tribes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 32:31?
A: We learn the importance of keeping one's word and prioritizing communal responsibility. Gad and Reuben could have focused solely on their own needs, but they committed to assisting their brethren first. The Rambam teaches that fulfilling promises and supporting the community are fundamental Jewish values derived from such examples in the Torah.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to consider the greater good before our personal interests. Just as Gad and Reuben agreed to help their fellow Jews before settling their own land, we should prioritize helping others in need—whether in our families, communities, or the broader Jewish people. The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) emphasizes that 'All Jews are responsible for one another,' a principle rooted in such biblical examples.