Once again, the main outline is from the Open Bible, slightly edited.
Divisions of the Land East of Jordan
The request from Ruben and Gad, v.1-5
The tribes of Ruben and Gad had many cattle, that is livestock, often: oxen, sheep, goats, and donkeys. The saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead contained good pasture. For this reason, they requested permission to settle in that land east of Jorgan.
Moses’ response to Ruben and Gad, v.6-15
Immediately, Moses thought that they were trying to escape the battles of conquering the land west of Jordan. He reminded them that the negative spies caused the 40 years of wandering. If they discourage the people now, God will destroy them all.
Ruben and Gad’s rebuttal, v.16-19
They promised to build sheepfolds for their animals and cities for their families and then join the armies to fight in Canaan. They promised not to return to the east until Israel had inherited the land.
Moses’ decision, v.20-24
He agreed to their terms. Did he seek the Lord’s mind in this? It would certainly seem that he must have. Note his warning in v.23 which is as true today as it was then.
Ruben and Gad’s promise, v.25-27
They solemnly promised to do as they had said. They would build sheepfolds and cities and then Passover Jordan to fight.
Moses’ answer, v.28-30
Moses then commanded Eleazar the priest, Joshua the proposed leader, and the chief fathers to give Gad and Reuben the land east of Jordan, if they keep their word; however, if they fail to do as they promised, then they must settle on the west side with everyone else.
Ruben and Gad’s assurance, v.31-32
Once again, they promised to do as they proposed.
Moses granted them the land, v.33.
For the first time in this chapter, we see that half the tribe of Manasseh is included in the deal. Moses gave these 2 ½ tribes the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan.
They settled the land, v.34-42.
He gave Gilead to the half tribe of Manasseh. The location of the cities mentioned are often debated. If you compare maps created to depict the division of the land (as the map above), you will find that opinions vary. Exactness is not as important for us as the general idea.
Principles for Us Today
Moses’ extreme caution about these tribes remaining on the east of Jordan is a reminder to us to be cautious when making decisions that do not have clear biblical direction.
As Christians, we must be very careful about doing anything that could cause others to stumble. This was Moses’ greatest fear, and it ought to be one of ours as well.
Supporting other believers who are facing difficult hardships is part of the New Testament Christian duty.
