Numbers 32:16-32 - The Offer Of The Reubenites And Gadites
16 The tribes of Gad and Reuben came to Moses and said: Allow us to build stone fences for our livestock and cities for our families here. 17 Then we will be ready to march in battle formation ahead of the other Israelites until we have brought them to their land. Meanwhile our families will live in walled cities. They will be safe from the other people who live here. 18 We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his own land. 19 We will not take possession of any land on the other side of the Jordan River, to the west and beyond. We already have our land here, east of the Jordan.
20 Moses answered: If you really mean what you say, then here in the presence of Jehovah get ready to go into battle. 21 All your fighting men are to cross the Jordan and under Jehovah's command they are to attack our enemies until Jehovah defeats them 22 and takes possession of the land. You may return after that, because you will have fulfilled your obligation to Jehovah and to the other Israelites. Then Jehovah will acknowledge that this land east of the Jordan is yours. 23 If you do not keep your promise, I warn you that you will be sinning against Jehovah. Do not doubt this, you will be punished for your sin. 24 So build your towns and the enclosures for your sheep, but do what you have promised!
25 The men from Reuben and Gad answered Moses: Sir, we will do just what you have said. 26 Our wives, children, sheep and cattle will stay here in the towns in Gilead. 27 However those of us prepared for battle will cross the Jordan and fight for Jehovah.
28 Moses said to Eleazar, Joshua, and the family leaders: 29 Make sure the tribes of Gad and Reuben prepare for battle and cross the Jordan River with you. If they do, then after the land is in your control, give them the region of Gilead as their tribal land. 30 But if they break their promise, they will receive land on the other side of the Jordan, like the rest of the tribes.
31 The tribes of Gad and Reuben replied: We are your servants and will do whatever Jehovah has commanded. 32 We will enter Canaan as armed troops in Jehovah's presence. The land we will take possession of is here, east of the Jordan.