Numbers 32:16–27

16 Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;

17 abut we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

18 “aWe will not return to our homes until every one of the sons of Israel has possessed his inheritance.

19 “For we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us aon this side of the Jordan toward the east.”

20 aSo Moses said to them, “If you will do 1this, if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for the war,

21 and all of you armed men cross over the Jordan before the Lord until He has driven His enemies out from before Him,

22 aand the land is subdued before the Lord, then afterward you shall return and be free of obligation toward the Lord and toward Israel, and this land shall be yours for a possession before the Lord.

23 “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure ayour sin will find you out.

24 “Build yourselves cities for your little ones, and sheepfolds for your sheep, and ado 1what you have promised.”

25 The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

26 “aOur little ones, our wives, our livestock and all our cattle shall 1remain there in the cities of Gilead;

27 while your servants, everyone who is armed for war, will across over in the presence of the Lord to battle, just as my lord says.”