Numbers 32:16–27

16 Then they came near to him and said: “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, 17 but twe ourselves will be armed, ready to go before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones will dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 18 uWe will not return to our homes until every one of the children of Israel has 1received his inheritance. 19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, vbecause our inheritance has fallen to us on this eastern side of the Jordan.”

20 Then wMoses said to them: “If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the Lord for the war, 21 and all your armed men cross over the Jordan before the Lord until He has driven out His enemies from before Him, 22 and xthe land is subdued before the Lord, then afterward yyou may return and be blameless before the Lord and before Israel; and zthis land shall be your possession before the Lord. 23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure ayour sin will find you out. 24 bBuild cities for your little ones and folds for your sheep, and do 2what has proceeded out of your mouth.”

25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying: “Your servants will do as my lord commands. 26 cOur little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock will be there in the cities of Gilead; 27 dbut your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, just as my lord says.”