And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.
At that time I gave you this command: 'The LORD your God has given you this land to take as your own. Now you must cross over armed and ready to fight alongside your fellow Israelites—all of you who are able to go to war.'
Moses is telling the tribes who had already received their land that they must still help their fellow Israelites conquer the rest of the Promised Land before settling down.
📚 Historical Context
Moses is speaking to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, who had requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River where the land was good for their livestock. Though God granted their request, Moses made it clear they couldn't just stay behind while the other tribes fought for their inheritance. This command emphasized unity and mutual support among God's people during the conquest of Canaan.
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