And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.
And the land is conquered before the LORD: then afterward you shall return, and be innocent before the LORD and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.
God is telling the tribes that once they help conquer the Promised Land, they can return to their chosen territory with a clear conscience, knowing they've fulfilled their duty to God and their fellow Israelites.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of Moses' response to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who wanted to settle east of the Jordan River in land suitable for their livestock. Moses agreed on the condition that their fighting men would first cross over and help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land west of the Jordan. Only after fulfilling this military obligation could they return to claim their inheritance with honor.
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