And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.
And he spoke to them, saying, 'Go back to your homes with great wealth, and with large herds of cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with bronze, and with iron, and with plenty of clothing. Share the treasure you took from your enemies with your fellow tribesmen.'
Joshua is telling the eastern tribes to return home wealthy and to generously share their war spoils with their relatives who didn't fight.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs after the conquest of Canaan when Joshua dismisses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to return to their lands east of the Jordan River. These tribes had fulfilled their promise to help their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land before settling in their own territory. The wealth mentioned represents the spoils of war collected during their successful military campaigns.
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