KJV ORIGINAL
But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But if they refuse to cross over with you as armed soldiers, then they will receive their land inheritance among you in Canaan instead.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Moses is saying that if the tribes don't keep their promise to fight alongside their fellow Israelites, they'll lose their preferred land and have to settle in Canaan with everyone else.
📚 Historical Context
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh wanted to settle east of the Jordan River because the land was good for their livestock. Moses agreed, but only if they would first help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land west of the Jordan. This verse outlines the consequences if they broke that agreement.
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