This proposal was very equitable, and it was honestly made and faithfully executed; though it did not imply that all men capable of bearing arms should go, and so leave their families and possessions defenceless, but only a sufficient detachment of them. Among the inhabitants of the land were the Ammonites, Moabites, Idumeans, and the remains of the Midianites and Amorites; and as it was impossible for the women and children to keep the defenced cities, when placed in them, many of the men of war must of course stay behind. In the last census (Numbers 26:1), the tribe of Reuben consisted of 43,730 men; the tribe of Gad 40,500; and the tribe of Manasseh 52,700; the half of which is 26,350; which together amount to 110,580. Now from Joshua 4:13, we learn, that of these tribes only 40,000 armed men passed over Jordan to assist their brethren. Consequently 70,580 men were left behind for the defence of the women, the children, and the flocks. Which was amply sufficient for this purpose.
Bible Commentary
Numbers 32:16
Numbers 32:16
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Canne, Browne, Blayney, Scott, and others · Public Domain
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Numbers 32 — OverviewNumbers 32 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this chapter we have, I. The humble request of the tribes of Reuben
and Gad for an inheritance on that side Jordan where Israel now lay
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THE TWO AND A HALF TRIBES BEYOND JORDAN (Numbers 32:1-42).Numbers 32:1-42Numbers 32:1-42 · The Pulpit CommentaryTHE MISTAKEN CHOICE
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tribes, about their settlement on this side Jordan. Probably the
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