The Tribes of Reuben and Gad Settle Transjordan

As Israel encamped on the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, the tribes of Reuben and Gad — who had unusually large herds of livestock — approached Moses with an unprecedented request: rather than receive their inheritance west of the Jordan, they wanted the rich pasture lands they had just conquered from Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan. Moses was furious at first, accusing them of repeating the cowardice of their fathers who had refused to enter the land at Kadesh (Numbers 32:1-15). But the two tribes pledged that their fighting men would cross the Jordan armed and lead Israel into battle, returning only after every other tribe had received its inheritance. Moses accepted the pledge and granted them the cities of Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon — together with the half-tribe of Manasseh, who took the highlands of Gilead and Bashan (Numbers 32:33-42). After the conquest of Canaan, the eastern tribes were sent home with a blessing, leading directly to the crisis of the great altar at Geliloth where the western tribes nearly came to war against them, suspecting rebellion.

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