Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.
DEUTERONOMY 3:20KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 3:20 mean?
Deuteronomy 3:20 tells the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh that they must help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan River before returning to settle in the land already given to them east of the Jordan. The verse emphasizes that everyone must have "rest" and their own land before these tribes can go back to their own homes.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to these specific tribes, reminding them of their agreement to support the rest of Israel in battle. The situation is just before Israel enters the promised land, and these tribes have already received territory on the east side of the Jordan. Moses insists they must not abandon their "brethren" (fellow Israelites) but help until all have received their inheritance.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:20
- "Rest" (נוּחַ, nuach): This word means more than just stopping work; it often carries the sense of security, peace, and settling down in safety. Here, it highlights that the promise is not just land, but a settled, peaceful life for all.
- "Possess" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word means to take possession or inherit. It points to the idea that the land is not just being occupied, but is a true inheritance given by God.
- "Brethren" (אָח, ach): This word means brothers or close relatives, emphasizing the unity and shared responsibility among the tribes.
- "Return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to go back or turn back. It underlines that the eastern tribes are only to return to their own land after fulfilling their commitment to the rest of Israel.
Why Deuteronomy 3:20 matters
- This verse clarifies that the unity and mutual responsibility of the Israelite tribes was a key expectation; no tribe could settle in comfort while others still struggled.
- The verse connects the idea of "rest" and "inheritance" to the whole community, not just individuals, showing that God's promises were for all Israel together.
- Deuteronomy 3:20 sets up the fairness and shared effort expected in the conquest of Canaan, which becomes a theme throughout Joshua and the rest of the Old Testament narrative.