But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

NUMBERS 32:17KJV
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Numbers 32:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:17 mean?

Numbers 32:17 describes how the tribes of Reuben and Gad promise to go ahead of the rest of Israel, fully armed, to help them take possession of the promised land, while their families stay protected in fortified cities. They assure Moses that they will not abandon their fellow Israelites but will fight alongside them until everyone has settled in their new land.

In this verse, leaders from the tribes of Reuben and Gad are speaking to Moses. They are negotiating to settle east of the Jordan River, where the land is good for their livestock, but they promise not to shirk their duty to the rest of Israel. They say their "little ones" (families) will remain in "fenced cities" (fortified towns) for safety, while the fighting men cross over with the rest of Israel to help conquer Canaan.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 32:17

  • The word "armed" (חָלוּץ, chaluts) means equipped or prepared for battle. This emphasizes that the men of Reuben and Gad are not just accompanying Israel but are ready to fight on the front lines.
  • The phrase "fenced cities" (עָרֵי מִבְצָר, arei mivtzar) refers to fortified towns, highlighting the concern for the safety of their families while the men are away at war.
  • The word "inhabitants" (יָשַׁב, yashav) is the same as "dwell," showing a wordplay: their families will "dwell" safely because of the "inhabitants" (potential threats) of the land.

Why Numbers 32:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Reuben and Gad are not trying to avoid their military responsibilities, but are committed to supporting the rest of Israel until the conquest is complete.
  • The emphasis on protecting their families in fortified cities shows practical concern for safety during uncertain times, not just personal gain.
  • Numbers 32:17 connects to the larger negotiation in the chapter, where Moses ensures that unity and shared responsibility remain central as Israel prepares to enter the promised land.

Where else these words appear

“ourselves” Hebrew H587 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Deuteronomy 5:3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.
  • Nehemiah 4:23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

“ready” Hebrew H2363 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
  • Psalms 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
  • Psalms 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

“fenced” Hebrew H4013 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 13:19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
  • 2 Chronicles 17:19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.
  • Jeremiah 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

“ones” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 16:27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;