And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

NUMBERS 32:25KJV
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Numbers 32:25 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:25 mean?

Numbers 32:25 shows the tribes of Gad and Reuben promising Moses that they will obey his instructions. They address Moses respectfully, calling themselves his servants and agreeing to do whatever he commands.

In this moment, the leaders of Gad and Reuben are responding to Moses during a negotiation about settling east of the Jordan River. They are assuring Moses that they will follow through on their commitment, which includes helping the rest of Israel conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to settle their own territory.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 32:25

  • The word for "servants" is עֶבֶד (ʿeved), which often means someone who serves under authority. By using this word, the tribes show humility and willingness to submit to Moses’ leadership.
  • The word for "lord" is אֲדֹנִי (ʾadoni), a respectful title for someone in authority. Calling Moses "my lord" highlights the respect and seriousness with which they take his commands.
  • The verb "commandeth" comes from צָוָה (tsavah), which means to order or instruct. The tribes are not just agreeing in general, but specifically committing to carry out Moses’ direct instructions.

Why Numbers 32:25 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about whether Gad and Reuben are willing to cooperate with the rest of Israel; they openly promise to obey Moses.
  • The respectful language emphasizes the importance of leadership and unity among the tribes at a critical moment before entering the Promised Land.
  • Understanding this agreement helps explain why these tribes are later held accountable for joining the conquest, showing the seriousness of their promise.

Where else these words appear

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.
  • 2 Samuel 24:5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

“Reuben” Hebrew H7205 · used in 68 verses

  • Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
  • Numbers 13:4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
  • Joshua 22:9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.