So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

NUMBERS 32:28KJV
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Numbers 32:28 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:28 mean?

Numbers 32:28 describes Moses giving instructions to Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the leading fathers of the Israelite tribes about how to handle the agreement with the tribes of Reuben and Gad. Moses is making sure that the leaders responsible for the nation’s future know exactly what has been decided.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the main religious and tribal leaders as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The context is that the tribes of Reuben and Gad have asked to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, and Moses wants to ensure that everyone involved understands the terms and responsibilities. This careful handing over of instructions shows the importance of clear leadership and shared understanding among the people.

Why Numbers 32:28 matters

  • Numbers 32:28 shows that Moses is not acting alone but is involving both religious and tribal leaders, highlighting the shared leadership structure among the Israelites.
  • This verse helps clarify that the agreement with the tribes of Reuben and Gad is official and witnessed by key leaders, making it a binding community decision rather than a private arrangement.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of settling the land, showing how decisions were communicated and enforced as the Israelites prepared for a major transition.

Where else these words appear

“Nun” Hebrew H5126 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
  • Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.
  • Joshua 14:1 And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.