1. The people of Reuben and Gad had many cattle. They saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were good for cattle.
2. So they came to Moses, Eleazar the priest and the leaders of the people.
3-4. They said, “We, your servants, have many cattle. The Lord has captured for the Israelites a land that is good for cattle. This is the land around Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon.
5. If it pleases you, we would like this land to be given to us. Don’t make us cross the Jordan River.”
6. Moses told the people of Gad and Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you stay behind?
7. You will discourage the Israelites. They will not want to go over to the land the Lord has given them.
8. Your ancestors did the same thing. From Kadesh Barnea I sent them to look at the land.