15. For if you turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and you will destroy all these people.”
16. They came near to him, and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones;
17. but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. Our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
18. We will not return to our houses, until the children of Israel have each inherited their inheritance.
19. For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, and forward; because our inheritance has come to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.”
20. Moses said to them, “If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war,
21. and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before Yahweh, until he has driven out his enemies from before him,
22. and the land is subdued before Yahweh; then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel; and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh.
23. “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against Yahweh; and be sure your sin will find you out.
24. Build cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which has proceeded out of your mouth.”
25. The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do as my lord commands.