Matthew Henry on Numbers 32:1-5

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Here is a proposal made by the Reubenites and Gadites, that the land lately conquered might be allotted to them. Two things common in the world might lead these tribes to make this choice; the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.

There was much amiss in the principle they went upon; they consulted their own private convenience more than the public good. Thus to the present time, many seek their own things more than the things of Jesus Christ; and are led by worldly interests and advantages to take up short of the heavenly Canaan.

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commentaryThe Request of the Reubenites. (b. c. 1452.)THE REQUEST OF THE REUBENITES. (B. C. 1452.) Israel's tents were now pitched in the plains of Moab, where they continued many months, looking back upon the conquests they had already made of the land of Sihon and Og, an…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1-42THE MISTAKEN CHOICE In this chapter we have, spiritually, the choice of those who do not (on the one hand) wish to sever themselves from the people of God, nor to desert their brethren, but who are (on the other hand) g…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1The children of Reuben and the children of Gad. Reuben and Gad had both been camped on the same (southern) side of the tabernacle, but had not apparently been neighbours, since Simeon intervened on the march (see on Num…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1-42EXPOSITION THE TWO AND A HALF TRIBES BEYOND JORDAN (Numbers 32:1-42).Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:1-5A BIRD IN THE HAND WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH This common proverb, so limited in the scope of its application, and so liable to be misused by timid and selfish people, is clearly illustrated in the conduct of these two tribe…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:3Ataroth. As to the nine places here mentioned, see on Numbers 32:34-38. They all lie to the south of Gilead, properly so called, within a comparatively short distance of the route by which the main body of the Israelite…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 32:5Bring us not over Jordan. The two tribes have been charged on the strength of these words with "shameless selfishness," but there is nothing to justify such an accusation. If they thought at all of the effect of their r…Joseph S. Exell and contributors