Num 32:5 | MHM | STEP | v. 5 : The request from these tribes—"Do not make us cross the Jordan"—looked bad at first (v. 5 ). It seemed like they did not value the promised land or trust God to help them win Canaan. It also looked selfish, since they wanted a safe place for their animals and did not seem to care about the needs of the other Israelites. Their words could have discouraged the rest of the people, making them feel weaker and less able to fight the Canaanites. If Moses agreed, other tribes might also want to settle early and not wait for the land to be divided by lot.

‏ Numbers 32:5

v. 5: The request from these tribes—"Do not make us cross the Jordan"—looked bad at first (v. 5 ^a). It seemed like they did not value the promised land or trust God to help them win Canaan. It also looked selfish, since they wanted a safe place for their animals and did not seem to care about the needs of the other Israelites. Their words could have discouraged the rest of the people, making them feel weaker and less able to fight the Canaanites. If Moses agreed, other tribes might also want to settle early and not wait for the land to be divided by lot.