Numbers 32:7

7 Why would you destroy the Israelites' resolve to cross into the land that the LORD gave them?

Numbers 32:7 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 32:7

Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel
&c.] Which he suggests it would, should they settle on that side Jordan, since they would lose the assistance of two of their tribes, even two thirds of one of their standards in fighting with their enemies and subduing their land; and besides it might be thought that this request of theirs not only proceeded from selfish views and a love of ease, which might set a bad example to others, but carried in it a distrust of ever being able to enter into, at least to conquer and possess, the land of Canaan, and so might have a tendency to discourage their brethren:

from going over into the land,
which the Lord hath given them? despairing of ever enjoying it, and so laying aside all thoughts of it, and not caring to make any attempt to get possession of it.

Numbers 32:7 In-Context

5 They said, "If you approve our request, give this land to your servants as property. Don't make us cross the Jordan."

6 Moses said to the Gadites and the Reubenites, "Should your brothers go to war, while you stay here?

7 Why would you destroy the Israelites' resolve to cross into the land that the LORD gave them?

8 Your ancestors did this, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land.

9 They went up to the Cluster ravine, saw the land, and destroyed the Israelites' resolve to enter the land that the LORD had given them.