All these verses, and the events recorded in them, are but a recapitulation of the history which we had before in Numbers 32:1 to which I refer. I shall only, therefore, detain the Reader with observing, that the conduct of the Reubenites and Gadites, which called forth the reproof of Moses upon that occasion, savored of what is but too often discoverable now among the LORD'S heritage, I mean a love of indolence and rest, while Zion is in warfare. Moses, of all men, had an undoubted right to feel hurt; for we know when he might have been adopted as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, he chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of GOD. Oh! for more of this zeal and love to the cause of JESUS, in the present declining day of the church. See Hebrews 11:24-27. What a delightful view is given us, in this charge of Moses to Joshua, of this man of GOD'S zeal and affection for the LORD'S cause. He appeals to Joshua's own knowledge of what had passed, to arm him for all that was to come. Reader! one of the sweetest offices of the HOLY GHOST is to act as the Remembrancer of JESUS. And when he graciously performs this office in reminding the believer how in times past the LORD hath sustained and comforted his people, doth he not take the most effectual method in giving confidence for all that is to come? John 14:26.
Deuteronomy 3:12-20
12 And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
13 And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.
14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.
15 And I gave Gilead unto Machir.
16 And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
17 The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgaha eastward.
18 And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meetb for the war.
19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you;
20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.