Ver. 12-15. And to the Reubenites, &c. spake Joshua— We have elsewhere remarked, that Moses had given to these two tribes and a half settlements on this side Jordan; but on condition, that when it became necessary to pass that river, they should furnish their quota of troops, and march at the head of the whole army into the land of Canaan, properly so called. Here, therefore, Joshua puts them again in mind of this engagement; and seems less to command them, than to remind them of the orders they had already received from Moses. See Numbers 32:20; Numbers 32:42.Deuteronomy 3:18; Deuteronomy 3:29. We find in ver. 14 the word chamuschim, translated armed: it properly signifies girt, as much as to say, dressed and well equipped. See Exodus 13:18. It is very evident, that Joshua did not require any but those who were able to bear arms in those two tribes and a half, to march in this expedition: nor did Moses mean otherwise; they only supplied about 40,000 men. See Patrick.
Joshua 1:12-15
12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed,b all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.