Gilead lay to the S. and W. of Bashan, and shared the characteristic fertility of that region: see on Numbers 21:33-35.
6-15. Moses understands their request as indicating a disinclination on the part of these two tribes to enter the promised land. He reminds them that their fathers suffered the penalty of a similar faintheartedness at Kadesh (Numbers 14) and, fearing that the example of Beuben and Gad may discourage the rest of the people, he refuses their request.
16-33. The two tribes assure Moses that they will not separate themselves at present from the rest of the people, but will go over Jordan with them, and assist in the conquest of Canaan. After that they will return and settle on the E. side. Moses is satisfied with this assurance, and enjoins Eleazar and Joshua to see that the two tribes fulfil their promise before receiving the inheritance they desire.