15. If you turn away from him, he will abandon all these people in the desert. You would be responsible for their destruction.”
16. Then the tribes of Gad and Reuben came up to Moses and said, “Allow us to build stone fences for our livestock and cities for our families here.
17. Then we’ll be ready ⌊to march⌋ in battle formation ahead of the other Israelites until we have brought them to their land. Meanwhile our families will live in walled cities, safe from the other people who live here.
18. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his own land.
19. We won’t take possession of any land on the other side of the Jordan River, to the west and beyond. We already have our land here, east of the Jordan.”
20. Moses answered, “Do what you have said. In the Lord’s presence have all your armed men get ready for battle.
21. Have them cross the Jordan, and fight until the Lord forces out his enemies
22. and the land is conquered. Then you may come back. You will have fulfilled your military duty to the Lord and Israel. This land will be your own property in the Lord’s presence.
23. “If you don’t do all these things, you will be sinning against the Lord. You can be sure that you will be punished for your sin.