The Legacy of the Tribes of Reuben and Gad

Who Were the Tribes of Reuben and Gad?

The tribes of Reuben and Gad were two of Jacob’s twelve sons who became the ancestors of two of Israel’s twelve tribes, distinguished by their unique settlement and actions in the biblical narrative.

Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Gad, his fourth son, each founded a tribe through their descendants. Their tribal identities emerged from their roles in Jacob’s family, with Reuben’s birthright later transferred to Joseph’s sons (Ephraim and Manasseh). In Numbers 1:21–23, both tribes are counted among the Israelites, with Gad noted for its military strength.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad famously requested permission from Moses to settle east of the Jordan River, citing the fertile land they had scouted (Numbers 32:4). Moses initially resisted, fearing their separation might weaken Israel’s unity, but agreed after they pledged to join the conquest of Canaan first. Their request, granted in Deuteronomy 3:12–17, allowed them to settle in Transjordan, a decision that set them apart from the other tribes.

Their settlement east of the Jordan, detailed in Joshua 13:15–23, marked a lasting division from the majority of Israel. While their choice provided immediate agricultural benefits, it also distanced them from the central religious and political heartland. Later biblical texts, such as 1 Chronicles 5:1–10, highlight their military exploits in Transjordan but also their eventual decline, reflecting the complex legacy of their early decision.

The Request of Reuben and Gad in Numbers 32:4

In Numbers 32:4, the tribes of Reuben and Gad formally requested to settle east of the Jordan River rather than enter Canaan with the rest of Israel.

They justified this plea by highlighting the fertile land they had scouted, declaring, 'If we have found favor in your eyes, let this land be given to your servants as a possession' (Numbers 32:4). They emphasized the suitability of the region for livestock, which was central to their tribal economy.

Moses initially resisted, fearing their separation might weaken Israel’s unity. However, Reuben and Gad assured him they would join the other tribes in conquering Canaan first and promised to 'build pens for the sheep' and 'cities for the children' (Numbers 32:16–17), demonstrating their commitment to supporting the broader Israelite community.

Their Settlement and Lasting Impact

The tribes of Reuben and Gad successfully established themselves in the Transjordan region, a decision that shaped their distinct identity within Israel while entailing both strategic advantages and communal responsibilities.

Their settlement east of the Jordan, as detailed in Joshua 13:15–23, provided fertile land for their livestock-oriented economy, fulfilling their initial request. They played a key role in battles such as the reconquest of Ai (Joshua 7–8), demonstrating their commitment to the broader Israelite campaign. By upholding their vow to assist in Canaan’s conquest (Numbers 32:16–17), they temporarily maintained unity but also highlighted the challenges of balancing regional autonomy with collective purpose.

While they fulfilled their pledge to aid in the initial conquest, later biblical accounts suggest they may have gradually distanced themselves from central Israelite affairs. This choice, though granted by Moses (Deuteronomy 3:12–17), foreshadowed tensions between geographic division and national cohesion among the tribes.

What We Can Learn From Reuben and Gad’s Choice

The decision of Reuben and Gad to settle east of the Jordan River offers a nuanced lesson on balancing personal priorities with communal obligations.

Their request, rooted in the fertile land’s suitability for their livestock-based economy (Numbers 32:4), highlights the tension between individual needs and collective identity. Moses’ initial reluctance (Deuteronomy 3:12–17) underscores the risks of geographic and spiritual fragmentation, as their separation might weaken Israel’s unity. Yet, their pledge to support the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 32:16–17)—vowing to ‘build cities for the children’—demonstrates how personal goals can align with communal duty when commitments are honored. However, later accounts (1 Chronicles 5:1–10) suggest their choice led to gradual marginalization, reminding us that even well-intentioned decisions may carry long-term costs when they prioritize comfort over shared purpose.