Numbers 32:4 - Divinely conquered land for cattle?

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 32:4, where the tribes of Reuven and Gad approach Moshe with a request to settle in the Transjordan region, which had already been conquered. They emphasize that the land is suitable for their abundant livestock.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Bamidbar 32:4) explains that the phrase "הִכָּה ה' לִפְנֵי עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("which the Lord smote before the congregation of Israel") refers to the victories over Sichon and Og, kings of the Amorites, as described earlier in Bamidbar 21. This land was already conquered and thus available for settlement.

Land Suitable for Livestock

The tribes describe the land as "אֶרֶץ מִקְנֶה" ("a land for cattle"). Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this region had abundant pastureland, making it ideal for their large herds. The request reflects their material priorities, which later commentators discuss in terms of their spiritual implications.

Spiritual Concerns Raised

Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 5) and Baal HaTurim highlight that Moshe initially rebuked them for prioritizing their livestock over entering Eretz Yisrael with their brethren. Their attachment to material wealth (mikneh) could distance them from the collective mission of Bnei Yisrael.

Halachic Implications

• Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v’Yovel 13:8-9) derives from this episode that even lands outside the biblical borders of Eretz Yisrael (like Transjordan) have sanctity when settled by Jews, albeit of a lesser degree.
• Tosafot (Bava Batra 121b) discusses whether the tribes’ inheritance in Transjordan was a full portion or an auxiliary one, based on their wording here.

Lessons in Priorities

Kli Yakar emphasizes that the tribes’ focus on their possessions ("וְלַעֲבָדֶיךָ מִקְנֶה") contrasts with the ideal of valuing spiritual inheritance. Their later historical struggles (exile before other tribes) are seen as a consequence of this misplaced priority.