4 the land which Jehovah smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle; and thy servants have cattle.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 32:4

Commentary on Numbers 32:1-5

(Read Numbers 32:1-5)

Here is a proposal made by the Reubenites and Gadites, that the land lately conquered might be allotted to them. Two things common in the world might lead these tribes to make this choice; the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. There was much amiss in the principle they went upon; they consulted their own private convenience more than the public good. Thus to the present time, many seek their own things more than the things of Jesus Christ; and are led by worldly interests and advantages to take up short of the heavenly Canaan.