12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them 15 until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”
The tribes of Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad asked Moses if they could settle on east of the Promised Land. The area had excellent pastures for the large flocks. So, Moses stated that they could have this land if they would help their fellow tribes enter the Promised Land. Then, after the land was conquered, they could return to their homes. Now was the time for the three tribes to live up to their agreement. If you make a promise to do something, do you do it? Do you live up to what you promise? Make sure you do not make a promise in haste. Think promises through and make sure you are ready to follow through on what you say you will do.
