¹⁶ Then they came up to him and said, “We would like to build pens^(A) here for our livestock^(B) and cities for our women and children. ¹⁷ But we will arm ourselves for battle^[a] and go ahead of the Israelites^(C) until we have brought them to their place.^(D) Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land. ¹⁸ We will not return to our homes until each of the Israelites has received their inheritance.^{(E) 19} We will not receive any inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance^(F) has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.”^(G)

²⁰ Then Moses said to them, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle^{(H) 21} and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him^(I)— ²² then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return^(J) and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession^(K) before the Lord.^(L)

²³ “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.^{(M) 24} Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks,^(N) but do what you have promised.^(O)”

²⁵ The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “We your servants will do as our lord commands.^{(P) 26} Our children and wives, our flocks and herds will remain here in the cities of Gilead.^{(Q) 27} But your servants, every man who is armed for battle, will cross over to fight^(R) before the Lord, just as our lord says.”