18 “I commanded you at that time: The Lord your God has given you this land to possess. All your valiant men will cross over in battle formation ahead of your brothers the Israelites. 19 But your wives, dependents, and livestock—I know that you have a lot of livestock—will remain in the cities I have given you(A) 20 until the Lord gives rest(B) to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to his possession that I have given you.(C)

The Transfer of Israel’s Leadership

21 “I commanded Joshua at that time: Your own eyes have seen everything the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms you are about to enter. 22 Don’t be afraid of them, for the Lord your God fights for you.

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Instructions to the Transjordanian Tribes

18 At that time I instructed you as follows: “The Lord your God has given you this land for your possession. You warriors are to cross over equipped for battle before your fellow Israelites.[a] 19 But your wives, children, and livestock (of which I know you have many) may remain in the cities I have given you. 20 You must fight[b] until the Lord gives your countrymen victory[c] as he did you and they take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them on the other side of the Jordan River. Then each of you may return to his own territory that I have given you.” 21 I also commanded Joshua at the same time, “You have seen everything the Lord your God did to these two kings; he[d] will do the same to all the kingdoms where you are going.[e] 22 Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God will personally fight for you.”

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 3:18 tn Heb “your brothers, the sons of Israel.”
  2. Deuteronomy 3:20 tn The words “you must fight” are not present in the Hebrew text, but are supplied in the translation for clarity.
  3. Deuteronomy 3:20 tn Heb “gives your brothers rest.”
  4. Deuteronomy 3:21 tn Heb “the Lord.” The translation uses the pronoun (“he”) for stylistic reasons, to avoid redundancy.
  5. Deuteronomy 3:21 tn Heb “which you are crossing over there.”