²⁰ Then Moses said to them, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle^(A)

¹² The men of Reuben,^(A) Gad^(B) and the half-tribe of Manasseh^(C) crossed over, ready for battle, in front of the Israelites,^(D) as Moses had directed them.^{(E) 13} About forty thousand armed for battle^(F) crossed over^(G) before the Lord to the plains of Jericho for war.

¹⁸ I commanded you at that time: “The Lord your God has given^(A) you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of the other Israelites.^{(B) 19} However, your wives,^(C) your children and your livestock^(D) (I know you have much livestock) may stay in the towns I have given you, ²⁰ until the Lord gives rest to your fellow Israelites as he has to you, and they too have taken over the land that the Lord your God is giving them across the Jordan. After that, each of you may go back to the possession I have given you.”

¹³ “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest^(A) by giving you this land.’ ¹⁴ Your wives,^(B) your children and your livestock may stay in the land^(C) that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle,^(D) must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites.^(E) 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.”^(F)

² and said to them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded,^(A) and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. ³ For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you. ⁴ Now that the Lord your God has given them rest^(B) as he promised, return to your homes^(C) in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan.^(D)