So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents.
Those whom Joshua blessed and sent away to their tents were Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, returning to their own possession east of the Jordan in Gilead and Bashan. Their dismissal came only after they had faithfully kept their pledge to furnish armed men and to fight bravely for years beside their brethren until Canaan was entered. They departed laden with much riches, cattle, silver, gold, brass, iron, and clothing, which they were to share with those who had remained behind with the families and flocks. Joshua witnessed their departure with an anxious heart, for dwelling at a distance from the sanctuary in an isolated and wandering life on the borders of heathen tribes would bring strong temptation to fall into heathen customs.
Those whom Joshua blessed and sent away to their tents were Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, returning to their own possession east of the Jordan in Gilead and Bashan. Their dismissal came only after they had faithfully kept their pledge to furnish armed men and to fight bravely for years beside their brethren until Canaan was entered. They departed laden with much riches, cattle, silver, gold, brass, iron, and clothing, which they were to share with those who had remained behind with the families and flocks. Joshua witnessed their departure with an anxious heart, for dwelling at a distance from the sanctuary in an isolated and wandering life on the borders of heathen tribes would bring strong temptation to fall into heathen customs.