Numbers 32:1–42 provides details regarding the land east of the Jordan being given to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These three groups of people made a request for this particular piece of land because they had a large number of livestock and they saw that the land was suitable for grazing livestock (Numbers 32:1). Initially, Moses interpreted their request as an attempt to excuse themselves from battle (Numbers 32:6)—cowardice similar to that shown by the spies (Numbers 13:1–33). However, once they committed to fighting with the rest of the tribes, the land was promised to them (Numbers 32:22; Deuteronomy 3:18).
4 And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan.