Numbers 32:5
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan. Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
Gad and Reuben asked Moses to give them the land east of the Jordan as their possession and not to lead them across the river. They made this request because that eastern country was suited to their livestock as grazing land. Moses feared their words meant they intended to avoid sharing in the fighting still facing their fellow Israelites. In answer they promised to prepare homes for their families and then fight beside their brethren until all Israel had received its inheritance.