¹⁷ But we will arm ourselves for battle^[a] and go ahead of the Israelites^(A) until we have brought them to their place.^(B) Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land.

¹⁸ We will not return to our homes until each of the Israelites has received their inheritance.^(A)

²⁹ He said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites, every man armed for battle, cross over the Jordan with you before the Lord, then when the land is subdued before you,^(A) you must give them the land of Gilead as their possession.^(B)