Verse 17

but we will maintain ourselves in armed readiness and go before the Israelites until whenever we have brought them to their place. Our descendants will be living in fortified towns as a protection against the inhabitants of the land.

Referenced Verses

• Josh 4:12-13 : 12 The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed for battle ahead of the Israelites, just as Moses had instructed them. 13 About forty thousand battle-ready troops marched past the LORD to fight on the rift valley plains of Jericho.
• Num 32:29-32 : 29 Moses said to them:“If the Gadites and the Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, each one equipped for battle in the LORD’s presence, and you conquer the land, then you must allot them the territory of Gilead as their possession. 30 But if they do not cross over with you armed, they must receive possessions among you in Canaan.” 31 Then the Gadites and the Reubenites answered,“Your servants will do what the LORD has spoken. 32 We will cross armed in the LORD’s presence into the land of Canaan, and then the possession of our inheritance that we inherit will be ours on this side of the Jordan River.”
• Deut 3:18-20 : 18 Instructions to the Transjordanian Tribes At that time I instructed you as follows:“The LORD your God has given you this land for your possession. You warriors are to cross over before your fellow Israelites equipped for battle. 19 But your wives, children, and livestock(of which I know you have many) may remain in the cities I have given you. 20 You must fight until the LORD gives your countrymen victory as he did you and they take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them on the other side of the Jordan River. Then each of you may return to his own territory that I have given you.”