The commanding officers report to Moshe that there was not one casualty among the Bnei Yisrael . The Tribes of Gad and Reuven, who own large quantities of livestock, petition Moshe to remain where they are and not traverse the Jordan river into Israel. They explain that the land where they are presently located is quite suitable as grazing land for their livestock. Moshe's initial response is that this request will discourage the rest of the Bnei Yisrael , and is akin to the sin of the spies. They assure Moshe that they will first help the Bnei Yisrael wage war and conquer Israel, and only then will they go back to their homes on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
Moshe grants their request on condition that they uphold their part of the deal.
Hashem commands the Bnei Yisrael to drive out the Canaanim from Eretz Yisrael and to demolish all vestiges of their idolatry. The boundaries of the land of Israel are defined, and the tribes are commanded to set aside forty-eight cities for the Leviim , who do not receive a regular portion in the division of the land. The daughters of Tzlofchad marry members of their tribe so that their inheritance will stay in their own tribe. The Baal Shem Tov's carriage sped through the swirling mists of a Russian morning. All that could be heard was the dull thud of hooves cantering on thin turf.