Parashat Matot

Moses teaches the tribal heads the laws of vows and oaths, and when a father or husband may annul them. God commands a war against Midian for the affair at Baal Peor; a thousand men from each tribe go out, and the spoils are divided between the soldiers, the community, the priests and the Levites. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, rich in cattle, ask to settle on the east side of the Jordan. Moses is furious, hearing in the request an echo of the scouts who discouraged their brothers. They agree to cross over armed and fight until the land is conquered, and Moses grants their request, adding half of Menashe.