Charles Ellicott Commentary Joshua 1:12

"And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying," — Joshua 1:12 (ASV)

To the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua.—The reference to Numbers 32 explains this order. We need only observe that these two tribes and a half were not forbidden to leave a sufficient number of their fighting men to protect their homes and families. (See Joshua 4:12.)