יהושע, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ג׳

After an exhausting period of war and settlement, the tribes living on the eastern side of the Jordan River finally received recognition for their deep dedication to their brothers and to God's command. Their loyalty was tested over fourteen consecutive years away from their homes. This extended period consisted of seven years dedicated to conquering the land and another seven years spent dividing it [מלבי״ם]. Throughout this entire time, these warriors remained fully drafted in the military, leaving their families behind to ensure the rest of the nation could safely settle [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Their service was not merely a fulfillment of a basic obligation. They were praised for keeping a special safeguard regarding God's instructions, rather than just following a standard command. Strictly speaking, their duty was only to participate in the conquest equally alongside the other tribes. However, they went far beyond what was required. By volunteering to act as the vanguard, marching at the very front of the army, they took on an extra layer of responsibility. This willingness to lead the way showed a level of dedication that exceeded the strict letter of the law [חומת אנך].

Another way to understand this unique level of observance relates to the nature of the instructions they followed. Because Joshua did not have the authority to add new commandments to the Torah given by Moses, the specific orders he gave the soldiers functioned as protective measures. His instructions served as boundaries and regulations designed to safeguard the original commandments of the Torah, ensuring that the core laws were protected and maintained throughout their long military campaign [מלבי״ם].