But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle,.... These were to be left behind: for I know that ye have much cattle; which made the countries of Gilead and Bashan, so famous for pasturage, agreeable to them; see Num 32:1 these, under the care of servants, and also their wives and children: shall abide in your cities which I have given you; and which they rebuilt and repaired, Num 32:34.