# General Information:

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now finish their answer.

# If this should be said ... a witness between us and you."

The three tribes are describing their potential answer to an accusation that might or might not be made at a future time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

# May it be far from us that we should rebel

The unlikely chance that they would rebel is spoken of as if it is something that is a great distance away from them. AT: "We would certainly not rebel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# turn away from following him

To stop following Yahweh is spoken of as if they were turning away from him. AT: "stop following him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])