The answer is: 2 and a half

Deut 3:12-13

In the book of Deuteronomy, we unfold a fascinating story about the Israelites, who are preparing to enter the Promised Land. It's from this point that we learn about two and a half tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. While many might see this division as merely administrative, it actually highlights deeper themes of individual responsibility and community dynamics.

Notably, the Reubenites and Gadites were eager to settle in this fertile region known for its grassland, especially alluring to their livestock. Picture this: the Israelite tribes marching through the wilderness alongside miracle after miracle, only to have a handful choose to pause their trek for these bountiful lands. This decision wasn’t taken lightly; the two and a half tribes had to promise to support the others in their conquest of Canaan first. Their rollover into what might seem like complacency still required sacrifices for the collective good.

This scenario echoes throughout biblical history with the significance of communal identity, something that has implications even beyond those Israelites traversing the desert. In present times, how do we balance personal aspirations and tribal accountability? This poignant moment serves as timeless commentary—living for your self-defined goal doesn't mean abandoning the broader mission of the community. The Israelites picking their land perhaps reflected a ceaseless tension that still exists today: a struggle between individual will and collective duty.