Numbers 32: The Allure of the Present and the Call to Commitment
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
Even the country which the Lord smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord hath given them?
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh–barnea to see the land.
For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the Lord had given them.
And the Lord’s anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,
Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:
Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord.
And the Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed.
And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the Lord toward Israel.
For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.
For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.
And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the Lord to war,
And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the Lord, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him,
And the land be subdued before the Lord: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the Lord, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the Lord.
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:
But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, as my lord saith.
So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:
And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:
But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the Lord hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.
We will pass over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.
And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about.
And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,
And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,
And Beth–nimrah, and Beth–haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,
And Nebo, and Baal–meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.
And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.
And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.
And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havoth–jair.
And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.
Numbers 32 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, offering valuable insights into the tensions between immediate gratification and long-term commitment to God's purposes. This chapter focuses on the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and a portion of Manasseh, who, captivated by the fertile lands east of the Jordan River, seek an early inheritance, sparking a crucial dialogue about faith, responsibility, and the potential consequences of prioritizing personal comfort over collective destiny. This chapter serves as a potent reminder that our choices have repercussions, both for ourselves and for the community of faith.
A Land of Opportunity and a Request for Rest (32:1-5)
While encamped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, facing the promise of Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad noticed the abundant suitability of the land for their extensive livestock (Numbers 32:1). Having already secured this territory through military victories, they approached Moses and the leadership with a proposition: to settle permanently in this region, foregoing their inheritance across the Jordan (Numbers 32:5). Their request, seemingly practical, revealed a potential desire to avoid the challenges and risks associated with conquering and settling the land promised to all of Israel.
Moses's Rebuke: Courage, Discouragement, and the Echoes of the Past (32:6-15)
Moses responded with sharp rebuke, immediately recognizing the potential impact of their decision on the morale of the other tribes. He challenged their courage, questioning whether they would stand idly by while their brothers faced the arduous task of conquering Canaan (Numbers 32:6-7). Moses understood that their request could discourage the rest of the Israelites, potentially undermining the entire mission. He reminded them of the disastrous consequences of the previous generation's lack of faith at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 32:8-13), where their fear and doubt led to forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses warned them that repeating the mistakes of their ancestors would invite God's judgment and jeopardize the entire nation (Numbers 32:15).
This passage highlights a vital principle applicable to all believers: our individual choices have communal consequences. When we prioritize personal comfort or convenience over serving and supporting the body of Christ, we risk discouraging others and hindering the advancement of God's kingdom. Discouragement breeds unfruitfulness, and a lack of commitment can undermine the collective mission of the church.
A Revised Proposal: Commitment to the Cause (32:16-19)
The rebuke of Moses clearly hit home. The leaders of Reuben and Gad quickly adjusted their approach. They proposed building sheepfolds for their livestock and cities for their families, but pledged to lead the way in battle, fighting alongside their brothers until the entire land of Canaan was secured (Numbers 32:16-18). They further declared that they would not seek an inheritance west of the Jordan, content with their portion in Transjordan (Numbers 32:19). This revised plan demonstrated a willingness to prioritize the needs of the nation and fulfill their obligations to their fellow Israelites.
Moses's Agreement and a Solemn Warning (32:20-24)
Moses, satisfied with their revised commitment, agreed to their proposal, but not without a stern warning. He emphasized the gravity of their promise, stating, "If you do not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). This is a crucial warning that sin has consequences, and while repentance and faith in Jesus Christ offer forgiveness and escape from God's eternal judgment, they do not necessarily erase the earthly repercussions of our actions. As Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."
Affirmation and Instruction (32:25-32)
The Gadites and Reubenites reaffirmed their commitment, vowing to leave their families and livestock in Gilead, cross the Jordan, and fight alongside their brethren (Numbers 32:25-27). Moses, knowing his time was limited, instructed Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the family heads to grant them the land east of the Jordan as their possession, contingent upon their fulfillment of their promise (Numbers 32:28-29). Failure to uphold their commitment would result in forfeiting their claim to the eastern lands and receiving an inheritance within Canaan (Numbers 32:30).
The Allotment of Land (32:33-42)
In anticipation of their faithfulness, Moses allotted the land east of the Jordan to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33). This territory included the former kingdoms of King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. The inclusion of half the tribe of Manasseh suggests a shared desire to settle east of the Jordan, possibly due to their successful military campaigns and land acquisitions in that region (Numbers 32:39-41).
Key Takeaways from Numbers 32
Numbers 32 offers several key takeaways for contemporary readers:
- The allure of the immediate: The desire of Reuben and Gad to settle in Transjordan highlights the temptation to prioritize immediate comfort and convenience over long-term commitment to God's purposes.
- The importance of considering others: Their initial proposal failed to consider the impact on their fellow Israelites, underscoring the need to consider the consequences of our choices on the community of faith.
- The power of repentance and commitment: Their willingness to revise their plan and commit to fighting alongside their brothers demonstrates the transformative power of repentance and a renewed commitment to God's will.
- The consequences of sin: Moses's warning about the consequences of breaking their promise serves as a reminder that sin has repercussions, both in this life and in eternity.
- Faithfulness is rewarded: God, through Moses, honored their commitment by granting them the land they desired, contingent upon their faithfulness.
Numbers 32 serves as a timeless reminder that true faith requires more than just words; it demands action, sacrifice, and a willingness to prioritize God's purposes above our own desires. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our choices reflect a genuine commitment to Christ and His kingdom.
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
Even the country which the Lord smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord hath given them?
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh–barnea to see the land.
For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the Lord had given them.
And the Lord’s anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,
Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:
Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord.
And the Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed.
And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the Lord toward Israel.
For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.
For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.
And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the Lord to war,
And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the Lord, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him,
And the land be subdued before the Lord: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the Lord, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the Lord.
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:
But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, as my lord saith.
So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:
And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:
But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the Lord hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.
We will pass over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.
And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about.
And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,
And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,
And Beth–nimrah, and Beth–haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,
And Nebo, and Baal–meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.
And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.
And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.
And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havoth–jair.
And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.
Numbers 32 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, offering valuable insights into the tensions between immediate gratification and long-term commitment to God's purposes. This chapter focuses on the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and a portion of Manasseh, who, captivated by the fertile lands east of the Jordan River, seek an early inheritance, sparking a crucial dialogue about faith, responsibility, and the potential consequences of prioritizing personal comfort over collective destiny. This chapter serves as a potent reminder that our choices have repercussions, both for ourselves and for the community of faith.
A Land of Opportunity and a Request for Rest (32:1-5)
While encamped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, facing the promise of Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad noticed the abundant suitability of the land for their extensive livestock (Numbers 32:1). Having already secured this territory through military victories, they approached Moses and the leadership with a proposition: to settle permanently in this region, foregoing their inheritance across the Jordan (Numbers 32:5). Their request, seemingly practical, revealed a potential desire to avoid the challenges and risks associated with conquering and settling the land promised to all of Israel.
Moses's Rebuke: Courage, Discouragement, and the Echoes of the Past (32:6-15)
Moses responded with sharp rebuke, immediately recognizing the potential impact of their decision on the morale of the other tribes. He challenged their courage, questioning whether they would stand idly by while their brothers faced the arduous task of conquering Canaan (Numbers 32:6-7). Moses understood that their request could discourage the rest of the Israelites, potentially undermining the entire mission. He reminded them of the disastrous consequences of the previous generation's lack of faith at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 32:8-13), where their fear and doubt led to forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses warned them that repeating the mistakes of their ancestors would invite God's judgment and jeopardize the entire nation (Numbers 32:15).
This passage highlights a vital principle applicable to all believers: our individual choices have communal consequences. When we prioritize personal comfort or convenience over serving and supporting the body of Christ, we risk discouraging others and hindering the advancement of God's kingdom. Discouragement breeds unfruitfulness, and a lack of commitment can undermine the collective mission of the church.
A Revised Proposal: Commitment to the Cause (32:16-19)
The rebuke of Moses clearly hit home. The leaders of Reuben and Gad quickly adjusted their approach. They proposed building sheepfolds for their livestock and cities for their families, but pledged to lead the way in battle, fighting alongside their brothers until the entire land of Canaan was secured (Numbers 32:16-18). They further declared that they would not seek an inheritance west of the Jordan, content with their portion in Transjordan (Numbers 32:19). This revised plan demonstrated a willingness to prioritize the needs of the nation and fulfill their obligations to their fellow Israelites.
Moses's Agreement and a Solemn Warning (32:20-24)
Moses, satisfied with their revised commitment, agreed to their proposal, but not without a stern warning. He emphasized the gravity of their promise, stating, "If you do not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). This is a crucial warning that sin has consequences, and while repentance and faith in Jesus Christ offer forgiveness and escape from God's eternal judgment, they do not necessarily erase the earthly repercussions of our actions. As Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."
Affirmation and Instruction (32:25-32)
The Gadites and Reubenites reaffirmed their commitment, vowing to leave their families and livestock in Gilead, cross the Jordan, and fight alongside their brethren (Numbers 32:25-27). Moses, knowing his time was limited, instructed Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the family heads to grant them the land east of the Jordan as their possession, contingent upon their fulfillment of their promise (Numbers 32:28-29). Failure to uphold their commitment would result in forfeiting their claim to the eastern lands and receiving an inheritance within Canaan (Numbers 32:30).
The Allotment of Land (32:33-42)
In anticipation of their faithfulness, Moses allotted the land east of the Jordan to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33). This territory included the former kingdoms of King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. The inclusion of half the tribe of Manasseh suggests a shared desire to settle east of the Jordan, possibly due to their successful military campaigns and land acquisitions in that region (Numbers 32:39-41).
Key Takeaways from Numbers 32
Numbers 32 offers several key takeaways for contemporary readers:
- The allure of the immediate: The desire of Reuben and Gad to settle in Transjordan highlights the temptation to prioritize immediate comfort and convenience over long-term commitment to God's purposes.
- The importance of considering others: Their initial proposal failed to consider the impact on their fellow Israelites, underscoring the need to consider the consequences of our choices on the community of faith.
- The power of repentance and commitment: Their willingness to revise their plan and commit to fighting alongside their brothers demonstrates the transformative power of repentance and a renewed commitment to God's will.
- The consequences of sin: Moses's warning about the consequences of breaking their promise serves as a reminder that sin has repercussions, both in this life and in eternity.
- Faithfulness is rewarded: God, through Moses, honored their commitment by granting them the land they desired, contingent upon their faithfulness.
Numbers 32 serves as a timeless reminder that true faith requires more than just words; it demands action, sacrifice, and a willingness to prioritize God's purposes above our own desires. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our choices reflect a genuine commitment to Christ and His kingdom.