“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,”
Context: The book of Numbers is primarily concerned with the wilderness journey of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. In Numbers 32, the Israelites are nearing the end of their wilderness wanderings and are preparing to enter the Promised Land. At this point, the children of Gad and the children of Reuben approach Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the princes of the congregation with a specific request.
The Tribes of Gad and Reuben: The tribes of Gad and Reuben were part of the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes were descendants of Jacob’s sons. The tribe of Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob, and the tribe of Gad was the seventh son. These tribes had a significant number of livestock, and they noticed that the lands of Jazer and Gilead on the eastern side of the Jordan River were suitable for raising livestock.
The Request: The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came to Moses and the leaders of Israel with a proposal. They requested that they be given the lands of Jazer and Gilead, which were already conquered and suitable for their livestock, as their inheritance rather than receiving land on the western side of the Jordan River in the Promised Land.
Moses’ Initial Response: Moses was initially taken aback by the request of the tribes of Gad and Reuben. He perceived their desire to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River as an indication of their reluctance to cross over into the Promised Land and fulfill their obligations to help conquer it alongside the other tribes. Moses reminds them of the consequences that the previous generation faced when they refused to enter the Promised Land due to their lack of faith.
The Agreement: After further discussion, the tribes of Gad and Reuben assure Moses that they will fully participate in the conquest of the Promised Land alongside the other tribes. They promise to lead the way in battle and not return to their homes until all the other tribes have received their inheritances.
Lessons from Numbers 32:2:
- Contentment and Stewardship: The tribes of Gad and Reuben recognized the suitability of the lands they had already acquired and were content with them. They wisely understood that the lands on the eastern side of the Jordan River would serve their needs as livestock raisers.
- Commitment to Unity: While the tribes of Gad and Reuben desired specific territories for themselves, they also recognized their responsibility to the larger community of Israel. They made a commitment to support their fellow Israelites in conquering the Promised Land and were willing to delay their own rest until all the tribes had received their inheritance.
- Communication and Leadership: The tribes of Gad and Reuben approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the princes of the congregation to present their request. They sought the proper channels for discussion and decision-making, demonstrating respect for leadership and authority.
Application: From this passage, we can learn the importance of contentment, stewardship, unity, and effective communication in our lives as believers. It is essential to be content with the blessings we have received and use them wisely. We should also be committed to the unity of the body of Christ, supporting and assisting others in their journeys. Furthermore, we should communicate our desires and concerns in a respectful and orderly manner, seeking guidance from godly leaders.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult additional resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.
