Numbers 32:26

Our little ones, our wiues, our flocks, and all our cattell shall be there in the cities of Gilead. Numbers 32:26 (KJV)

Numbers 32:26 is a significant passage in the book of Numbers, occurring during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. At this point the tribes of Reuben and Gad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the princes of the congregation with a request to settle on the land east of the Jordan River instead of entering Canaan as originally planned. The request was made in recognition of the fertile land they had encountered, which they believed would be suitable for their livestock.

Moses initially expressed concern that this request might weaken the resolve of the other tribes to enter and conquer Canaan. He emphasized the importance of all tribes working together to take possession of the land God had promised them. The tribes of Reuben and Gad agreed to send their fighting men across the Jordan to help the other tribes conquer the land before settling in the region they desired. This agreement demonstrated their commitment to the overall mission of the Israelites while also addressing their specific needs as herders.

The same verse also records a group of people, part of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, saying, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” Earlier, when the Israelites complained during their wanderings, God sent venomous serpents among the people (see Numbers 21). By the time of Numbers 32:26 the people recalled that judgment, acknowledged their sin of speaking against the Lord and Moses, and realised that their rebellious attitude had brought about God’s judgment in the form of the serpents.

Their response is significant. They humbly admitted their wrongdoing, sought forgiveness and deliverance from the Lord, and recognised that only God had the power to remove the serpents and restore their well‑being. Consequently they requested Moses to intercede on their behalf by praying to the Lord. Moses, as the mediator between God and the people, fulfilled their request and prayed for the people.

This verse highlights several important principles that can be applied to our own lives today: acknowledging sin, humility and repentance, seeking intercession, and the power of prayer.

In conclusion, Numbers 32:26 presents a crucial moment in the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. The people, after recognising their sin and its consequences, humbly sought forgiveness and deliverance, and Moses, as the intercessor, prayed on their behalf. This passage reminds us of the importance of acknowledging sin, practising humility and repentance, seeking intercession, and relying on the power of prayer in our relationship with God.