“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.”
Historical Context:Numbers 32:29 is part of the narrative in the book of Numbers, which describes the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. At this point, the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land, specifically the land on the east side of the Jordan River.
Reuben, Gad, and the Land of Gilead:Reuben and Gad were two of the twelve tribes of Israel. When the Israelites approached the land of Canaan, these tribes noticed that the region of Gilead and Jazer, east of the Jordan River, were ideal for their livestock. They had large herds and flocks and found the land suitable for grazing. As a result, they requested to settle in that area rather than crossing the Jordan to inherit the land on the west side.
Moses’ Response:When Reuben and Gad made their request, Moses initially thought they were shirking their responsibilities and repeating the mistake of their ancestors who refused to enter the Promised Land. However, after discussing the matter, they clarified their intention to fight alongside the other tribes until the entire land of Canaan was conquered. Moses agreed on the condition that they fulfill their promise to assist their fellow Israelites in securing the land of Canaan.
Lessons from Numbers 32:29:
- Unity and Cooperation:The incident involving Reuben and Gad highlights the importance of unity and cooperation within the community of God’s people. While it was acceptable for these tribes to settle on the east side of the Jordan, they were still required to fulfill their duty to assist their brethren in conquering the Promised Land. This emphasizes the significance of standing together and supporting one another in accomplishing God’s purposes.
- Faithfulness to Promises:Moses emphasised that if Reuben and Gad fulfilled their commitment to fight alongside their fellow Israelites, then they would receive the land of Gilead as their possession. This teaches us the importance of honouring our commitments and promises, as faithfulness is a characteristic valued by God.
- Prioritising God’s Will:Although Reuben and Gad had legitimate reasons for desiring the land on the east side of the Jordan, they demonstrated obedience by agreeing to fight first and then receive their inheritance. This reminds us to prioritise God’s will above our personal desires, being willing to contribute to His plans before seeking our own blessings.
Application:
- In our lives, we can apply the lessons from Numbers 32:29 by fostering unity and cooperation within the community of believers. We should stand together, support one another, and fulfill our commitments to advance God’s kingdom. Additionally, we need to prioritise God’s will and be willing to put aside our personal desires if they conflict with His purposes. Finally, we must maintain faithfulness to our promises, reflecting the character of God in our interactions with others.
Remember to study the Bible in its entirety to gain a deeper understanding of God’s message and His relationship with His people.
