“Even the country which the Lord smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle.”
Context: Numbers 32:4 is part of a larger narrative found in the book of Numbers. The Israelites were nearing the end of their 40-year journey in the wilderness, and they were about to enter the Promised Land. At this point, they were situated on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
Reuben and Gad’s Request: In Numbers 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a special request. They were livestock breeders and had noticed that the land of Jazer and Gilead, located on the eastern side of the Jordan, was suitable for raising cattle. So they asked if they could inherit that land instead of crossing the Jordan to settle in Canaan with the rest of the tribes.
The Land and God’s Promise: In their request, Reuben and Gad acknowledged that the land on the eastern side of the Jordan was already suitable for raising livestock. This land had been conquered by Israel in battles against Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-35). The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the potential and wanted to claim it as their inheritance.
- Delaying the Promised Land: While the request of Reuben and Gad seemed reasonable on the surface, Moses was initially concerned. He saw it as a potential delay in the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the Israelites into the land flowing with milk and honey. Moses reminded them of the incident with the spies who brought back a bad report, which resulted in the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 32:5-15).
- Reuben and Gad’s Assurance: In response to Moses’ concerns, the leaders of Reuben and Gad assured him that they would not settle in the land on the eastern side of the Jordan until all the other tribes had received their inheritances in Canaan. They pledged to join their fellow Israelites in battle to help conquer the land, and only after that would they return to the land they desired for their livestock (Numbers 32:16-19).
- Moses’ Acceptance: Moses agreed to their request on the condition that they fulfilled their pledge to assist in the conquest of Canaan. He warned them that if they failed to keep their promise, it would be a sin against the Lord. The tribes of Reuben and Gad accepted the conditions set forth by Moses, and the matter was settled (Numbers 32:20-32).
Lessons from Numbers 32:4:
- Recognizing opportunities: The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the potential of the land they encountered and were wise enough to perceive its suitability for their livelihood.
- Balancing personal interests and communal responsibility: Although Reuben and Gad desired a specific territory, they also understood their obligation to support the other tribes in fulfilling God’s promise.
- Fulfilling commitments: The tribes of Reuben and Gad agreed to honor their pledge, showing the importance of keeping one’s word and being accountable to others.
Numbers 32:4 reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance, considering the interests of others, and fulfilling our commitments as we navigate life’s decisions.
