“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.”
Context: The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. At this point, the Israelites had arrived at the plains of Moab, near the end of their wilderness wanderings. The Reubenites and the Gadites, two of the tribes of Israel, had a large number of livestock and noticed that the land they were currently in was suitable for grazing. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation to request that they be allowed to settle in this land instead of crossing the Jordan River into Canaan.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the study of Numbers 32:5:
Contextual Background:
- The Israelites had been in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith. During this time, the older generation had died, and a new generation had arisen.
- Moses was leading the Israelites under God’s guidance, with the purpose of bringing them into the Promised Land.
The Request for Land:
- The Reubenites and the Gadites approached Moses and the leaders with a specific request. They asked that the land they were currently in be given to them as their possession.
- They acknowledged finding grace in the sight of Moses and sought his permission to settle in this land instead of crossing over the Jordan River with the rest of the tribes.
Their Reasoning:
- The Reubenites and the Gadites had a significant number of livestock, and they noticed that the land they were in was suitable for grazing.
- They believed that this land would be ideal for their livestock and sought permission to settle there instead of continuing the journey into Canaan.
Their Concern:
- They requested not to be brought over the Jordan River. This request raises some questions about their commitment to the overall mission of entering and conquering the Promised Land.
- The Reubenites and the Gadites seemed content with settling outside of the Promised Land, which might indicate a lack of complete trust in God’s promises.
Moses’ Response:
- In the subsequent verses, Moses expressed concern and frustration at the tribes’ request. He feared that their decision would discourage the other tribes from fulfilling their duty to conquer the Promised Land.
- Moses reminded them of the consequences faced by their fathers who doubted God’s ability to give them the land and were therefore made to wander in the wilderness for forty years.
Conclusion:
- Although the request made by the Reubenites and the Gadites seemed reasonable from a practical standpoint, it raised concerns about their commitment to God’s plan and the unity of the tribes.
- Ultimately, Moses agreed to grant them the land on the condition that they would join the other tribes in conquering the Promised Land before they settled down.
- This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God’s promises and the need for unity among God’s people in fulfilling His purposes.
It is essential to read the subsequent verses (Numbers 32:6-32) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire situation and the resolution reached between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad.
