“And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?”
Context:The book of Numbers is primarily concerned with the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, the Israelites are nearing the end of their forty-year wilderness wanderings and are preparing to enter the land of Canaan. The tribes of Gad and Reuben, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, approach Moses with a request regarding their inheritance of land.
The Request:The tribes of Gad and Reuben had large numbers of livestock and saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead, which they had conquered from the Amorites, was suitable for their livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). So they requested to settle in this land instead of crossing the Jordan River with the rest of the Israelites and inheriting land on the other side.
Moses’ Question:Upon hearing their request, Moses questions the tribes of Gad and Reuben, asking, “Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?” This question implies a concern about leaving the other tribes to fight for the Promised Land while Gad and Reuben remained settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
Unity and Commitment:Moses’ question addresses the importance of unity and commitment among the Israelite tribes. He questions whether it is right for Gad and Reuben to settle in the land they had already conquered, while the rest of the tribes proceed to fight for their portions of the Promised Land. Moses was concerned that their decision might discourage and weaken the resolve of the other tribes.
Lessons for us today:
- Prioritising the community:Moses highlights the importance of considering the well-being and unity of the community as a whole. In our lives, it is crucial to make decisions that benefit not only ourselves but also the broader community or group we belong to.
- Commitment to shared goals:Moses’ question challenges us to evaluate our commitment to common goals and shared endeavours. We should reflect on whether our actions align with the objectives of our families, communities, or organisations, rather than pursuing personal interests alone.
- Encouraging and supporting others:This passage reminds us to be mindful of how our choices might impact the motivation and morale of those around us. We should strive to uplift and support others in their endeavours, rather than solely focusing on our individual desires.
By examining Numbers 32:6 in its context, we can extract valuable lessons related to unity, commitment, and consideration for others.
