“And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord hath given them?”
Context: The book of Numbers records the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, approached Moses and the leaders of Israel with a request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, rather than entering the land of Canaan with the rest of the Israelites. Their request raised concerns among the other tribes, and Moses questions their motives.
The Promised Land: God had promised to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were finally on the verge of entering the land God had promised them. However, the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad seemed to imply a lack of commitment to God’s plan.
Discouragement and the Heart: Moses asks why the tribes of Reuben and Gad were discouraging the hearts of the other Israelites from entering the Promised Land. The word “discourage” here means to cause fear, to dishearten, or to make someone lose courage. Moses implies that their desire to settle outside of Canaan might discourage the other tribes from fully trusting in God’s promise.
Lessons for Today:
- Faith and God’s Promises: The incident in Numbers 32:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and faith in God’s promises. The tribes of Reuben and Gad were hesitant to enter the Promised Land, even though God had assured them of victory over their enemies. It is crucial for us today to trust in God’s promises and have faith in His plans for our lives.
- Influence on Others: Our actions and decisions can have a profound impact on those around us. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, by choosing not to enter the Promised Land, risked discouraging the other Israelites and undermining their trust in God. As Christians, we should be mindful of how our choices may influence others’ faith and take care not to discourage or lead them astray.
- Committed to God’s Purpose: The tribes of Reuben and Gad sought to settle in a land that seemed more suitable for their livestock. While they had legitimate concerns, it is important to remember that God had a specific plan for the Israelites as a whole. Similarly, in our lives, we should be committed to God’s purposes and seek His guidance rather than pursuing our own comfort or convenience.
Application: Reflecting on Numbers 32:7, we can ask ourselves:
- Are there times when we are tempted to settle for something less than what God has promised?
- How do our choices and actions impact the faith of others?
- Are we fully committed to God’s purpose and willing to trust in His plans, even when they may seem challenging or uncertain?
By studying and applying these lessons, we can grow in our faith, encourage others, and remain steadfast in God’s promises and purposes for our lives.
