In this chapter the tribes of Reuben and Gad want to remain on the east side of the Jordan River. They see the land as ideal for their vast numbers of livestock, so they went to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and other community leaders and said, “...the Lord has conquered this whole area for the people of Israel. It is ideally suited for all our flocks and heard. If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River.” (Numbers 32:4-5)
Moses is not happy about their request and said, “Do you mean you want to stay back here while your brothers go across and do all the fighting?” “...Are you trying to discourage the rest of the people of Israel from going across to the land the Lord has given them?” (Numbers 32:6-7) He then reminded the Reubenites and Gadites that this was exactly what their ancestors did 40 years ago and how angry the Lord was with them. He states, “The Lord was furious with Israel and made them wander in the wilderness for forty years until the whole generation that sinned against him had died. But here you are, a brood of sinners, doing exactly the same thing! You are making the Lord even angrier with Israel. If you turn away from him like this and he abandons them again in the wilderness, you will be responsible for destroying this entire nation!” (Numbers 32:13-15)
The tribes of Rueben and Gad then responded saying they would continue to lead their fellow soldiers into battle, but they would rather live here on the east side of the Jordan and accept this land as their inheritance. “Then Moses said, “If you keep your word and arm yourselves for the Lord’s battles, and if your troops cross the Jordan until the Lord has driven out his enemies, then you may return when the land is finally subdued before the Lord. You will have discharged your duty to the Lord and to the rest of the people of Israel. And the land on the east side of the Jordan will be your inheritance from the Lord.” (Numbers 32:20-22)
Moses then assigned “the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manesseh son of Joseph the territory of King Sihon of the Amorites and the land of King Og of Bashan -- the whole land with its towns and surrounding lands.” (Numbers 32:33)
The rest of the chapter list the various towns that were built and conquered by the tribes of Rueben, Gad, and Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan River.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us fulfill our duties to you, so that we may secure our inheritance you have promised us. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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