Numbers: Preparing A People To Conquer (XXX)

“He Spoke” (A Special Request) (32:1-42)

Neal Pollard

You sense Israel’s nearness to the conquest as the book of Numbers draws toward its close. Here, two tribes, Gad and Reuben (later, half the tribe of Manasseh would join them, 33-42) approach Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders of the nation with a request. The lands of Jazer and Gilead are prime pasturelands and the people of these tribes wished to conquer and occupy it for their livestock (2-5). They do not want to go with the rest of the nation westward across the Jordan River.

Moses is upset and gives multiple reasons why. He says that the request revealed dereliction of duty (6), discouragement of brethren (7-9), a duplication of their fathers’ disobedience (9-13), and the risk of the displeasure of God (13-15). However, it appears that Moses’ assessment is hasty.

The leaders of these tribes draw near and justify their request. They will build holding pens for their animals and houses for their wives and children (16-17) while they go to war with the rest of the nation (18-19). Moses says that if they keep their word, this is an acceptable plan (20-22). However, if they renege on this promise, Moses warns, “behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out” (23). Numbers 32:24-33 summarizes the plan and arrangements Moses sets between these requesting tribes and the rest of the nation. The remainder of the chapter records the building of the various cities in that territory by Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh (34-42). 

By way of application, a few things stand out. First, we should avoid presumptions in dealing with our brethren. It is understandable why Moses would be sensitive to actions tantamount to repeating the fatal past they were still enduring, but it appears this great leader jumped the gun. It is always preferable to give our brethren the benefit of the doubt, to have faith in them. That’s even true if their track record is less than perfect! Among other things, love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things…” (1 Cor. 13:7). 

Second, “you may be sure your sin will find you out” (23, NLT). It may happen in this life, but even if it does not it will certainly happen in eternity (1 Tim. 5:24). If we opt for hypocrisy in our Christian lives, we may think we are getting away with it. Scripture makes clear that this will not be the case (Rom. 14:12). 

Finally, God’s work succeeds when brethren help each other out. The plans of the tribes who want to possess the land east of the Jordan include going to war with their brethren to help them conquer their territory. Their brethren had helped to subdue and conquer those who were in the land they planned to inherit. How pleased God is when His children work together in unity. As David put it, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psa. 133:1).