Crossing the Jordan

Numbers Chapter 32

The tribes of Reuben and Gad owned large numbers of livestock and when they saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead were ideal for their herds, they came to Moses, Eleazar and other leaders and asked if they could have this land for their own instead of going across the Jordan river.

Moses assumed they wanted to stay back while their brothers did all the fighting. He asked them if they were trying to discourage the people of Israel from going across to the land the Lord had given them. He related how in the past their ancestors scouted the promised land and discouraged the people of Israel from entering the land, which made God furious and he vowed no one who is twenty years or older would ever see the promised land, except Caleb and Joshua.

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. Now in this time, it seemed as though the tribes of Rueben and Gad were doing the same thing. Moses told them they would be responsible for destroying an entire nation.

But they responded to Moses that they simply wanted to build sheepfolds and fortified cities for their wives and children. Then they planned to lead their fellow Israelites into battle while their families remained safe in the fortified cities across the river.They wanted no land on the other side of the Jordan.

Moses told them if they kept their word and would arm themselves for the Lord's battles and let their troops cross the Jordan until the Lord had driven out his enemies, then they may return and would have discharged their duty to the Lord and may own the land east of the Jordan. The people of Gad and Reuben agreed and their families and cattle stayed in the towns of Gilead while those who could bear arms went to fight for the Lord. Moses gave orders to Eleazar, Joshua and the tribal leaders that assured the men of Gad and Reuben would fight the Lord's battles, but when the land was conquered, they must be given the land of Gilead as their property. But if they refused to cross over and march ahead of their brothers, then they must accept the land with the rest of the Israelites in Canaan.

So Moses assigned to the tribes of Gad, Reuben and half the tribe of Manasseh, the territory of King Sihon of the Amorites and the land of King Og of Bashan with its towns and surrounding lands. The towns that were built and conquered are listed in verses 34- 42.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW that Moses jumped to a wrong assumption when he thought the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh wanted to live east of the river for selfish motives and to avoid fighting for the land across the river.
Sheepfolds and livestock folds were built of stone walls high enough to keep the animals inside. It had a single entrance and often several shepherds used a single fold and took turns guarding it.Mingling animals was no problem, because the flock responded to its own shepherd's voice. - (I didn't know that!)

How does this chapter relate to us today? First, it shows that even Moses, the great leader was infallible. He assumed the tribes of Reuben and Gad had selfish, ulterior motives for not wanting to cross the river. Moses was a human. We are all humans and often misread motives of our friends and others. How refreshing to see Moses stop and get all the facts before he pre-judged them. How many times do we do this per day? See how important it is to get all the facts. We shouldn't assume anything until we get all the information.

This chapter also points out the honesty and truthfulness of the tribes who wanted to stay on the east side of the river. They stepped up and did what they promised. Do we always follow through with what we promise? Don't we often take the easy way and find excuses to not do a little extra after the job is done? Take a tip from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh - do the job and more. The love of God shines brightly on those who go the extra mile.

Yours in Christ,
Mary