Numbers 32 Devotional

Not Sitting While Others Fight

“We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance.”Numbers 32:18 (BSB)

Reuben and Gad have large herds, and the land east of the Jordan suits them, so they ask to settle there and not cross over (32:1-5). Moses hears an echo of Kadesh. Will these tribes settle in while their brothers go to war? Their reluctance could discourage everyone, just as the spies' report once did (32:6-9).

Then the two tribes offer a better plan. They will build pens for their flocks and towns for their children, but their fighting men will cross the Jordan and go ahead of their brothers until every tribe has its inheritance (32:16-18). Moses agrees, warning that if they break their word, their sin against the LORD will catch up with them (32:23). The land was a gift to all the tribes together, and none could settle down while others still fought for theirs. Paul tells believers to carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Because God gives his inheritance to a whole people, no one receives it alone, and no one should be left to fight alone.

To think about: Who in your church or family is facing a battle that you could stand beside them in?