Numbers 32 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson

One could label this chapter: Crisis Averted!  At the end of Numbers, we are  close to seeing Israel enter the promised land.  This will not be a leisurely stroll but hand to hand combat when they enter the land promised to them.  So, they needed every able-bodied man available.  They also needed a unified nation behind a strong leader. It seems like they had able-bodied men, unity, and Joshua prepared to take over for Moses.  But at the last minute, things are beginning to unravel.  Keep in mind the eastern boundary of the promised land is the river Jordan.  Now we hear the tribe of Reuben and Gad want to stay to the east of the Jordan which is not included in the promised land (Num 34).  In fact, it seems as if they want to stop, settle down, and not enter the promised land at all (vs. 1-5).

It seems unthinkable that someone from Israel would not want to enter the promised land.  This seems almost like mutiny.  This was a serious event that portends future friction in Israel that we find in Judges and at the conclusion of Solomon’s reign.

Moses reacts strongly to this suggestion.  He claims this will discourage those who will soon be fighting in the promised land to establish their own areas allotted to them. Moses thinks this is not much different than Num. 13-14 which caused Israel to wander for 40 years.  Moses views this as a defiant revolt (vs. 6-15).  Being compared to the spies who counseled not entering the land (v. 8-9) was a serious accusation.  This provoked the Lord’s anger (v. 13).  Moses calls them “a brood of sinful men” v. 14.  Moses ends by saying that they “will destroy all this people” (v. 15).

In vs. 16-27, the tribes negotiate and offer a counter proposal.  They will build a place for their livestock and dependents and send their fastest men (v. 27) in to Canaan and after the land is cleared they will return to the Transjordan.  In verse 20, Moses seems to approve of this offer. But notice v. 23, he is not letting them off the hook.  But they have a verbal, not formal, agreement.

In verse 28 – 32, Moses calls Eleazar, Joshua, and the heads of the other tribes to formalize this arrangement.  The requirements and stipulation (v. 30) were laid out and agreed to.  In vs. 33-42, the Gadites, Reubenits and the half tribe of Manasseh built sheepfold, maybe a fenced in area for their cattle.  They begin to take that part of the Transjordan and both sides receive what was needed: the other tribes were promised fighting men and the 3 tribes were allowed to stay on the east side of the Jordan.

Communication was key in this situation and although trouble was averted, this is another example of the sinfulness of this people.  They are never far away from sin and the consequences of their rebellion.  It just never stops.  The same thing can be said of us. We need a savior because we are always thinking of what is best for me first.  We rarely think of others first and then ourselves.

And our actions and words can be discouraging to others.  This is why the New Testament is continually exhorting us to put others first (Phil. 2:3ff; Eph 4:29; Col. 3:16-17).  We need the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) to cleanse us from the sin that dwells within so our words promote unity and encourage others.

Dear Heavenly Father, we need the work of Your Spirit to draw us to Christ.  Even after we have truly been born again, we entertain sinful thoughts, our words cut, and our actions can counter our best intentions.  We want to be pure but fail so often.  Do a work that only You can do.  Remind us to encourage others and not dwell on negative comments.  Help us to be healers, listeners, and encouragers.  We pray this for Your body, our sanctification, and the glory of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.