February 19 / Numbers 32-33

Numbers 32-33

The tribes of Gad and Reuben and half of the tribe of Manasseh (Num. 32:33) look around at the land that the Israelites already occupy east of the Jordan River, the land of Gilead formerly ruled by Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan, whom Israel previously defeated (as recounted in Numbers 21:21-35). These two and a half tribes think Gilead suits them just fine. They see no need to wait for an inheritance within the Promised Land. They’ll just stay where they are. Needless to say, Moses is not happy about this, envisioning the people again deserting the task of conquering the Promised Land. But Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh pledge to do their duty, enter the battle, and fight alongside the rest of Israel as brothers in arms in the Conquest before returning to this land of Gilead and permanently settling down. Moses agrees to this arrangement, but sternly warns them to keep their promise, else “be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num. 32:23)

Now, imagine two different preachers, each taking Numbers 32 as their text. The first stands up and praises Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh for being content, for not coveting what others possess, and for properly taking advantage of God’s provision right here, right now. He says that we likewise should be content with what we have, not looking for “greener grass on the other side of the fence”. The second preacher castigates Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh for choosing second-best, going for instant gratification rather than holding out for the Promised Land. He says that we, likewise, should not be content with this world but should always have our eye on heaven, our true home.

Both sermons, though sounding somewhat contradictory, might have valid points, but neither reflects what the text actually says — or what it is about. The main purpose of this story is not to be a lesson on contentment but to state history, to simply tell us how two and a half tribes happened to settle on the east side of the Jordan while still remaining faithful and obedient. If there are lessons here, they are about obedience; they’re about duty to the larger body; they’re about commitment and follow through; they’re about keeping promises.

And yes, we need to learn those lessons. As a member of the Body of Christ, I need to recognize that wider Body beyond myself. Life in Christ is not just a matter of “me and Jesus”. It’s even more than “me and you and Jesus”. It’s more like “me and you and him and her and them and us and Jesus”. I cannot simply do my own thing and ignore the needs of others. Nor am I independent of others. I need you to walk with me, just as you need me to walk with you. And we all need the Lord.

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