Numbers 32
Dear RTB’ers,
Another Old Testament story that I enjoy, two-and-one-half tribes inheriting the land of the Transjordan. I like it when potential controversy gets resolved by further communication. Moses’ initial reaction is harsh, imagining that the tribes of Gad and Reuben would be abdicating their responsibility of joining their brothers in conquering the Promised Land. But when the leaders explain their plan, Moses agrees: So Moses said to them, “If you will do this … and the land is subdued before the LORD; then … this land shall be your possession before the LORD. But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. (vv. 20-23) What I have bolded is Moses’ bottom line, and the bottom line for all of us in everything we do – our sin will find us out!
We have already seen in Joshua 22 how this story ends, again, surprisingly, in potential controversy. After the Promised Land was subdued Joshua blessed Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and sent them home. However, on their way home they built an altar by the Jordan River. The other tribes considered this an unfaithful act and were ready to go to war against them. But again, further communication ensued as the two-and-one-half tribes explained that the altar was to be an altar of “witness” between these two-and-one-half tribes and the rest of Israel and the issue was resolved. Another good ending.
Blessings!
See also: February 19 (2023) / Numbers 32-33