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I. MEAN SELFISHNESS. In the competitions of business and of professional and social life there is often very much of mean selfishness, and that even amongst persons who are avowedly Christians. But selfishness is utterly opposed to the spirit of Jesus Christ.

II. PREDOMINANT WORLDLINESS. In this day there are many, who regard themselves as Christians, who resemble the Reubenites and Gadites — many who are chiefly influenced by temporal and worldly considerations in —

1. The selection and conduct of their business.

2. The formation of matrimonial alliances; and

3. The determination of their residence.Temporal gain, social surroundings, salubrity of atmosphere, and similar things are often deeply considered, while sacred and spiritual things are well-nigh overlooked.

III. DISREGARD OF THE INTERESTS AND BIGHTS OF THEIR BRETHREN.

IV. DISPARAGEMENT OF THEIR DIVINE CALLING AND DESTINY. What vast numbers practically despise their exalted spiritual calling in the Gospel for the passing and perishing things of this world!

V. WANT OF FAITH IN THE DIVINE PROMISE. It is not improbable that they had their doubts as to their taking the good land beyond Jordan, and therefore sought to secure for themselves what the nation had already conquered. Such unbelief is a grievous dishonour to God. Conclusion: Mark the folly of this request of the Reubenites and Gadites. The country which they desired had very grave disadvantages. A selfish policy is generally a self-defeating policy.

(W. Jones.)

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KJV: Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

WEB: Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for livestock;