Numbers 32:28

So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel.

Study Bible

So Moses gave orders about them
Moses, as the leader of Israel, often acted as a mediator between God and the people. His role was to communicate God's commands and ensure they were followed. This phrase indicates Moses' authority and responsibility in organizing the tribes' settlement in the Promised Land. It reflects the importance of leadership and obedience in fulfilling God's promises.

to Eleazar the priest
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served as the high priest after Aaron's death. His involvement signifies the religious and spiritual oversight necessary for the Israelites' actions. The priesthood was central to maintaining the covenant relationship with God, and Eleazar's role underscores the need for divine guidance in decision-making.

to Joshua son of Nun
Joshua was Moses' appointed successor, chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. His mention here highlights the transition of leadership and the continuity of God's plan. Joshua's faith and military prowess were crucial for conquering Canaan, and his leadership is a type of Christ, who leads believers into spiritual rest.

and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel
The involvement of tribal leaders emphasizes the communal and organized structure of Israelite society. These leaders were responsible for representing their tribes and ensuring compliance with Moses' orders. This structure reflects the importance of accountability and shared responsibility within the community of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is acting as a mediator and leader, giving instructions to ensure the tribes' commitments are honored.

2. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron and the high priest at the time. Eleazar's role signifies the religious and spiritual oversight in the decision-making process.

3. Joshua son of Nun
Moses' assistant and the future leader of Israel. Joshua's involvement indicates the transition of leadership and the importance of continuity in God's plan.

4. Family Heads of the Tribes of Israel
These leaders represent the various tribes, ensuring that the decisions made are communicated and upheld within their respective tribes.

5. The Transjordan Tribes
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. Their request and Moses' response are central to this passage.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Leadership
Moses, Eleazar, and Joshua exemplify faithful leadership. Leaders today are called to act with integrity and ensure commitments are honored.

The Role of Accountability
The involvement of multiple leaders and family heads highlights the importance of accountability within the community of faith.

Commitment to Community
The Transjordan tribes' agreement to assist their fellow Israelites before settling in their land teaches the value of prioritizing communal responsibilities over personal desires.

Transition and Continuity
Joshua's presence signifies the importance of preparing future leaders and ensuring a smooth transition in leadership roles.

Spiritual Oversight
Eleazar's role as a priest underscores the necessity of spiritual guidance in decision-making processes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the involvement of multiple leaders in Numbers 32:28 reflect the importance of accountability in our own communities?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our commitments to others are honored, as demonstrated by the Transjordan tribes?

3. How does the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua inform our understanding of preparing future leaders in the church?

4. What role does spiritual oversight play in our decision-making processes, and how can we incorporate it more effectively?

5. How can the principles of faithfulness and community responsibility in this passage be applied to modern-day challenges within the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage reiterates the agreement made with the Transjordan tribes, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling their promise to help conquer the land west of the Jordan.

Joshua 22:1-6
This passage describes the fulfillment of the agreement, where Joshua commends the Transjordan tribes for their faithfulness in helping their fellow Israelites.

Hebrews 3:1-6
This New Testament passage highlights the faithfulness of Moses as a servant in God's house, drawing a parallel to the faithfulness required of believers.