Numbers 32:5

"If we have found favor in your sight," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan."

Study Bible

If we have found favor in your sight,
This phrase reflects a common biblical expression of humility and respect when making a request. It indicates the speaker's acknowledgment of the authority and decision-making power of the person being addressed, in this case, Moses. This approach is seen in other biblical narratives, such as when Esther approaches King Xerxes (Esther 5:8). It underscores the importance of seeking approval and the relational dynamics between leaders and their followers in ancient Israel.

they said,
The speakers here are the leaders of the tribes of Reuben and Gad. These tribes were pastoral and had large herds of livestock, which influenced their desire for the land east of the Jordan River. This context is crucial for understanding their request, as their economic needs were a driving factor in their decision-making.

let this land be given to your servants as a possession.
The land referred to is the region of Gilead and Bashan, which was known for its fertile pastures, ideal for the tribes' livestock. This request for land as a possession is significant in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. It highlights the tension between the immediate needs of the tribes and the collective goal of entering Canaan. The concept of land possession is central to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15:18-21), where God promises land to Abraham's descendants.

Do not make us cross the Jordan.
This request not to cross the Jordan River signifies a departure from the original plan to settle in the land west of the Jordan, the land of Canaan. The Jordan River often symbolizes a boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land, a transition from wandering to fulfillment of God's promise. The tribes' request can be seen as a lack of faith or a pragmatic decision based on their immediate needs. This decision foreshadows future challenges, as settling outside the main body of Israel could lead to isolation and vulnerability, as seen in later conflicts (Joshua 22).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Reubenites and Gadites
These are the tribes of Israel who approached Moses with a request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, rather than crossing into the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is approached by the Reubenites and Gadites with their request. He is responsible for guiding the Israelites according to God's commands.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary that the Israelites were to cross to enter the Promised Land. It symbolizes the transition from the wilderness to the land of promise.

4. The Land of Gilead
The region east of the Jordan River, which the Reubenites and Gadites found suitable for their livestock and desired as their inheritance.

5. The Promised Land
The land west of the Jordan River, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents God's covenant and blessing.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Will Over Immediate Comfort
The request of the Reubenites and Gadites highlights the temptation to prioritize immediate comfort over God's long-term promises. Believers are encouraged to seek God's will, even when it requires sacrifice or waiting.

The Importance of Unity in the Body of Christ
The decision of some tribes to settle east of the Jordan could have led to division. In the church, unity is crucial, and decisions should be made with consideration of the whole body of Christ.

Trusting in God's Promises
The Promised Land symbolizes God's faithfulness. Believers are called to trust in God's promises, even when the path seems uncertain or challenging.

The Role of Leadership in Guiding God's People
Moses' response to the tribes' request underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to God's commands and to ensure that decisions align with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivations might have driven the Reubenites and Gadites to request land east of the Jordan, and how can we relate this to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the request of the Reubenites and Gadites challenge us to consider the impact of our choices on the unity of the church or community?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our desires align with God's promises, especially when faced with attractive alternatives?

4. How can leaders today balance the needs and desires of their communities with adherence to God's directives?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between immediate comfort and a long-term promise. How did your faith influence your decision, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 13
The account of Lot choosing the land of the Jordan Valley, which parallels the Reubenites and Gadites choosing land based on its immediate benefits rather than God's long-term promise.

Joshua 22
The later account of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh building an altar, which raises concerns about unity and faithfulness to God among the tribes of Israel.

Hebrews 11
The chapter on faith, which contrasts the desire for immediate comfort with the call to trust in God's promises, even when they require patience and perseverance.