Numbers

Numbers 32:1-5

Because of the multitude of livestock, and the fact that the Lord had conquered much of the land in the Transjordan east of Jordan, Reuben and Gad sought to settle there instead of crossing the Jordan.  They made their request to Moses, Eleazer and the leaders.

The first four cities listed went to Gad and the remaining went to Reuben.  This is seen later in this chapter.

Numbers 32:6-19

Moses did not like the request.  This appeared to be a division and an excuse to not enter the land.  It would amount to a couple tribes pealing off to do their own thing.  He likened it to the effect the spies had on the people when they brought back a bad report.  There was discouragement and they failed to do what God asked them to do.

The two tribes, however, assured Moses they wanted to claim the land but that they would also stand with the other tribes until their land was conquered.  They would only live in the land when their brothers and sisters also lived in their land. 

Numbers 32:20-27

Moses confirms their promise to enter the land and take it for the other tribes before settling in their land.  All the armed men had to enter the land.  If they failed to do this it would be considered sin before the Lord.  They could rest assured that their sin would find them out.  They would not escape the consequences of not living up to this commitment.

The children of Reuben and Gad confirmed the conditions and Moses’s warning.

Numbers 32:28-42

Moses announced the agreement to Joshua, Eleazar and the leaders of the other tribes.  Then in verse 33 we see that the half tribe of Manasseh is part of the agreement.  It is not clear why the tribe was split.  They must have heard of this and decided it was best for them to settle there also. 

The children of Gad settled in the central part of this region – essentially from the northern edge of the Dead Sea north; splitting at Jabbok with one fork going along the Jordan to the Sea of Galilee.  The other fork narrows and goes along the Ammon border for 30 miles or so.

The children of Reuben settle in the area that was previously the northern part of Moab – from the Arnon up to Heshbon.  Dibon was the capital of Moab. 

The half tribe of Manasseh settled in the norther region, tear drop shape from Mt Hermon down to the Jabbok. 

© 2023 Doug Ford, Calvary Chapel Sweetwater