Num 32:1 | MHM | STEP | Numbers 32:1: The Request of the Reubenites In this passage, the Israelites were camped on the plains of Moab, near the land they had conquered from Sihon and Og. As they waited to enter Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad made a special request to Moses. They asked if they could have their share of land on the east side of the Jordan River, instead of in Canaan. This decision was not directly commanded by God, but was worked out through discussion and human wisdom. It shows that even when God is leading, some choices are made by using good judgment. v. 1 : The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw that the land they had already taken was very good for cattle (v. 1 ). Because they had many animals, they wanted this land for themselves. Both tribes were camped together and had time to talk about their plans. Some believe the Gadites led the request because they were more skillful in making their case, or because Reuben's tribe was still affected by Jacob's words that he would not excel (Genesis 49:3-4 ). Their desire was influenced by two things: the “lust of the eye” and the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16 ). First, the land looked very appealing and useful, especially for their large herds. Some think these tribes had become good at raising animals in the wilderness. The Bible often calls Bashan and Gilead good places for cattle. However, some, like John Calvin, see a problem here: these men thought more about their own convenience than about the good of all Israel or God’s promises. This shows that people sometimes care more about their own interests than the things of God or the community (Philippians 2:21 ). Like Lot, who chose land by what he saw and later suffered for it (Genesis 13:10-11 ), we should be careful not to focus only on what seems good now. Second, there was the “pride of life.” Reuben was the oldest, but had lost his birthright. Maybe now he wanted to be first to claim land, even if it was outside of Canaan. The Gadites and Manasseh may have wanted to have an important share as well.

‏ Numbers 32:1

Numbers 32:1: The Request of the Reubenites

In this passage, the Israelites were camped on the plains of Moab, near the land they had conquered from Sihon and Og. As they waited to enter Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad made a special request to Moses. They asked if they could have their share of land on the east side of the Jordan River, instead of in Canaan. This decision was not directly commanded by God, but was worked out through discussion and human wisdom. It shows that even when God is leading, some choices are made by using good judgment.

v. 1: The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw that the land they had already taken was very good for cattle (v. 1 ^a). Because they had many animals, they wanted this land for themselves. Both tribes were camped together and had time to talk about their plans. Some believe the Gadites led the request because they were more skillful in making their case, or because Reuben's tribe was still affected by Jacob's words that he would not excel (Genesis 49:3-4 ^b). Their desire was influenced by two things: the “lust of the eye” and the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16 ^c). First, the land looked very appealing and useful, especially for their large herds. Some think these tribes had become good at raising animals in the wilderness. The Bible often calls Bashan and Gilead good places for cattle. However, some, like John Calvin, see a problem here: these men thought more about their own convenience than about the good of all Israel or God’s promises. This shows that people sometimes care more about their own interests than the things of God or the community (Philippians 2:21 ^d). Like Lot, who chose land by what he saw and later suffered for it (Genesis 13:10-11 ^e), we should be careful not to focus only on what seems good now. Second, there was the “pride of life.” Reuben was the oldest, but had lost his birthright. Maybe now he wanted to be first to claim land, even if it was outside of Canaan. The Gadites and Manasseh may have wanted to have an important share as well.