03.04.2016 Old Testament: Num 32.25–27

To read the Bible in a year, read Numbers 32–33 on March 4, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

The children of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh decided that they wanted to stay on the East side of the Jordan, meaning that they would not enter the Land of Canaan. When Moses heard of their decision, it angered him, because he thought they would just stay there and not help the rest of Israel conquer the land. However, they said,

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying: “Your servants will do as my lord commands. Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock will be there in the cities of Gilead; but your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, just as my lord says” (Numbers 32.25–27).

Their determination to stay on the East side led them to commit to going before the rest of the tribes as they entered the land, and Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh would fight for their brethren. In their determination to have what they wanted, they did not forget their brethren, but would even lead in the battles!

Questions:

• Have you so clung to something that it made you forget to help others acquire what they want?
• Do you only serve yourself, or do you see yourself as a servant to everyone around you?