Numbers 32:16-42 – Request Granted
We don’t know if Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh intend to help the rest of the Israelites all along, or if Moses’ rebuke makes them rethink their proposal. If they did intend to help, it is an instance how often that which is honestly meant is unhappily misinterpreted; yet Moses is excusable, for he has plenty of reason to suspect the worst of them, and the rebuke he gives them is from the abundance of his care to prevent sin. But, if they did not intend to help, it is an instance of the good effect of plain dealing; Moses, by showing them their sin, and the danger of it, brings them to do their duty without complaining or arguing.
Moses therefore grants their request, upon one condition: they should never lay down their arms till their brethren lay down theirs. He warns them of the danger of breaking their word. Sin will, without doubt, find out the sinner sooner or later. We must be diligent to repent and forsake our sins, lest they destroy us. Their brothers have all contributed their assistance to the conquest of this country, which these tribes want, and therefore they consider themselves obligated to help them in the conquest of that which is to be their possession. Having received kindness, we ought to return it, even if it is unconditional.
Moses gives them the land they desire. They build the cities, that is, repair them, because either they have been damaged by the war or the Amorites have let them decay. They change the names of them, either to show their authority, that the change of the names might signify the change of their owners, or because their names are idolatrous, and carry in them a respect to the idols that had been worshiped there.
Question
- What do these tribes tell Moses they will do?
- What condition does Moses make about giving them the land?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.