SCRIPTURE: NUMBER 32
THE TRANSJORDAN TRIBES (vs. 1-42)
The Reubenites and Gadites had very large herds and flocks. So, they requested Moses and Eleazar to give them the lands of Jazer and Gilead which are suitable for livestock. But Moses won’t agree unless they joined the countrymen to go to war. The Reubenites and Gadites agreed to arm themselves and go to battle with the Israelites but their women and children will remain. Then Moses gave his consent and told them to do what they had promised. So, after the war, they property they will inherit will be Gilead on the side of Jordan while the Israelites will be in the land of Canaan. The land they will inherit consists of the Kingdom of Sihon, the Amorites and the land of King Oz of Bashan.
THOUGHTS:
God told Moses that before Israelites settled in the Promised Land, they should drive out the wicked inhabitants and destroy the idols. Similarly, as Christians, we should throw away our old way of sinful thoughts, practices and living. Then move ahead into our new life of obedience to God and faith in Christ.
GOD TOLD THE ISRAELITES TO DESTROY THE PEOPLE IN CANAAN FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
- God wanted to stamp out idol worship and worship of Satan.
- God wanted to judge the sins of Canaan.
- God did not want His people to mix or compromise with idolatry in any way.
In all areas of our lives, we should obey God’s Word without question even if we cannot fully understand His overall purposes.
Because the Israelites did not clear out all the wicked people, those people became a source of great irritation. We all have idols we refuse to let go. These idols will then dominate us and cause a lot of serious problems later.
‘