20Then Moses said to them, "If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle
21and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him—
22then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord.
23"But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.
24Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised."
25The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, "We your servants will do as our lord commands.
26Our children and wives, our flocks and herds will remain here in the cities of Gilead.
27But your servants, every man who is armed for battle, will cross over to fight before the Lord, just as our lord says."
- P27
After Moses’s rebuke, the tribes of Reuben and Gad adjust their proposal and declare their willingness to join the rest of the tribes in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan River. They realize their obligations and agree to fulfill their duty. - P28
After ensuring the safety and security of their flocks and families, they promise not to return home until all their fellow Israelites have received their inheritance. They also agree not to receive any additional inheritance themselves since they have taken the land east of the Jordan. - P28
Sometimes we forget the importance of fulfilling our duties to one another. However, by God’s grace, we can adjust our attitude and actions and return in obedience to Him and loving care for others.
- P28
Since the tribes of Reuben and Gad promise to support the rest of the tribesin their conquest of the promised land, Moses agrees to their request. Theywill be permitted to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. However,
Moses also warns that if they fail to keep their promise to fight alongsidetheir fellow Israelites, they will be sinning against God. - P28
The Gadites andReubenites insist that they will follow through and that every man capableof going into battle will cross the Jordan to fight. They identify themselvesas servants, recognizing the importance of fulfilling their duty. - P28
As Christians, we are called to serve God and His people. We should have a servantmindset as we work to build His kingdom. - P28
Dear God, sometimes I make selfish decisions that impact others. Help me to put You first in every decision and serve You and Your people well. - P29
Cultivate in me Your self-denying heart of service toward Your church. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P29
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