Numbers 32 Commentary
Israel begins to occupy the land. Two tribes request that they settle on the eastern side of the Jordan. But fearful of another rebellion, Moses makes them promise that they would accompany their brothers into battle west of the Jordan.
Moses is aware of the potential trouble that this request brings. It can easily translate into a reduction in military strength by two. This thought may translate into fear and fear into doubt.
Of course, it’s needless because the battle is the LORD’s. But Israel may not share this thought.
Moses’ fear is not unfounded. He reminds the tribes of another rebellion that accounted for a mass clear-out. He knows very well that possession of the LORD’s promises hinges on obedience and trust – trust that the LORD God goes ahead of Israel.
His reference to the rebellion in Chapters 13 and 14 suggests his worry lay elsewhere rather than on diminished military strength. Israel’s weak faith was fragile enough to be a factor in the battles ahead. They needed to feel humanly strong enough to take on the military campaigns on the western side of the Jordan.
The chapter encourages us to consider other saints as we decide to settle. Have they settled or will they settle like we have? The point seems to be that the battle continues until my neighbor also settles. The comfort of a member of the household of faith is as important as my own comfort. It is a call to prayer for all saints, particularly those in troubled situations.
Of course, the LORD God doesn’t need all the twelve tribes. He could achieve perfect victory with zero human involvement! But the LORD God wants the twelve tribes to move as a unit. It represents unity and oneness.
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