BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

God keeps his promises, and that includes his promises to work against injustice. In today’s reading, we see God’s pursuit of justice in how he deals with the Midianites who led some of the Israelites into idolatry (Num. 25). Ancient warfare can be disturbing to modern readers, but for the Israelites, military defeat was a sign of divine justice. Israel’s decisive victory over Midian reassures them that God’s power is with them as they prepare to enter Canaan.

Now gathered at the Jordan River, the Israelites are ready to cross into the promised land. But there’s a hitch: not everyone wants to go. The tribes of Reuben and Gad see that the land on the east side of the Jordan is good. They want it for themselves. Their desire acts as a subtle hyperlink to Eve at the tree of knowing good and bad. Like Eve, these tribes see and take something they desire instead of receiving God’s gifts on God’s terms.

God’s people once again believe they know what is best. They do what’s right in their own eyes, just like Adam and Eve. Moses fumes, hearing echoes of the wilderness generation’s fear and refusal to enter the promised land. Reuben and Gad’s choice repeats not only Adam and Eve’s sin but the division between brothers that followed.

The promised land was meant to be a place where brothers could dwell in unity. Now, only 10 tribes will live there, while Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh remain east of the Jordan. Moses allows this as long as they help the other tribes take the promised land. Yet the hyperlinks to Genesis 3-4 cast an ominous shadow over their decision.

Reflection Questions

• Where else have you seen Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest, in the story of Numbers? What is the significance of his reappearance here?
• Compare the tribes of Reuben and Gad in today’s reading with the wilderness generation in Numbers 13-14. In what ways are their actions similar? How are they different?