Moses urges the tribes to keep faith with their fellow Israelites, reminding them that God’s promise cannot be fully experienced if they allow discouragement and division to prevail.
Moses challenges the tribes of Reuben and Gad by saying, “Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land which the LORD has given them?” (v.7). At this point in Israel’s history, the people have wandered in the wilderness for nearly forty years after leaving Egypt in 1446 BC, placing the setting around 1406 BC, near the end of Moses’ life and leadership. The land in question is Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses fears that the behavior of Reuben and Gad—who wish to settle east of the Jordan River—will dishearten the rest of Israel, preventing them from taking hold of God’s gift.
Moses, a key figure dating to around 1526 - 1406 BC, served as the intermediary between the Israelites and their Suzerain (Ruler) God. In this verse, his firm question reveals deep concern for Israel’s unity and commitment to trust God’s covenant. Restricting progress into the Promised Land would undermine both God’s plan and the people’s confidence in the LORD’s faithfulness. This moment also foreshadows the ongoing theme throughout scripture that disobedience can lead to missed blessings, whereas obedience paves the way for God’s fulfillment of His promises.
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Numbers 32:7 meaning
Moses challenges the tribes of Reuben and Gad by saying, “Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land which the LORD has given them?” (v.7). At this point in Israel’s history, the people have wandered in the wilderness for nearly forty years after leaving Egypt in 1446 BC, placing the setting around 1406 BC, near the end of Moses’ life and leadership. The land in question is Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses fears that the behavior of Reuben and Gad—who wish to settle east of the Jordan River—will dishearten the rest of Israel, preventing them from taking hold of God’s gift.
Moses, a key figure dating to around 1526 - 1406 BC, served as the intermediary between the Israelites and their Suzerain (Ruler) God. In this verse, his firm question reveals deep concern for Israel’s unity and commitment to trust God’s covenant. Restricting progress into the Promised Land would undermine both God’s plan and the people’s confidence in the LORD’s faithfulness. This moment also foreshadows the ongoing theme throughout scripture that disobedience can lead to missed blessings, whereas obedience paves the way for God’s fulfillment of His promises.