Numbers

Numbers 32: God requires faithfulness from His people

Begin in prayer

Before hearing the promise made by tribes who have found good grazing land, let us ask God for faithful hearts. Pray that His gifts will make us ready to care for others and trust Jesus.

I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.

Psalm 119:60

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us to honour You and care for others with faithful hearts, and show us the perfect faithfulness of Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The tribes of Reuben and Gad ask for the grazing land east of the Jordan because they have many livestock. Moses warns that sitting there while others fight could discourage Israel and repeat the unbelief that brought forty years in the wilderness. They promise to settle their families in fortified cities, then cross armed until every tribe receives its inheritance. Moses grants their request if they keep that word, warning that their sin will find them out if they fail. They agree before the leaders who will continue after Moses. Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh receive land, and their people build towns and take further places.

As you read Numbers 32, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God requires His people to keep faith with Him and with one another.

Reuben and Gad see grazing land that suits their many livestock and ask to settle east of the Jordan. Moses hears the danger of another refusal to enter the land, like the spies’ refusal that discouraged Israel. The tribes then promise to cross and fight until the rest of the people receive their inheritance. Moses accepts this promise under God, and warns that failure would be sin against the Lord. Their own families can be settled safely while the men share the burden of the whole people. Receiving a gift from the Lord brings responsibility to love the people who share His promise.

How does Numbers 32 show us that God requires His people to keep faith with Him and with one another?

God’s gifts must never make His people neglect one another.

Reuben and Gad want land that suits their livestock. Moses asks whether their fellow Israelites should fight while they sit at ease. Their choice could discourage the whole people from receiving the land God has given.

God calls His people to share the work of receiving His gift.

The tribes promise to leave their little ones in fortified towns and cross armed with Israel. They will stay until every tribe has its inheritance. Their own possession does not release them from caring for the rest of God’s people.

God knows whether His people keep the promises they make.

Moses warns that failing to go would be sin against the Lord. Their sin will find them out, because the promise stands before God. They accept this responsibility before the priest, Joshua and the other leaders.

Memorise

“But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against Yahweh; and be sure your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where does my selfishness show that I need Jesus to change my heart?

Moses warns, “be sure your sin will find you out.” The tribes must keep their promise before God, even after their own families have a place to live. No gift they have received can excuse neglecting the rest of Israel.

Our selfishness and broken promises also leave us guilty. Jesus remained faithful to His Father and carried His people’s sin to the cross. He suffered in their place and rose from the dead. His saving work is complete and fully sufficient to make them right with God.

Turn from your sin and trust Jesus to forgive you. His mercy is for those who come to Him in faith. Please ask Him for a heart that cares when someone else still has a burden to carry. The faithful Savior teaches His people to love the people He has placed beside them.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God sees selfishness and broken promises, and Jesus saves sinners and teaches His people to love. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for gifts that call His people to faithful and shared service, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Luke 16:10

Father, thank You for the good gifts You give and for the faithful Savior. Please forgive our selfishness and turn each of us to trust Jesus. Teach us to keep our word before You and to care for others. Help us share their burdens instead of seeking only our own comfort. Amen.