What does Numbers 32:5 mean?

Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan. Numbers 32:5

Explanation

Numbers 32:5 contains a request made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to Moses. They have seen the land of Jazer and Gilead, and they find it suitable for their large livestock herds. Instead of crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land of Canaan with the rest of the Israelites, they are asking Moses to allow them to settle in the territories they currently occupy, which lie on the eastern side of the Jordan. The verse illustrates a pivotal moment in the narrative, wherein they are seeking Moses’ approval to claim this land as their inheritance, diverging from the original plan of settling in Canaan.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. The tribes of Israel are on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, after years of traveling under divine guidance. The request from the tribes of Reuben and Gad comes as they are encamped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River opposite Jericho. The land they wish to settle in had been recently conquered from Amorite kings Sihon and Og, and was recognized as fertile and conducive to pasture.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the request challenges the unity and purpose of the Israelites in claiming their God-given inheritance. The tribes are asking to alter the plan that God had set forth for all of Israel to dwell in the land of Canaan. It poses questions about obedience to divine will, communal responsibility, and the trust in God’s provision. Different theological viewpoints might consider whether this request demonstrated a lack of faith in God’s promises, an expression of practical stewardship of resources, or an instance of divine accommodation to human circumstances.

Practical Applications

This verse offers several practical applications. It speaks to the importance of community and shared goals, warning us that individual desires should not disrupt collective commitments. It also illustrates the need for leaders to listen and respond to the legitimate needs of people under their charge, as Moses would have to do in response to this request. Additionally, it highlights the balance between God’s over-arching plans and human agency, showing that while there is divinely guided destiny, individuals still make choices that affect the course of their lives.

Cross-References

• Numbers 32:1-4: Describes the richness of the land Reuben and Gad desired.
• Deuteronomy 3:12-20: Discusses the agreement that allowed the tribes to stay east of the Jordan under certain conditions.
• Joshua 22:1-4: Refers back to this decision when the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh return home after helping to conquer Canaan.

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew text of this verse include:

• “Grace” (חֵן – chen): implies favor or acceptance.
• “Land” (אָרֶץ – aretz): can refer to earth, country, or specific territory.
• “Servants” (עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ – avdeka): denoting subservience and devotion to a master.
• “Possession” (אֲחֻזָּה – achuzzah): refers to something seized or inherited as property.

Analyzing these words shows the importance of status, relationship, and ownership in this request.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this scenario with ancient cultures, land allocation was often seen as a divine right or blessing, which can be seen in the Mesopotamian and Hittite cultures where kings were often granted lands by their deities. In religious interpretations, this account could be compared to the Islamic concept of land as a trust (amanah), which must be maintained justly and responsibly.

Scientific Perspectives

The wish of the tribes to settle in lands suitable for their livestock reflects a practical consideration of the environment and the needs of their economy, showcasing an early understanding of agroecology. From a modern scientific perspective, it reveals an acknowledgment of the importance of sustainable living in accordance with the capacity of the land.

commentaries

Commentators throughout history have provided various perspectives on this verse:

• Ancient Jewish rabbis in the Midrash saw the request from Reuben and Gad as a sign of misplaced priorities—valuing material wealth (livestock) over spiritual blessings (the Promised Land).
• Medieval commentator Rashi suggests that the tribes of Reuben and Gad felt the lands were so obviously theirs by divine conquest that they could ask Moses directly.
• Modern Christian commentators often focus on the precedents this set for later claims to land in the Promised Land and the importance of maintaining unity among God’s people.