ADULT STS LESSON 121 PREPARATION FOR POSSESSION OF THE LAND
MEMORY VERSE: “And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it” (Numbers 33:53).
TEXT: Numbers 32:1-42; 33:1-56; 34:1-29
After conquering the Midianites in the preceding study, the children of Israel came to the border of Canaan and camped by the plains of Moab towards the east of Jordan. In the text, the tribe of Reuben and Gad asked Moses to give them the plains of Moab for an inheritance. Moses rebuked them for making such a request just as a threshold of entering the land of promise; he also highlighted the implications and conditions for granting their request. Besides, God commanded Moses to recall and record the itinerary and encampments of the children of Israel from Egypt to the plains of Jordan to remind them of the mighty acts of God. Aside battles with giants and stronger nations, the children of Israel had experienced hunger, thirst and pestilences, some of which were the result of their rebellion. In all, God proved Himself as the Almighty, Warrior, Defender, Guide, Provider, Healer, Helper and Sustainer of His people.
Moreover, God gave Moses the vivid description of the boundaries of their inheritance and the people to supervise the proportional sharing of the land. This will assure every tribe that their portion was given by God. It should be clear and comforting to all believers that God knows the details of the promises He has made to us and He has power to fulfil them. Though the promise to inherit Canaan was originally made to Abraham many years before now (Genesis 15:18-21), God fulfilled it. Believers should rest on the unfailing promises of God. Just as Israel’s continued stay in Canaan was anchored on obedience to divine precepts, believers can only get the best of God’s inheritance here and in eternity through obedience to His word.
- REQUEST OF THE TWO TRIBES AND MOSES’ REBUKE
Numbers 32:1-42; Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Psalm 119:111; Judges 8:1-33
The tribes of Reuben and Gad came to Moses, Eleazar the priest and the princes of the congregation with their request. “Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given to thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan” (Numbers 32:5). They wanted their own inheritance in the land, which Israel had already conquered. Believers should note the following from their request:
One, They were motivated by what they saw rather than what God had said. Walking by sight and making decisions on the basis of rational or sense evidence alone can mislead a believer to settle for something less than God’s perfect will.
Two, Their request was made without due consideration for the implications of having the tabernacle, the ark of God and the priests on the other side Jordan while they remained separated by a natural barrier, the river Jordan (Joshua 3:14,15). This shows that the two tribes did not accord their spiritual welfare a greater priority than their cattle and herds.
Three, They did not consider the effect of their decisions on other Israelites. The scriptures command believers to “Look not on every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).
Four, By their request, the two tribes pre-empted the application of the sharing formula that God prescribed for the division of the land of Canaan. He commanded that the land should be shared proportionately by casting of lots (Numbers 26:52-55).
Five, They felt that there could be nothing better than the land on the other side Jordan. That is why they said to Moses “bring us not over Jordan”. Many people believe only on what they see and so, they want all their inheritance here and now. They are not waiting for that which “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him… an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for [them]” (1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Peter 1:4).
Moses rebuked the Reubenites and Gadites sharply saying, “…shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?” (Numbers 32:9). He assumed that the request came out of ulterior motive, selfish and lack of consideration for other tribes, and trying to discourage others. Besides, granting their request would deplete the strength of the entire army and bring discouragement to other tribes. It could trigger competition among other tribes to settle in each conquered territory rather than wait until the whole land was conquered before taking their inheritance. However, after clarification of intention and gentle reply of these two and half tribes, Moses granted their request on condition that they would go armed along with their brethren to battle across Jordan. The approval of Moses gives them the last east Jordan could be seen as God’s permissive will.
Though Moses approved the request of the Reubenites and Gadites, it had some negative effects. First, it almost made the two tribes to stumble and fight unnecessary war when they (Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh) later made an alter witness, in an attempt to identify their territory with the rest of Israel who dwelt on the other side Jordan (Joshua 22:9-34).
Second, it brought a polarity between them and the other tribes. Those on the other side described themselves as congregation of the Lord.
Third, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh were the first to go into total idolatry and the very first to go into captivity. By the time of Ahab, king of Israel, the Syrians had taken the land of Gilead (1 Kings 22:3; 1 Corinthians 5:25,26). This could be attributed to the fact that they were too close to the surrounding enemy nations and as such, they were quickly influenced by their corrupt practices. Believers should be careful with the kind of people they surround themselves with to avoid being corrupted.
- RECORD OF ISRAEL’S ITINERARY FROM EGYPT TO JORDAN
Numbers 33:1-56; Exodus 12:37; 13:20; 14:1,2,22; 15:22,23,27; 16:1; 19:1; Numbers 11:34,35; 12:16; 20:1-22,23,25,28; 21:4,10-20; 22:1; 1 Corinthians 2:9,10
The record of Israel’s journey portrays God’s goodness, mercy and faithfulness. Their journey can be divided in to three (3) main segments of encampment:
First, they had eleven encampments from Rameses in Egypt to Sinai Peninsula (Numbers 33:1-15); Second, twenty-one encampments from Sinai to Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 33:16-36) and
Third, eight encampments from Kadesh-barnea to the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:37-49).
This record shows their wandering in the wilderness for about forty years because of their unbelief and rebellion. We also learn that record-keeping serves as a reminder about God’s great dealings with us as individuals as well as the future generation. Record-keeping helps in evaluation, planning and decision making in the church or personal endeavours. Keeping personal records of answered prayers goes a long way to strengthen personal faith and that of others. Many servants of God like Moses, the prophets, Luke, and John kept records (Exodus 17:14; 34:1,27; Isaiah 8:1; 30:8; Jeremiah 30:2; 36:2,28; Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1; Revelation 1:19; 2:1).
The itinerary of the children of Israel should not be regarded as a dry and uninspiring list.
One, it shows the love of God and His faithfulness in leading Israel through their journey. This should make believers confident that God will lead them all through their life journey as well.
Two, their sites of encampments were marked out by God’s sovereign hand. If Israel were to close their own path, obviously they would not have gone the way God led them, but His overruling providence directed their steps. As believers, we should always commit our ways into the hands of God and not lean on our own understanding.
Three, the journey of Israel gives believers a picture of their own journey of faith. Just as Israel encamped in different places on their way to Canaan, believers will also pass through experiences and situations in life. The Christian journey is not static, and believers should always remember that in this present world, they have no continuing city (Hebrews 13:14). Therefore, they should prepare for changes and learn to set their focuses only on the heavenly city.
The itinerary also shows that in some locations, such as Sinai, Kadesh and Nebo, significant events took place; whereas in other places, there was no outstanding event recorded. This teaches us that all the locations that God will graciously lead us will never be the same. The journey of faith will take a believer through the delectable mountains as well as the valleys of despair, through prosperity and gain as well as adversity and pain. But whatever betides, believers should move on in their heavenly journey.
God instructed Moses that the children of Israel should drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and destroy their gods and idolatrous practices. He warned that, “if you will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which you let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell” (Numbers 33:55). It is sad to note that Israel later disobeyed this instruction and they paid dearly for it (Psalm 106:34-36). This highlights the danger of compromise and unequal yoke (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). The consequences of such are incalculable.
- RESPONSIBILITIES OF SHARING ISRAEL’S INHERITANCE AND LESSONS FOR BELIEVERS
Numbers 34:1-29; Deuteronomy 1:8; Joshua 18:10; 14:1,2; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3,4; Romans 11:22
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coast thereof:” (Numbers 34:1,2). God who calls those things that are non-existent as though they are, reckoned the land of Canaan already conquered by Hos people. Such language of faith is expected from believers in every situation. God is the owner of all things, and none can challenge Him. We can trust Him for all our needs because whatever He has promised, He has the power to fulfil (Romans 4:17,21).
God defined the boundaries of the Promised Land in definite and unmistakable terms. From this we can learn the orderliness in every area of our lives is an important virtue. The Scriptures reveal that lots were cast during the Old Testament period and just before the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Believers no longer need casting of lots anymore. They can now rely on the Spirit of God for guidance in all areas of life. As God appointed those leaders to supervise the sharing of the land, Moses had mentored the younger generation to take over leadership. It is important that Christian leaders should develop able men and women who will carry the gospel to all the nooks and crannies if their societies.
It is worthy of note that the names of Joshua and Caleb were mentioned. They were the only survivors among their colleagues sent to spy the land while Israel was Kadesh-barnea. Yet, they remained faithful and relentless in their walk with God. If we are faithful to the end like Joshua and Caleb, we shall also share in the inheritance of God’s people.
God has promised inexhaustible inheritance for everyone and has given precious promises by which we should claim them. Salvation is available for all sinners to claim through repentance and faith in Christ. All other blessings that pertain to life and godliness, for the physical and spiritual, for the individual and family life, academic and business, for material and ministerial breakthrough among others, are available for believers to inherit by faith in Christ (Matthew 6:33; Acts 15:9; 2:39; 2 Peter 1:3; Deuteronomy 28:1-13). Above all, Christ says, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
- Explain the faithfulness of God to Israel and the lessons for believers.
- What believers learn from the permissive will granted the two and half tribe of Manasseh?
- Highlight the conditions Moses gave before granting them the permissive will and the lessons from them.
- Point out the importance of record keeping
- What can we learn from Israel’s journey from Egypt to Jordan?
- Highlight the lessons of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the land of promise.
- In what ways can Christian leaders ensure that the gospel reaches every segment of their society?
