Numbers 32:7 - Why do you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?
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What does "Numbers 32:7" mean?
Numbers 32:7 addresses a situation where the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested permission from Moses to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, a region they found suitable for their large herds of livestock. The verse, "Why do you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?" expresses Moses's strong disapproval of their request. Let's break down the meaning:
"Why do you discourage the heart...": Moses accuses Reuben and Gad of disheartening and demoralizing the other Israelites. Their request to stay behind could weaken the collective resolve and faith of the entire community.
"...of the children of Israel...": This emphasizes that the concern is not just about a few individuals, but about the entire nation of Israel. Their request has widespread consequences.
"...from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?": This highlights the core issue: The land west of the Jordan was promised to them by God. Moses fears that Reuben and Gad's reluctance to cross over would undermine the divine promise and discourage the others from fully trusting in God's provision.
In essence, Moses is accusing Reuben and Gad of:
Undermining the Faith and Courage of the Nation: Their request sends a message that they are not fully committed to the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. This could create doubt and fear among the other tribes, making them less likely to fight and possess their inheritance.
Disobeying God's Command: God had commanded them to take possession of the land of Canaan. By wanting to stay behind, they appear to be defying God's will and questioning his promise.
Repeating Past Mistakes: Moses may have also feared a repeat of the earlier incident with the spies (Numbers 13-14), where a negative report about the land caused the people to lose heart and refuse to enter, resulting in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Moses's concern is not just about territory; it's about obedience to God, faith in His promises, and the unity and morale of the entire nation of Israel. He saw their request as a potential catalyst for another national crisis of faith.
Numbers 32:7 - Why do you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?
What does "Numbers 32:7" mean?
Numbers 32:7 addresses a situation where the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested permission from Moses to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, a region they found suitable for their large herds of livestock. The verse, "Why do you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?" expresses Moses's strong disapproval of their request. Let's break down the meaning:
"Why do you discourage the heart...": Moses accuses Reuben and Gad of disheartening and demoralizing the other Israelites. Their request to stay behind could weaken the collective resolve and faith of the entire community.
"...of the children of Israel...": This emphasizes that the concern is not just about a few individuals, but about the entire nation of Israel. Their request has widespread consequences.
"...from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?": This highlights the core issue: The land west of the Jordan was promised to them by God. Moses fears that Reuben and Gad's reluctance to cross over would undermine the divine promise and discourage the others from fully trusting in God's provision.
In essence, Moses is accusing Reuben and Gad of:
Undermining the Faith and Courage of the Nation: Their request sends a message that they are not fully committed to the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. This could create doubt and fear among the other tribes, making them less likely to fight and possess their inheritance.
Disobeying God's Command: God had commanded them to take possession of the land of Canaan. By wanting to stay behind, they appear to be defying God's will and questioning his promise.
Repeating Past Mistakes: Moses may have also feared a repeat of the earlier incident with the spies (Numbers 13-14), where a negative report about the land caused the people to lose heart and refuse to enter, resulting in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Moses's concern is not just about territory; it's about obedience to God, faith in His promises, and the unity and morale of the entire nation of Israel. He saw their request as a potential catalyst for another national crisis of faith.