November 23, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Numbers and 1 Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:
Numbers 32 (NIV)
The Transjordan Tribes
1 The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said, 3“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon—……Continue Reading
Numbers 32
Numbers 30-32
Numbers 32
What a good pattern of negotiation is expressed here. Certain tribes make a proposition. Moses then expresses his concern in relation to past history. The tribes show understanding for Moses’ point but accommodate him in what they commit. Moses then puts contingencies on granting the tribes their wish, saying they will only get what they want if they fulfill their obligation. It just goes to show what can be worked out when people represent their point but remain open to another perspective and attempts are made to accommodate the perspectives that are good and godly. It is so important to remember that listening (and understanding) is more important then speaking!
This is a reasonable negotiation. Not all negotiations go so smoothly, especially in the OT but this one is a great example as Pastor said of people not just trying to get their points across but also listening and understanding the other side’s point of view.
I think this scripture is a good example of how man does have free will and how we are capable of reasoning with the lord. I realize they are negotiating with Moses, but Moses is representing Gods position, and Moses relays what happened last time the children of Israel did not move forward in obedience. It is clear that God is okay with this arrangement, otherwise there would most likely be consequences immediately or in the future, and the tribes do follow through on their commitment to help secure the land for the other tribes.