What can we learn about stewardship from Deuteronomy 3:7's mention of "livestock"? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 3 describes Israel’s defeat of King Og of Bashan. In verse 7 the people take the enemy’s animals: “But all the livestock and plunder of the cities we carried off for ourselves.” A single line, yet it offers clear guidance on how God expects His people to handle resources entrusted to them. Livestock in the Ancient World • Primary source of food, clothing, transportation, and wealth • A sign of God’s blessing (Genesis 13:2; Job 42:12) • Mobile capital—animals could reproduce, multiply, and be traded Five Stewardship Lessons from Deuteronomy 3:7 1. Resources ultimately come from God • Israel did not generate this wealth; God delivered Og into their hands (Deuteronomy 3:2). • “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” (Psalm 24:1) 2. Legitimate acquisition matters • The livestock was taken only after God’s explicit command to conquer (Deuteronomy 2:31). • Principle: gain should come by God-approved means—not by greed or exploitation (Proverbs 13:11). 3. Provision is linked to purpose • These animals would feed families and sustain future battles. • God supplies what His people need to carry out His mission (Philippians 4:19). 4. Management requires diligence • Livestock demand daily care—feeding, watering, protection. • “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds.” (Proverbs 27:23). • Lesson: possessions are not trophies; they are responsibilities. 5. Accountability is inevitable • Israel’s later unfaithfulness with God-given resources led to judgment (Deuteronomy 8:10-20). • “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) • Modern application: budgets, transparency, and integrity show we grasp this truth. Practical Takeaways Today • View salary, savings, property, and time as God’s, not ours. • Earn honestly, avoiding shortcuts or schemes. • Match spending to God-honoring goals—family needs, ministry, mercy. • Track and maintain what you own; neglect is waste. • Expect to give an account to the Lord for every resource (Romans 14:12). Encouragement for Faithful Stewards When we treat all we possess the way Israel was meant to treat those newly acquired herds—gratefully, responsibly, and under God’s direction—we mirror the heart of the true Owner and open the door for further blessing (Luke 16:10-12). |
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