Numbers 32:19

Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan."

Study Bible

Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond,

Reuben and Gad chose the conquered lands of Gilead for their abundant pastureland and livestock. Although the territory had been won under Moses’ leadership from Sihon and Og, it stood outside Canaan proper, with the Jordan marking the boundary of the land Israel was preparing to possess. Moses required these tribes to cross over armed with their brothers and remain in the campaign until the western tribes had received their allotments. Their settlement east of the Jordan did not release them from their covenant responsibility to the whole nation.

Jos 13:7 Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance…
Jos 14:1-2 Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited…
Jos 18:1-10 Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh.…

because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.”

Their inheritance was received as a grant from the Lord, not merely claimed because it suited their economic needs. Moses later included half the tribe of Manasseh in the eastern allotment, giving them portions of Gilead and Bashan. Geographic separation later created moments of tension, including the dispute over the altar near the Jordan in Joshua 22, yet the tribes affirmed their continued allegiance to the Lord. The eastern tribes’ position also left them especially exposed to foreign powers, and they were among the first Israelites carried into exile by Assyria.

Jos 13:8-14 The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites…
Deu 3:12-17 So at that time we took possession of this land…
Jos 22:4-9 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest…

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Reubenites and Gadites
These are the tribes of Israel who requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River because the land was suitable for their livestock.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who mediated between God and the people, and who was responsible for ensuring that the tribes fulfilled their commitments to the rest of Israel.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary for the Israelites, symbolizing the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land.

4. The Promised Land
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which lay west of the Jordan River.

5. The Inheritance
Refers to the land allotted to each tribe of Israel as their permanent possession, a fulfillment of God's promise.

Teaching Points

Commitment to Community
The Reubenites and Gadites teach us the importance of fulfilling our commitments to our community, even when our personal needs are met. We are called to support and uplift one another in our spiritual journey.

Understanding Inheritance
Our inheritance in Christ is not just a future promise but a present reality. Just as the tribes received their land, we have received spiritual blessings and responsibilities in Christ.

Unity in Diversity
The tribes of Israel, though distinct, were united in purpose. In the body of Christ, we must embrace our diverse roles and gifts while working towards a common goal.

Faithfulness in Promises
The faithfulness of the Reubenites and Gadites to their promise serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our word, reflecting God's faithfulness to us.

Geographical and Spiritual Boundaries
The Jordan River represents a boundary that the Israelites had to cross to enter the Promised Land. In our lives, we must identify and cross spiritual boundaries to fully embrace God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the Reubenites and Gadites to choose their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, and how can this inform our decisions about where we "settle" in life?

2. How does the commitment of the Reubenites and Gadites to help their fellow Israelites before settling in their land reflect the New Testament teaching on bearing one another's burdens?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our personal "inheritance" or blessings do not lead us to neglect our responsibilities to the larger community of faith?

4. How does the concept of inheritance in Numbers 32:19 relate to the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, as described in the New Testament?

5. What are some "Jordan Rivers" in our lives that we need to cross to fully enter into the promises God has for us, and how can we prepare for these transitions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 22
This chapter describes the fulfillment of the promise made by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their inheritance.

Deuteronomy 3:12-20
Provides additional context on the allocation of land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared responsibility among the tribes.

Hebrews 4:8-10
Discusses the concept of rest and inheritance, drawing a parallel between the physical rest in the Promised Land and the spiritual rest found in Christ.