The Reubenites, descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, hold a significant place in the narrative of Israel's history, particularly in the context of obedience to God's commands and the leadership of Moses and Joshua. As one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the Reubenites were allotted land on the east side of the Jordan River, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This allocation was contingent upon their obedience to a specific command given by Moses.

Obedience in the Wilderness

The Reubenites, along with the other tribes, were part of the Israelite community that wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to the disobedience of the previous generation. This period was marked by numerous instances where obedience to God's law was tested. The Reubenites, like their fellow Israelites, were called to adhere to the covenantal laws given at Mount Sinai, which included the Ten Commandments and various ceremonial and civil laws.

The Agreement with Moses

In Numbers 32, the Reubenites, along with the Gadites, approached Moses with a request to settle in the fertile lands of Jazer and Gilead, which were suitable for their large herds and flocks. Moses initially expressed concern that their request might discourage the other Israelites from crossing into the Promised Land, reminiscent of the earlier disobedience that led to the wilderness wandering. However, the Reubenites pledged their obedience to Moses' condition: they would join the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan and only return to their allotted land once the land was subdued.

Numbers 32:20-22 records Moses' response: "If you do this—if you arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of your obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will belong to you as a possession before the LORD."

Fulfillment of the Promise

The Reubenites demonstrated their obedience by fulfilling their promise. In Joshua 1:12-15 , Joshua reminded the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their commitment to assist in the conquest of Canaan. They responded affirmatively, affirming their loyalty and obedience to Joshua's leadership, as they had to Moses. Joshua 22:1-4 later recounts Joshua's commendation of the Reubenites for their faithful service: "Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and said to them, 'You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you.'"

The Altar of Witness

After fulfilling their military obligations, the Reubenites returned to their land. However, a misunderstanding arose when they built a large altar by the Jordan River. The other tribes perceived this as an act of rebellion against God, potentially indicating disobedience to the central place of worship. The Reubenites clarified that the altar was not for sacrifices but as a witness to future generations of their shared faith and unity with the other tribes. This explanation was accepted, and the potential conflict was averted, as recorded in Joshua 22:21-29 .

The narrative of the Reubenites underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the leadership He establishes. Their account serves as a testament to the blessings that follow when God's people honor their commitments and live in accordance with His will.Joshua 22:2,3
And said to them, You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you:
Nave's Topical Index

The End of the War
... 'Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites ... Their obedience is to be based
on love to God, who is their God no less than the God of the other tribes. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm

Chapter xlix
... According to Joshua 22:10 ff. the Reubenites at least acted inadvisedly if not wickedly. ...
Until Shiloh come. And to him (shall be) obedience of peoples. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... families had its chief or "ruler," to whom it rendered absolute obedience, while
the ... the IXth century Mesha of Moab does not mention the Reubenites, and speaks ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.org

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Obedience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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