Números 32

Números 32

Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - “Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?” — Numbers 32:6 Kindred has its obligations. The Reubenites and Gadites would have been unbrotherly if they had claimed the land which had been conquered, and had left the rest of the people to fight for their portions alone. We have received much by means of the efforts and sufferings of the saints in years gone by, and if we do not make some return to the church of Christ by giving her our best energies, we are unworthy to be enrolled in her ranks. Others are combating the errors of the age manfully, or excavating perishing ones from amid the ruins of the fall, and if we fold our hands in idleness we had need be warned, lest the curse of Meroz fall upon us. The Master of the vineyard saith, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” What is the idler’s excuse? Personal service of Jesus becomes all the more the duty of all because it is cheerfully and abundantly rendered by some. The toils of devoted missionaries and fervent ministers shame us if we sit still in indolence. Shrinking from trial is the temptation of those who are at ease in Zion: they would fain escape the cross and yet wear the crown; to them the question for this evening’s meditation is very applicable. If the most precious are tried in the fire, are we to escape the crucible? If the diamond must be vexed upon the wheel, are we to be made perfect without suffering? Who hath commanded the wind to cease from blowing because our bark is on the deep? Why and wherefore should we be treated better than our Lord? The firstborn felt the rod, and why not the younger brethren? It is a cowardly pride which would choose a downy pillow and a silken couch for a soldier of the cross. Wiser far is he who, being first resigned to the divine will, groweth by the energy of grace to be pleased with it, and so learns to gather lilies at the cross foot, and, like Samson, to find honey in the lion. G Campbell Morgan Life Applications Shall your brethren go to the war, and shall ye sit here!—Num. 32.6. In these words Moses revealed the wrong principle actuating Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They desired to settle and prosper on the wrong side of Jordan in order to escape the responsibilities of war. Moses, by his speech and action, brought them to a confession of willingness to share that responsibility with the rest of the tribes, but the whole story is one of failure. It was a wrong desire on the part of the tribes. The distinctly avowed purpose of Jehovah was that they should go over Jordan. They desired to compromise, and indeed succeeded in doing so. In the case of Moses it is notice-able that we have no account of his seeking Divine guidance, as he had so constantly done in other matters. His own first conviction was against granting the request. He pointed out that in essence it was of the same spirit which their fathers had manifested forty years before, and which had resulted in the long and weary discipline. Urging their plea and promising to cross the Jordan to help in the coming conflict, the desire of these people triumphed, and Moses permitted their settlement. Subsequent events proved the wrong of that decision. The whole event should teach us that no merely selfish desire for early and easy realization of peace and prosperity should ever be permitted to interfere with the declared will of God. No policy of compromise can ever justify a coming short of Divine purpose. Peace-able settlements on the wrong side of the river are the inspiration and causes of conflict in subsequent days. Numbers 32:6-7 Woodrow Kroll - Back to the Bible Discouraging by Default by Tony Beckett and Woodrow Kroll Numbers 32-34, Mark 9:30-50 Key Verses: Numbers 32:6-7 "Looking out for number one" is an old saying, but its sentiment is as popular as ever. We have been taught that we can have it our way and that we deserve a break today. Too often a Christian can be subtly sucked into thinking about self with little regard for others. The follower of Christ, however, must remember that every believer is part of the Body and must consider how individual actions affect others. This is not a new problem. The Reubenites, Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh liked the look of the land east of the Jordan. It was suitable for livestock. Their request to stay there seemed reasonable. But Moses saw the effect it would have on Israel: "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the [nation]?" (Numbers 31:6-7). To their credit, when reminded of similar past situations and when made aware of how their action would affect others, these tribes did not choose to be discouragers. Yes, their families and livestock remained, but the men went to war with the rest of Israel. Too often people in the church think of themselves and not how their choices might discourage others. Determine to encourage others by your actions as well as your words. You can be an encourager or a discourager. Putting your interests first can discourage others. Choose to be an encourager. (Copyright Back to the Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved) Numbers 32:7 "Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land which the LORD has given them? BGT Numbers 32:7 καὶ ἵνα τί διαστρέφετε τὰς διανοίας τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ μὴ διαβῆναι εἰς τὴν γῆν ἣν κύριος δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς NET Numbers 32:7 Why do you frustrate the intent of the Israelites to cross over into the land which the LORD has given them? NLT Numbers 32:7 "Why do you want to discourage the rest of the people of Israel from going across to the land the LORD has given them? ESV Numbers 32:7 Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the LORD has given them? NIV Numbers 32:7 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them? wherefore: Nu 32:9 21:4 De 1:28 discourage: Heb. break, Ac 21:13 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A DISCOURAGING WORD IS HEARD Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land - Note that Moses does not say "You might discourage them," but that you already are "discouraging the sons of Israel," with the request for the conquered land on the Eastern side of the Jordan. The Septuagint translation has "you are turning away, corrupting, distorting (diastrepho in present tense = ongoing!) the minds (dianoia - seat of perception and thinking) of the sons of Israel." Note that Moses says they are even discouraging them from crossing over, much less actually entering into battle! Discouragement is one of the devil's most effective weapons. Discouraging (05106)(nu) means to hinder, restrain, frustrate, discourage, forbid, thwart. Preceded by a negative, it means not to permit something, as for example performance of a vow (Nu 30:5, 8, 11). In Nu 32:7,9 it means to stop an action which should be carried out God thwarting the plans or designs of people (Ps. 33:10 = "He frustrates the plans of the peoples."). It is used in a figurative, idiomatic expression "do not let my head refuse it" (Ps. 141:5). Nu - 8x in 7v - discouraged*(1), discouraging*(1), forbid(2), forbidden(1), forbids(1), frustrates(1), refuse(1). Num. 30:5; Num. 30:8; Num. 30:11; Num. 32:7; Num. 32:9; Ps. 33:10; Ps. 141:5 Which the LORD has given them - Moses reminds them the land is a gift from God. But the sons of Israel still had to go in and conquer the land (cf God's Sovereignty/Man's Responsibility). THOUGHT - Is not this same principle operative in our lives as believers? Clearly it is! And so Peter writes that God's "divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Pe 1:3+) as well as granting us His "precious and magnificent promises" (2 Pe 1:4+). And Paul adds that we have been blessed "with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ." (Eph 1:3+). The point is that in Christ Jesus we each have these possessions and promises and yet we still must daily war in the power of Spirit against our flesh (Gal 5:16, 17+, 1 Pe 2:11+, 2 Cor 10:3-5+, 1 Ti 6:12+, etc) in order to "conquer" and experientially possess our possessions. Does that make sense? This is another way of describing our daily growth in Christ-likeness or progressive sanctification. We will not perfectly possess these precious possessions until we are changed in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor 15:52) are glorified and forever like Christ (1 Jn 3:2+)! Lord hasten the day when our faith shall be sight, the sight of our blessed Redeemer! Amen. Brian Bell - You want to discourage your brothers from entering into the land? Remember, they’re asking the one guy who would do anything to enter but can’t...Moses! Uh, didn’t we already learn this lesson from 10 other guys that didn’t want to go into the land? (10 spies w/bad report) David Jeremiah -GIANTS Why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land? NUMBERS 32:7 In the Book of Numbers, the twelve spies returned from searching out Canaan. Two of them were upbeat, saying that with the Lord’s help they could take the land. But the other ten discouraged the Israelites, planting seeds of doubt and pessimism. They worried about the giants in the land and about the fortified cities. As a result, the people’s morale collapsed. One of the problems with being discouraged is that we also become discouraging. When we fail to trust the Lord with our giants, we’re telegraphing a message to others: “The Lord can’t help you with your giants either.” Discouragement becomes as contagious as smallpox. Discouragement was one of Paul’s concerns when he was persecuted. He was afraid his imprisonment would discourage his converts. Writing to the Thessalonians, he said, “We didn’t want any of you to be discouraged by all these troubles. You knew we would have to suffer, because when we were with you, we told you this would happen” (1 Thessalonians 3:3–4 CEV). If you’re facing a difficulty now, may the Lord help you respond to it so that others will be encouraged to trust Him too. Numbers 32:8 "This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. Nu 13:2-26 Nu 14:2 De 1:22,23 Jos 14:6,7 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Deuteronomy 1:22-23 “Then all of you approached me and said, ‘Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us, and bring back to us word of the way by which we should go up and the cities which we shall enter.’ 23 “The thing pleased me and I took twelve of your men, one man for each tribe. Numbers 14:2 All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! MOSES REMINDS THEM OF THE EFFECT OF 10 DISBELIEVING SPIES This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land - The leaven of disbelief and resulting discouragement introduced by 10 of the 12 spies returning from the Land contaminated the minds of the entire tribe. This is the second generation and they needed to be reminded of the price paid by the first generation for disobedience. THOUGHT - There is a principle here -- beware of speaking discouraging words to others whether it be your spouse, your children, etc! The dictionary defines discouragement as “anything that makes us less confident and hopeful.” Another way to look at it is to say that encouragement is the act of putting courage into someone. Therefore, discouragement is anything that takes the courage out. -- Once upon a time the devil decided to have a garage sale. He did it because he wanted to clear out some of his old tools to make room for new ones. After he set up his wares, a fellow dropped by to see what he had. Arrayed on a long table were all the tricks of his infernal trade. Each tool had a price tag. In one corner was a shiny implement labeled “Anger—$250,” next to it a curved tool labeled “Sloth—$380.” As the man searched, he found “Criticism—$500” and “Jealousy—$630.” Out of the corner of his eye, the man spotted a beaten-up tool with a price tag of $12,000. Curious, the man asked the devil why he would offer a worn-out piece of junk for such an exorbitant price. The devil said it was expensive because he used it so much. “What is it?,” the man asked. The answer came back, “It is discouragement. It always works when nothing else will.” (from Ray Pritchard) Numbers 32:9 "For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the sons of Israel so that they did not go into the land which the LORD had given them. Nu 13:23-33 14:1-10 De 1:24-28 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PATHOGENESIS OF DISCOURAGEMENT Pathogenesis describes the development of a disease or morbid condition. For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol and saw the land - Why would Moses mention Eschol? That was the name of the valley in the vicinity of Hebron from which the Israelite spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that two men were required to carry it between them on a pole (Nu 13:22-24+). This "payload" of grapes should have encouraged them to take God up on His promise to give them this land, because clearly it was a good land! They discouraged the sons of Israel - Their discouraging words effectively nullified the "testimony of the grapes," the visible evidence of the goodness of God and the the land. Their words were like blinders preventing the people from seeing the goodness of the LORD in His bounty of berries! So that - The result of discouragement contaminated the minds of the sons of Israel and as a man thinks so he is (Pr 23:7)! In this case the discouraging thoughts bred unbelief which in turn led to failure to act on the truth of God's promise. They did not go into the land which the LORD had given them - They disbelieved, disobeyed and were disinherited from God's gift. THOUGHT - It is a dangerous thing to spurn the gifts of God. Of course His greatest gift was not the land but the life of His Son. To disbelieve in this great gift will yield an eternal great gulf between one's soul and God (Lk 16:26KJV+). As believers we should live with an attitude of gratitude continually in our heart and mind so that we do not fail to possess the precious and magnificent promises God has given us in Christ - "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor 9:15). Numbers 32:10 "So the LORD'S anger burned in that day, and He swore, saying, Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CONSEQUENCES OF ISRAEL'S UNBELIEF So the LORD'S anger burned in that day, and He swore, saying, Numbers 32:11 'None of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob; for they did not follow Me fully, from twenty: Nu 14:28,29 26:2,64,65 De 1:35 2:14,15 because: Nu 14:24,30 Jos 14:8,9 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FAILURE TO ENTER THE LAND None of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob - Moses recounts the punishment on the first generation who failed to believe God's promise because of the discouragement of the 10 spies. for - Term of explanation. Explaining why the sons of Israel failed to enter the promised land. They did not follow Me fully - Mark it down that partial obedience is in fact disobedience. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey. PARTIAL DISOBEDIENCE IS COMPLETE DISOBEDIENCE! THOUGHT - Do not be deceived: delayed obedience is immediate disobedience and partial obedience is complete disobedience. Is there some issue where you are only partially obeying what God has commanded? Numbers 32:12 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have followed the LORD fully.' for: Nu 14:24,30 26:65 De 1:36 Jos 14:8,9 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE TWO EXCEPTIONS TO THE FAITHLESS SONS Except - Term of contrast. Contrast is between those forbidden to enter the promised land and those allowed to enter the promised land. Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua the son of Nun, For - Term of explanation. Explains why they were allowed to enter the land. They have followed the LORD fully - This describes their complete obedience. Note that it was not their obedience per se that allowed them to enter but it was their faith in God and His promises. Their faith was the source of their full obedience. THOUGHT - The principle in this passage is of vital importance. What it clearly demonstrates is that faith is not a passive word, but in fact is an "action" word. If we say we believe and don't obey, the truth is that we really don't believe! Faith and obedience are like a horse and buggy. Faith pulls the wagon along obediently (so to speak). If we say we believe in Jesus, one of the best ways we can tell if that belief is saving belief is whether it energizes obedience. Don't misunderstand. We are not speaking of perfect obedience which is impossible in these mortal bodies still containing our fallen flesh, our propensity to sin. We are however speaking of a general tendency in our life to joyfully obey the precepts of God, knowing that this delights Him (1 Sa 15:22). Our obedience does NOT save us, but is one piece of evidence demonstrating that we are genuinely saved. Stated another way, we are speaking of our life's general direction, not perfection! See discussion of Obedience of faith. Jesus said it this way “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. " (Jn 14:15) “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." (Jn 14:23) “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. (Jn 14:24) Numbers 32:13 "So the LORD'S anger burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the entire generation of those who had done evil in the sight of the LORD was destroyed. wander: Nu 14:33-35 De 2:14 Ps 78:33 until all: Nu 26:64 De 2:15 1Co 10:5 Heb 3:16-19 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE FORTY YEAR FUNERAL MARCH! So the LORD'S anger burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the entire generation of those who had done evil in the sight of the LORD was destroyed. Numbers 32:14 "Now behold, you have risen up in your fathers' place, a brood of sinful men, to add still more to the burning anger of the LORD against Israel. an increase: Ge 5:3 8:21 Ne 9:24-26 Job 14:4 Ps 78:57 Isa 1:4 57:4 Eze 20:21 Mt 23:31-33 Lu 11:48 Ac 7:51,52 to augment: De 1:34,35 Ezr 9:13,14 10:10 Ne 13:18 Isa 65:6,7 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES IS GIVING A STRONG WARNING Now behold, you have risen up in your fathers' place, a brood of sinful men, to add still more to the burning anger of the LORD against Israel. Numbers 32:15 "For if you turn away from following Him, He will once more abandon them in the wilderness, and you will destroy all these people." if ye turn: Lev 26:14-18 De 28:15-68 30:17-19 Jos 22:16-18 2Ch 7:19-22 2Ch 15:2 he will yet: Nu 14:30-35 ye shall: Jer 38:23 Mt 18:7 Ro 14:15,20,21 1Co 8:11,12 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DESTRUCTION IS DECREED For if you turn away from following Him - This seems to be directed primarily at the sons of Gad and sons of Reuben, who were in effect acting like the 10 spies who disbelieved God and refused to follow Him into the promised land. He will once more abandon them in the wilderness - This is a frightening warning, signifying not only would sons of Gad and Reuben not enter the land, but no one of the sons of Israel would enter the land. The only place left for them was the wilderness, but this time no time frame is given like before (40 years). And you will destroy all these people - Who are these people? In context this refers to the entire nation of Israel. They would all be destroyed, even as their fathers, the first generation out of Egypt, were destroyed in the wilderness. Numbers 32:16 Then they came near to him and said, "We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones; Nu 34:22 Ge 33:17 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GADITES AND REUBENITES APPROACH MOSES WITH A PLAN Then they came near to him and said, "We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones - This is what the Gadites and Reubenites will do for their families. TSK - This proposal was very equitable, and it was honestly made and faithfully executed; though it did not imply that all men capable of bearing arms should go, and so leave their families and possessions defenceless, but only a sufficient detachment of them. Among the inhabitants of the land were the Ammonites, Moabites, Idumeans, and the remains of the Midianites and Amorites; and as it was impossible for the women and children to keep the defenced cities, when placed in them, many of the men of war must of course stay behind. In the last census (ch. 26), the tribe of Reuben consisted of 43,730 men; the tribe of Gad 40,500; and the tribe of Manasseh 52,700; the half of which is 26,350; which together amount to 110,580. Now from Jos 4:13, we learn, that of these tribes only 40,000 armed men passed over Jordan to assist their brethren: consequently 70,580 men were left behind for the defence of the women, the children, and the flocks: which was amply sufficient for this purpose. Brian Bell - THE REASSURANCE! (16-32) Ok, it might not be the best for God nor the best for others(break moral of the people)...but it will be really nice for our cattle! Can we, can we? We solemnly swear to fully support the other 91/2 tribes in conquering Canaan. Can we, can we? Numbers 32:17 but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. BGT Numbers 32:17 καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐνοπλισάμενοι προφυλακὴ πρότεροι τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἕως ἂν ἀγάγωμεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν ἑαυτῶν τόπον καὶ κατοικήσει ἡ ἀποσκευὴ ἡμῶν ἐν πόλεσιν τετειχισμέναις διὰ τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν γῆν LXE Numbers 32:17 and we will arm ourselves and go as an advanced guard before the children of Israel, until we shall have brought them into their place; and our possessions shall remain in walled cities because of the inhabitants of the land. NET Numbers 32:17 but we will maintain ourselves in armed readiness and go before the Israelites until whenever we have brought them to their place. Our descendants will be living in fortified towns as a protection against the inhabitants of the land. NLT Numbers 32:17 Then we will arm ourselves and lead our fellow Israelites into battle until we have brought them safely to their land. Meanwhile, our families will stay in the fortified towns we build here, so they will be safe from any attacks by the local people. ESV Numbers 32:17 but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. And our little ones shall live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. NIV Numbers 32:17 But we are ready to arm ourselves and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land. Nu 32:29-32 De 3:16-20 Jos 4:12,13 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BEARING ARMS ALONG WITH THEIR BROTHERS But - This introduces a contrast of what they will do for their brethren, the sons of Israel. we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel - NLT = "lead our fellow Israelites into battle." Moses will alter this slightly with a theologically accurate description in Nu 32:20 saying "if you will arm yourselves BEFORE THE LORD for the war." The implication is that while they are the human warriors, the Captain of the Hosts, Yahweh is the true Leader of the nation into battle. The Septuagint translates "go before" with the noun prophulake literally meaning a guard in front of or an advance guard. Clearly they are willing to go in the front which in theory is the most dangerous place to be in an advancing army. This surely seems to reflect their courage in this context. So which they were somewhat self-focused in seeking the land east of the Jordan, once they were corrected by Moses, they seem quite courageous. Ready to go means swiftly, quickly, immediately. Milgrom paraphrases it this way “And we will hasten as shock-troops in the van[guard] of the Israelites.” Nevertheless the Gadites and Reubenites and men of Manasseh were true to their word, Joshua recording both "before's"... The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over in battle array BEFORE the sons of Israel, just as Moses had spoken to them; about 40,000 equipped for war, crossed for battle BEFORE the LORD to the desert plains of Jericho. (Jos 4:12,13) Moses reiterates the valiantry of these tribes in Deuteronomy “To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even as far as the valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley as a border and as far as the river Jabbok, the border of the sons of Ammon; 17 the Arabah also, with the Jordan as a border, from Chinnereth even as far as the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, at the foot of the slopes of Pisgah on the east. 18 “Then I commanded you at that time, saying, ‘The LORD your God has given you this land to possess it; all you valiant men shall cross over armed before your brothers, the sons of Israel. 19 ‘But your wives and your little ones and your livestock (I know that you have much livestock) shall remain in your cities which I have given you, 20 until the LORD gives rest to your fellow countrymen as to you, and they also possess the land which the LORD your God will give them beyond the Jordan. Then you may return every man to his possession which I have given you.’ (De 3:16-20) Rashi comments - Literally “before” them (OJPS), that is, at the head of the whole invasion force. For they were great heroes: “Blessed be He who enlarges Gad! Poised is he like a lion to tear off arm and scalp” (Deut. 33:20). Moses made this explicit when he later reminded them what he had told them at this time: “You must go as shock-troops, warriors all, at the head of your Israelite kinsmen” (Deut. 3:18). When we are told at the battle of Jericho that “the armed men went before them” (Josh. 6:13), this is Reuben and Gad fulfilling their pledge. Until we have brought them to their place - Until expresses their confidence that they will lead their brethren to conquest of the land. While our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land - The inhabitants of the land refers to the enemies of Israel who were still in the vicinity and would love to extract vengeance on unprotected wives and children. Fortified cities ( also in Nu 32:36) is mibtsar which is used to describe structures designed for military defense. TWOT says "for the most part, the term "fortified (or fenced) city" is utilized as a term of designation, indicating the largest and most important habitation sites (ct. 2 Ki 17:9). Such cities were very important strategically since they were almost impregnable until the perfection of siege techniques by the Assyrians (Jer 5:17). This fact was of special significance to the Israelite conquest (cf. Josh 10:20, 19:29, 35). Numbers 32:18 "We will not return to our homes until every one of the sons of Israel has possessed his inheritance. Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GADITES AND REUBENITES GIVE THEIR WORD We will not return to our homes until every one of the sons of Israel has possessed his inheritance - Again the use of until signals their assurance that all of the sons will possess their possessions and then they can cross back over the Jordan to their dwellings. One wonders it they knew exactly what they were getting into? I doubt it. As the conquest of Canaan unfolded it probably took about seven years. THOUGHT - When we enter a specific area of service to the Lord, we should enter with full surrender (not conditions or stipulations) and that includes the surrender of our most valuable commodity TIME! Indeed, our time is not really our time - our time is His TIME. We know not how long a particular service may last (be it missionary, preacher, teacher, etc). Our call is to be faithful and to gratefully accept that we have the privilege to serve the Most High God. Are you grumbling about your area of service? Then (enabled by the Spirit) stop! Joshua records the "end of this story" Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 2 and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 “You have not forsaken your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. 4 “And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them; therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan. 5 “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:1-5) Numbers 32:19 "For we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Jordan toward the east." NET Numbers 32:19 For we will not accept any inheritance on the other side of the Jordan River and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on this eastern side of the Jordan." NLT Numbers 32:19 But we do not claim any of the land on the other side of the Jordan. We would rather live here on the east side and accept this as our grant of land." ESV Numbers 32:19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on this side of the Jordan to the east." NIV Numbers 32:19 We will not receive any inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan." we will: Ge 13:10-12 14:12 2Ki 10:32,33 15:29 1Ch 5:25,26 Pr 20:21 because: Nu 32:33 Jos 12:1-6 13:8 on this side: Nu 32:32 34:15 Jos 1:14,15 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THEIR INHERITANCE IS EAST OF THE JORDAN For we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side (western side) of the Jordan and beyond - NLT = "we do not claim any of the land on the other side of the Jordan." NET = "we will not accept any inheritance on the other side of the Jordan River and beyond." In other words the Gadites and Reubenites promise they will be satisfied with their share of the land on the eastern side of the Jordan. Because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Jordan toward the east - NLT paraphrases it "We would rather live here on the east side and accept this as our grant of land." They are slightly presumptuous here for the inheritance on the East was not truly theirs until Moses made it official by awarding it to them. Numbers 32:20 So Moses said to them, "If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war, De 3:18-20 Jos 1:13-15 4:12,13 22:2-4 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES BEGINS TO AGREE WITH THEIR TERMS So Moses said to them, "If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war - Moses opens with a "DOUBLE IF," introducing a conditional promise in the following two verses (vv 20-22 are one long sentence which several "conditions"). UBS says "Having heard the deferential words of the Gadites and Reubenites, Moses modifies his earlier hard comments and works to reach a compromise with them and an agreement that will preserve the unity of the nation." Numbers 32:21 and all of you armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out from before Him, Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries And all of you armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD - This passage appears to clarify that all of the numbered warriors would cross over into the land of Canaan to fight. Apparently there were no contingents (at least no major "battalions") of men left behind in the fortified cities. If this is true, it would surely indicate that the LORD honored their word and protected the families they left in the fortified cities. Notice the repeated phrase in vv 20-22 before the LORD (5 TIMES) - UBS has a good comment on before the LORD in v21 - "In Nu 32:17 the Gadites and Reubenites had offered “to go before the people of Israel,” but Moses changes this to going before the LORD for the war. Moses puts the conquest of Canaan on a theological level both here and in the next verse. The conquest will be a holy war since the LORD will fight on behalf of his people." THOUGHT - One is reminded of young David's words as he was about to face the Philistine Goliath "the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands." (1 Sa 17:47) May these words ever be our "battle cry" in the very real spiritual warfare we all experience daily. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Armed (02502)(chalats) has two main senses (1) to equip for war and (2) to draw out (rescue). The NAS Concordance (see below) separates these two uses while the KJV concordance lumps them all together. Baker - to draw out, to prepare, to deliver, to equip for war. The primary meaning of the word is that of strengthening or fortifying (Isa. 58:11). It is used to convey the activity of drawing out, such as occurs in breast-feeding (Lam. 4:3); removing a shoe (Deut. 25:9, 10; Isa. 20:2); dispatching to another location (Lev. 14:40, 43); withdrawing from a crowd (Hos. 5:6); removing or delivering from danger (2 Sam. 22:20; Ps. 6:4; 50:15). Significantly, this word conveys the notion of taking up arms for battle (Num. 31:3; 32:17) or preparing for a general state of military readiness (Josh. 4:13; 2 Chr. 17:18). (Complete Word Study Dictionary) Gilbrant - A variety of nuances of this verb are expressed in the Hebrew Bible. This variety is matched by its cognates, which exhibit a number of meanings. The verb refers to the action of taking one's shoe off in legal ceremonies (preserved in Middle Hebrew and Jewish Aramaic; cf. Ethiopic, Christian Palestinian Aramaic and Syriac). One who refused to perform the societal law of levirate marriage was to undergo a humiliating legal ritual, in which the wife of his deceased brother was to spit in his face before the elders of the village, and his descendants were to bear the name of "descendants of the shoeless one." The title carried the stigma of ill-gotten gain, as the sandal-less one refused to procreate a son, who would then inherit the deceased's patrimony (cf. Gen. 38). Isaiah became shoeless and naked in order to symbolically portray the coming fate of the Cushites and Egyptians in face of the threat of Assyria (Isa. 20:2f). This was symbolic of slavery, as a slave is completely destitute, unable to clothe himself. Baring does not necessitate removing clothing, but also denotes accessibility (Lam. 4:3). The verb also connotes the notion of military preparedness (cf. Syriac and Mandaean cognates). It primarily refers to logistic preparation (e.g., Deut. 3:18), and it can mean "to despoil," a prime method of logistic preparation (Ps. 7:4). Perhaps this is the semantic link to the nuance above. Preserving one's stores by withdrawing is also within the semantic range of this verb (Hos. 5:6). A meaning exclusively reserved in Hebrew for poetic contexts is "to rescue" (cf. cognates in Old Aramaic, Punic, Arabic, Middle Hebrew and a nominal derivative in Akkadian). Yahweh is usually the subject, and humans in distress the object (e.g., 2 Sam. 22:20; Ps. 140:1). Indirectly, knowledge can deliver the righteous (Prov. 11:8f). Since knowledge in the Hebrew Bible refers to fear and awareness of Yahweh's laws, it is clear that Yahweh rescues the righteous through reflection upon divine revelation. (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary NAS divides chalats into two main uses - (1) 21v TO EQUIP FOR WAR - arm(2), armed(13), army(1), equipped(4), give strength(1). Num. 31:3; Num. 31:5; Num. 32:17; Num. 32:20; Num. 32:21; Num. 32:27; Num. 32:29; Num. 32:30; Num. 32:32; Deut. 3:18; Jos. 4:13; Jos. 6:7; Jos. 6:9; Jos. 6:13; 1 Chr. 12:23; 1 Chr. 12:24; 2 Chr. 17:18; 2 Chr. 20:21; 2 Chr. 28:14; Isa. 15:4; Isa. 58:11 (2) 23v - TO DRAW OFF OR OUT, WITHDRAW -- delivered(4), delivers(1), offer(1), plundered(1), pull(1), removed(1), rescue(5), rescued(4), rescues(1), take(1), tear(1), torn(1), withdrawn(1). Lev. 14:40; Lev. 14:43; Deut. 25:9; Deut. 25:10; 2 Sam. 22:20; Job 36:15; Ps. 6:4; Ps. 7:4; Ps. 18:19; Ps. 34:7; Ps. 50:15; Ps. 60:5; Ps. 81:7; Ps. 91:15; Ps. 108:6; Ps. 116:8; Ps. 119:153; Ps. 140:1; Prov. 11:8; Prov. 11:9; Isa. 20:2; Lam. 4:3; Hos. 5:6 Until He has driven His enemies out from before Him - Until again indicates it will come to pass. Note the emphasis is on Yahweh driving out the enemies. Driven out (yarash) is more literally "dispossessed" (English = "deprive of possession of real estate!") as is translated in Nu 32:39 (yarash also found in Nu 33:52, 53, 55+). The idea of before Him (NLT = "His enemies") indicates that while they were enemies of the sons of Israel, they were first and foremost enemies of the one true God. Sin is always first against God. John Bennett - Numbers 32:20–42 WE WILL PASS OVER ARMED BEFORE THE LORD On first reading, the offer of Reuben and Gad seems a perfectly reasonable and even gracious proposal. However, on closer examination other features come to light. The record of scripture will show that Reuben is invariably motivated by self-interest, both the man and the tribe. A consideration of the occasions from Genesis to Judges when Reuben is mentioned will bear this out; our reading today is no exception. The seemingly magnanimous gesture to ‘pass over armed before the Lord’ is at best a compromise, and compromise is a word which does not sit comfortably with the word of God! The warning of Moses does nothing to alter their resolve, the two tribes had already laid plans to safeguard their possessions, and provide secure homes for their families, v. 16. Instead of bowing to the will of God for their blessing, they had made up their minds that the east bank of Jordan was to be their inheritance, and they expected Moses and the Lord to fall in with their plans! Yet, decisions we make invariably affect others. Lot discovered this when he selfishly ‘chose him (for himself) all the plain of Jordan’, Gen 13:11, to the detriment and loss of his family. Now Reuben and Gad were to leave their families, and go over the Jordan to assist in the possession of the land. Their wives and children would never enjoy the intended inheritance. They would be denied an appreciation of the land flowing with milk and honey, with its wells, vineyards and olive trees. Instead they would dwell in ‘fenced cities’ in a hostile environment, v. 17, in a land that was good for cattle, v. 4! How careful we need to be as husbands and as parents in the decisions we make which have an impact on our families, and even on our testimony in the neighbourhood. The Lord was very gracious in allowing Reuben, Gad and later half the tribe of Manasseh to occupy their chosen inheritance. He even provided cities of refuge for them, Num. 35. But finally, having turned from God to idols, these three tribes were the first to be taken captive by the Assyrians, who first ‘took away their cattle’, 1 Chr. 5:21, then themselves, 1 Chr 5:26. Numbers 32:22 and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you shall return and be free of obligation toward the LORD and toward Israel, and this land shall be yours for a possession before the LORD. NET Numbers 32:22 and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you may return and be free of your obligation to the LORD and to Israel. This land will then be your possession in the LORD's sight. NLT Numbers 32:22 then you may return when the LORD has conquered the land. You will have fulfilled your duty to the LORD and to the rest of the people of Israel. And the land on the east side of the Jordan will be your property from the LORD. ESV Numbers 32:22 and the land is subdued before the LORD; then after that you shall return and be free of obligation to the LORD and to Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. NIV Numbers 32:22 then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free from your obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the LORD. land: De 3:20 Jos 10:30,42 11:23 18:1 Ps 44:1-4 78:55 shall: Jos 22:4,9 be guiltless: Jos 2:19 2Sa 3:28 this land: De 3:12-18 Jos 1:15 13:8,29-32 22:9 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE REWARD FOR FULFILLING THEIR WORD and the land is subdued (Lxx = katakurieuo) before the LORD, then afterward you shall return ("then you may return when the LORD has conquered the land" = NLT) and be free of obligation toward the LORD and toward Israel ("You will have fulfilled your duty to the LORD and to the rest of the people of Israel"= NLT), and this land shall be yours for a possession before the LORD - Note that their work as warriors is first seen as work for Yahweh and secondarily as work for their brethren. One is reminded of Paul's words Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father....Whatever you do, do your work (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive (apolambano = RECEIVE IN FULL YOUR DUE!) the (DEFINITE ARTICLE = "THE SPECIFIC") reward (antapodosis) of the inheritance (kleronomia) (JUST AS THE GADITES & REUBENITES). (AND HERE IS THE KEY =) It is the Lord Christ Whom you serve (douleuo). (Col 3:17+, Col 3:23-24+) Subdued (Subjugated, tread under foot) (03533)(kabash) means to subdue, to bring into bondage, to keep under, to force, to enslave (and so to degrade). The basic meaning is to overcome or subdue someone or something. It often expresses the idea of excessive use of power and is used of subduing nations as well as of subduing or violating a woman (Est 7:8) The first use is a command from the LORD God to Adam to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue (Lxx = katakurieuo = exercise dominion over, gain power over, bring into subjection) it." The role of humans is to keep order in nature, to live in harmony with nature, not to abuse and destroy it. Kabash is used of subduing the land and in context to do it by military conquest (Nu 32:22, 29 and Josh 18:1 = of Israel taking control of the Promised Land, 1Chr 22:18), of King David subduing the nations (2Sa 8:11) Numbers 32:23 "But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. BGT Numbers 32:23 ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ποιήσητε οὕτως ἁμαρτήσεσθε ἔναντι κυρίου καὶ γνώσεσθε τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ὑμῶν ὅταν ὑμᾶς καταλάβῃ τὰ κακά NET Numbers 32:23 "But if you do not do this, then look, you will have sinned against the LORD. And know that your sin will find you out. NLT Numbers 32:23 But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. ESV Numbers 32:23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. NIV Numbers 32:23 "But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. KJV Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. YLT Numbers 32:23 'And if ye do not so, lo, ye have sinned against Jehovah, and know ye your sin, that it doth find you; LXE Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, ye will sin against the Lord; and ye shall know your sin, when afflictions shall come upon you. ASV Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against Jehovah; and be sure your sin will find you out. CSB Numbers 32:23 But if you don't do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD; be sure your sin will catch up with you. NKJ Numbers 32:23 "But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. NRS Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do this, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. NAB Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do this, you will sin against the LORD, and you can be sure that you will not escape the consequences of your sin. NJB Numbers 32:23 But if you do not, you will sin against Yahweh, and be sure your sin will find you out. GWN Numbers 32:23 "If you don't do all these things, you will be sinning against the LORD. You can be sure that you will be punished for your sin. BHT Numbers 32:23 wü´im-lö´ ta`ásûn kën hinneh Hátä'em lyhwh (la´dönäy) ûdeü`û hatta´tekem ´ášer timsä´ ´etkem BBE Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do this, then you are sinners against the Lord; and you may be certain that your sin will have its reward. if you will not do so: Lev 26:14-46 De 28:15-68 be sure your sin: Ge 4:7 44:16 Ps 90:8 139:11 140:11 Pr 13:21 Isa 3:11 Isa 59:1,2,12 Ro 2:9 1Co 4:5 Numbers 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages to Ponder on this Passage with a Principle of great import: Joshua 7:19-21 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.” 20So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, then I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth inside my tent with the silver underneath it.” Psalms 90:8 You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your presence. Proverbs 13:21 Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. Job 20:27 “The heavens will reveal his iniquity, And the earth will rise up against him. Proverbs 26:26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Luke 12:2+ “But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. A SOLEMN WARNING REGARDING SIN But if - Now Moses gives a negative conditional promise introduced by IF. The former was the blessing and this is now the "curse." You will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD - Behold is hinneh which calls for giving full attention to the words (warning) that follows! The failure of the Gadites and Reubenites to obey and keep their word, would be accounted to them as sin, missing the mark. And note that sin is always against the LORD. And be sure your sin (chattat/chattath; Lxx = hamartia) will find you out - Not "you might" but "be sure!" And be sure is yada (know; Lxx = ginosko) in the imperative! The idea is "know for certain" or "make no mistake about it!" This phrase assured that the Gadites and Reubenites would not be able to hide their failure to keep their word to go with their brothers into battle. God is omniscient and He sees our every sin against Him and every sin is in fact against Him! Every sin will be brought out into the open! One paraphrases it "your sin will follow you." They might stay on the Eastern side of the Jordan River but God would see it and clearly there would be consequences, because they were sinning against Him. THOUGHT - The punishment for sin will "find" the guilty, if not in this lifetime, then in the next! There is no "free pass" for sin. Either it falls on the sinner or it falls on the sinner's Savior (2 Cor 5:21+, 1 Pe 2:24+, Isa 53:5-6+) Beloved, never sweep sin under the rug, but put it under the blood. "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper (aka "will be found out"), But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." (Pr 28:13+, cf 1 Jn 1:9+). Paul says it this way "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Gal 6:7-8+) Ro 14:10, 12+ But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. ...12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. No sin against God or His Word will remain secret and unpunished. -- Henry Morris THOUGHT - Principles in this passage are important to ponder. There is no such thing as "secret sin." So-called "secret sin" on earth is open scandal in Heaven. The omniscient eyes of Jehovah see every sin we commit, whether of thought, word, or deed. We are deceived when we sin and think we have gotten away with it and/or there will be no consequences. Yes, the blood of Jesus is efficacious to cleanse ALL of our sins in these mortal bodies, but this does not signify that there will be no consequences. The point is God hates sin, whether committed by an unbeliever or a believer. Proverbs 15:3+ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. Hebrews 4:12-13+ For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but ALL things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (or "to give an account" - NIV). See Pastor Chuck Smith's excellent sermon notes on Numbers 32:23: Numbers 32:23 Your Sin Will Find You Out (in your face, conscience, life, death) Numbers 32:23 Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out Numbers 32:23 Discovered! (Three common errors about sin) Numbers 32:23 You Can Be Sure D L Moody - DO you want to know the reason why, every now and then, the church is scandalized by the exposure of some leading church member or Sabbath-school superintendent? It is not his Christianity, but his lack of it. Some secret sin has been eating at the heart of the tree, and in a critical moment it is blown down and its rottenness revealed. Facts of the Matter - What Are You Becoming? " The gods we worship write their names on our faces, be sure of that. And a person will worship something, have no doubt about that either. One may think tribute is paid in secret, in the dark recesses of his or her heart, but it is not. That which dominates imagination and thoughts will determine life and character. Therefore it behooves us to be careful what we are worshipping, for what we are worshipping we are becoming." 89 For a while we may appear to defy gravity by juggling our secret inner imagination and thoughts with our external world of studied conformity to accepted norms. In fact, some of us should get an Oscar for our acting ability! God cautions us however, that sooner or later, the truth will emerge: " You may be sure that your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23) Either: • God will expose our deepest secrets: " What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs." (Luke 12:3) • Or we will come to a point where we will tire of acting. It is then that the true life and character that has dominated our thoughts and imagination will bubble to the surface for all to see. Perhaps that is why some older people are so unpleasant to be around. Having grown weary of acting in an "acceptable" manner, they are now reaping what they have sown these many years by allowing their true inner imagination and thoughts to find expression. " Don' t be under any illusion: You cannot make a fool of God! A man' s harvest in life will depend entirely on what he sows. If he sows for his own lower nature his harvest will be the decay and death of his own nature. If he sows for the Spirit he will reap the harvest of everlasting life by that Spirit." (Galatians 6:7, 8 – Phillips Translation) QUESTION: Just what is it that dominates your imagination and thoughts? Are you pleased with the fact that you are in the process of becoming what you have been thinking and dreaming about? Greg Laurie - NO EXCEPTIONS But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23) I read a newspaper article about a hungry thief who grabbed some sausages in a meat market. What he didn’t realize was that the sausages were part of a 45-foot long string. As he was making his getaway, he tripped over them and couldn’t escape. The police found him collapsed in a tangle of sausages. He was caught in the act. Literally. In the same way, many people today play with sin, thinking they will get away with it. If hey don’t get caught at first, they will go and do it over and over again. Sometimes people misinterpret God’s loving patience and willingness to forgive as leniency. They think God is a soft touch, a pushover. Because they get away with their sin, they think God doesn’t really mind. Then they deceive themselves into thinking God approves of what they’re doing. We must not misinterpret God’s mercy as God’s lenience. The Bible says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Is God cutting you slack right now? By that I mean, if you are committing a sin that has not yet caught up with you, please don’t misperceive that as leniency. Recognize it as mercy. Recognize that, sooner or later, it will catch up with you. The best thing you can do is turn from that sin, run to Jesus, fall down at His feet, and ask for His mercy. But if you continue, you will one day discover that your sin will find you out. The One Who Sees You may be sure that your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 Today's Scripture & Insight: Numbers 32:16–24 “Oh no!” My wife’s voice rang out when she stepped into the kitchen. The moment she did, our ninety-pound Labrador retriever “Max” bolted from the room. Gone was the leg of lamb that had been sitting too close to the edge of the counter. Max had consumed it, leaving only an empty pan. He tried to hide under a bed. But only his head and shoulders fit. His uncovered rump and tail betrayed his whereabouts when I went to track him down. “Oh, Max,” I murmured, “Your ‘sin’ will find you out.” The phrase was borrowed from Moses, when he admonished two tribes of Israel to be obedient to God and keep their promises. He told them: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Sin may feel good for a moment, but it causes the ultimate pain of separation from God. Moses was reminding his people that God misses nothing. As one biblical writer put it, “Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Though seeing all, our holy God lovingly draws us to confess our sin, repent of it (turn from it), and walk rightly with Him (1 John 1:9). May we follow Him in love today. By: James Banks How does the truth that God sees everything we do and still loves us encourage you to turn from sin? In what practical ways can you respond to His love today? Catching Up With Us When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning. —Psalm 32:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 32:1-5 A pastor told this story on himself in his local newspaper. He was chatting with an older man to whom he had just been introduced. “So, you used to work for a utility company,” the pastor said, naming the organization. “Sure did,” the man responded. The pastor remarked that when he was a kid the cables from that company ran across his parents’ property. “Where did you live?” the man asked. When the pastor told him, the man said, “I remember that property. I had a tough time keeping the cable warning signs up. Kids were always shooting them down.” When the pastor’s face flushed with embarrassment, the man said, “You were one of the shooters, weren’t you?” And indeed he was. The pastor labeled his confessional story: Be sure your signs will find you out,” a clever play on Moses’ words in Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Dear Lord, it’s time to come clean with You. I’ve held on to _____________ for too long. Thank You that this sin is under the blood of Christ. Restore me to fellowship with You. Christians can erase from their memory what God has erased from the record. Charles Stanley - Consider the Consequences SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 12:10–18 KEY VERSE: Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. The fundamental law of physics is this: for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. Just as universally applicable is this unchanging spiritual principle: for every sin, there are corresponding, continuing consequences. In other words, we reap what we sow. Sin’s most blinding deception is that we can avoid any ramifications. We think we can get away with immorality, indiscretion, or indecency without paying the consequences. Because our loving God understands the inevitable results of sin, He persistently seeks our holiness. Sin has a price. If you are thinking of violating the law of God, think of these sobering truths: Grace does not cancel sin’s consequences. God will forgive us when we sin. He will still love us and use us, but the damage will not always be erased. A one-night stand can yield a lifetime of regret; a moment of anger can wreak havoc for years. Sin’s consequences affect others as well. Even the next generation can be adversely impacted by our unwise choices. If you are tempted to disobey, consider the consequences. If you have sinned and you are suffering the aftereffects, turn to God with a repentant heart. He will restore you. Dear Lord, keep me from sin and its consequences. Help me understand the ramifications of disobedience. Billy Graham - Head Back Home! You may be sure that your sin will find you out. NUMBERS 32:23 NIV We don’t need the Bible to tell us (as it does) that there can be pleasure in sin. We know this from our own experience. But the Bible also says that sin’s pleasure is only for a season (Hebrews 11:25). Then it’s over, leaving us bitter, and finally destroying us. A day of reckoning always comes. No one has ever committed a sin that he or she did not have to pay for. In Luke 15 we read of a loving father and his son who learned this lesson the hard way. The boy had been reared in a wonderful home, with a father and mother who worshipped God. They loved their children and tried to raise them right. But this young man left home and wasted his inheritance on foolish and sinful living—and he paid the price. Eventually he found himself living in a pigpen and eating with the pigs. That is how low he sank . . . before he headed back home. What sin do you need to leave behind? Repent and return to your Father today. He wants to welcome you home! David Jeremiah - PAYING THE PIPER Be sure your sin will find you out. NUMBERS 32:23 The great news of the Gospel is that we have a forgiving God. When we come to Him, open our hearts, and confess our sins, God does hear us and forgive us. He’s just waiting for us to come and ask Him. God puts confessed sins behind His back as far as the east is from the west. He buries them in the deepest sea. God forgets what He forgives. Yet there’s a postscript: the Lord won’t erase history. Some consequences may be set in motion while we are out of fellowship with God, and we must reap what we sow. Even when we have been restored to fellowship through the forgiveness process, sometimes we have to “pay the piper.” It is impossible to get away with sin. You can’t do it. Numbers 32:23 says it this way: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Just as surely as you can’t get away with sin, you can’t get away from God’s love. No matter how evil your conduct, God loves you. The reason you have that hurt in your heart right now is because you’re God’s, and He doesn’t want you out of fellowship with Him. Henry