Today I read Numbers 32 where the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask Moses if they can have their inheritance where they are instead of in the actual land of Israel. They want that land because they have a lot of cattle and that land appears to be good pasture land for cattle. They also covenanted that they would not enjoy their inheritance until the rest of the children of Israel had come into theirs. They covenanted that they would build cities for their children and their cattle but they themselves, the adults, would go and help secure the land of Israel for the rest of the tribes.
Through the scriptures thus far, the Israelites have not been known for their smart choices. They disobey God time and again, although it is mostly the older generation that was over the age of twenty when they left the land of Egypt. This is one of the first times that the Israelites made a very good choice. It is well thought out and despite its initial appearance it is not selfish since they are perfectly willing to help the rest of the Israelites obtain their inheritance before they enjoy theirs. The tribes of Reuben and Gad know the meaning of loyalty. If the rest of the Israelites did this, thought about others before they thought about themselves, they may not have had to wander for forty years. It would be nice if the rest of the world did this too. Until tomorrow.
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