Numbers 31-36

“Do not make us cross the Jordan” (32:5) As the Israelites began to move across Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad considered staying on the east side of the Jordan River, where their flocks and families were happy. But Moses said that to refuse crossing the Jordan with the other tribes would “discourage” them (32:7-9), weakening everyone, just like the original scouts who saw the Canaanites and spread fear. The Reubenites and Gadites changed their minds.

The tribes were called to stand together, not fight alone. “We will not return to our homes until each of the Israelites has received their inheritance” (32:18). Only together, according to Hebrews, will we receive everything that the Lord has promised (Hebrews 11:39-40).