Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 32:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 32:20 is a key verse in the Book of Numbers that highlights the commitment of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to their fellow Israelites. This verse speaks to the importance of fulfilling promises and honoring commitments for the good of the community. Understanding Numbers 32:20 is essential to grasping the responsibilities we have as believers to support one another and to stay true to our promises, even in the face of personal challenges.
In this article, we will explore the context of the verse, what it means, and how it can be applied in our everyday lives.
The Context of Numbers 32:20 KJV
The Tribes of Reuben and Gad
The story of Numbers 32 begins when the Israelites, after spending many years wandering in the wilderness, are finally on the brink of entering the Promised Land. As they approach the Jordan River, the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of the tribe of Manasseh, see that the land on the east side of the Jordan River is suitable for their livestock. They approach Moses with a request to settle there rather than cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, which God had promised to give to the Israelites.
The land east of the Jordan is fertile and ideal for raising cattle, but Moses is initially concerned that their decision will discourage the other tribes from fighting to take possession of the land God had promised. Moses fears that these tribes will cause the Israelites to repeat the same mistake that led to their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness—a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide.
Moses’ Response and the Promise of Reuben and Gad
Moses is hesitant to allow the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the land they desire. He reminds them of the rebellion that occurred when the people refused to enter the Promised Land years earlier, and how that lack of faith resulted in severe consequences. Moses also worries that if the two tribes remain behind, they may abandon their responsibility to help the other tribes conquer the land.
However, the leaders of the Reubenites and Gadites assure Moses that they will send their fighting men to help the other tribes conquer the land of Canaan. They promise that they will not settle in their new land until all of Israel’s enemies have been defeated and every tribe has received its inheritance in the Promised Land. In Numbers 32:20, Moses gives his approval, and the leaders reaffirm their commitment to follow through with their promise.
Numbers 32:20 (KJV)
“And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war…” — Numbers 32:20, King James Version
This verse is part of Moses’ response to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. It is the beginning of an agreement that they must fulfill. Moses is emphasizing the importance of their commitment to fight for the rest of the Israelites before they are allowed to settle in their desired land.
Numbers 32:20 Meaning
“If ye will do this thing…”
Moses begins his response by acknowledging the proposal of the Reubenites and Gadites. He says, “If ye will do this thing,” referring to their promise to fight alongside the other tribes. This is a conditional statement. Moses is not yet granting their request but is laying out the conditions that must be met for their request to be approved. Moses is testing their commitment to the mission of the whole nation of Israel.
This reminds us that God often asks us to demonstrate our sincerity before He grants us certain blessings or responsibilities. Just as the tribes of Reuben and Gad had to prove their commitment through action, we too are called to follow through on our promises to God and to others.
“If ye will go armed before the LORD to war…”
This part of the verse highlights the requirement that the Reubenites and Gadites must participate in the conquest of Canaan. They are not exempt from the battle. They must send their warriors to fight alongside the other Israelites to ensure that every tribe receives their inheritance in the Promised Land.
The phrase “before the LORD” emphasizes that their actions must be done in obedience to God. Their commitment is not only to Moses but to God’s plan for Israel. The battle is not just a physical struggle; it is a spiritual one as well, as they must fight under the direction of God and for His glory.
This underscores the importance of being obedient to God’s commands. The tribes must fight not for their own benefit but for the good of the entire nation and in fulfillment of God’s will. In the same way, we are called to live in obedience to God’s will, even when it requires personal sacrifice or going through challenging circumstances.
Numbers 32:20 Application in Life
1. Fulfilling Our Commitments
The Reubenites and Gadites demonstrate a powerful example of the importance of fulfilling commitments. They promised to help their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land before returning to their families. Their willingness to follow through on their word reflects the importance of keeping our promises, whether to God or to others.
In our lives, we must be people of integrity who honor our commitments. Jesus taught that our word should be trustworthy in Matthew 5:37, saying, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” It is vital that we follow through on the commitments we make, whether in our relationships, work, or service to others.
2. Putting God’s Work First
The Reubenites and Gadites’ decision to prioritize the needs of the nation over their own comfort is an example for us. They were willing to fight for the greater good before settling into their own land. This teaches us the importance of putting God’s work and His mission first, even when it requires sacrifice.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Just as the tribes had to focus on the greater mission before enjoying the rewards, we are called to prioritize God’s kingdom above our personal desires. Our commitment to God should take precedence in our lives, and we should be willing to serve others as part of our service to Him.
3. Obedience to God’s Commands
Moses’ requirement that the tribes of Reuben and Gad go “armed before the LORD to war” emphasizes the need for obedience to God’s commands. Their battle was not just a military one; it was a spiritual one, done in obedience to God. In our lives, obedience to God’s commands is essential. We are not to act according to our own plans or desires, but in submission to God’s will.
The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey.” Our obedience to God leads to spiritual victory and blessing. Just as the Israelites were called to fight under God’s direction, we too must walk in obedience to God’s guidance in our lives.
4. Sacrificial Service to Others
The promise made by the Reubenites and Gadites is a demonstration of sacrificial service. They were willing to delay their own inheritance and comfort in order to ensure that their fellow Israelites received their promised land. This teaches us the value of sacrificially serving others.
In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Just as the Reubenites and Gadites put the needs of others first, we too are called to sacrifice for the good of others. Whether through our time, resources, or talents, serving others is an essential part of the Christian life.
5. Working Together for a Common Goal
Finally, the commitment of the Reubenites and Gadites to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land reflects the importance of working together as a community. The Israelites had a shared mission, and each tribe had a role to play in achieving it. In the same way, we as believers are part of a larger body—the Church—and we must work together to advance God’s kingdom.
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul explains that the Church is like a body, with each member playing an essential role. We must support one another and work together to accomplish the work that God has called us to. When we unite for a common purpose, we can achieve far more than we could on our own.
Conclusion
Numbers 32:20 teaches us valuable lessons about commitment, obedience, sacrifice, and community. The Reubenites and Gadites made a promise to fight alongside the rest of Israel until every tribe received its inheritance in the Promised Land. Their example calls us to keep our promises, prioritize God’s mission, and serve others sacrificially.
As believers, we are called to follow through on our commitments, put God’s kingdom first, and work together for the good of the Church. When we are obedient to God’s commands, we will experience His blessing and fulfill the purpose He has for our lives.
Let us be inspired by the faithfulness of the Reubenites and Gadites, and seek to live lives that honor God and serve others with the same dedication.
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