The Gadites and Reubenites have been accused by Moses of having a lack of commitment to God by requesting to stay in the east of the Jordan and not entering the Promised land (v14-150. They respond though with a promise to cross over the Jordan and fight while leaving their families in fortified cities until all the rest of Israel have their inheritance (v16-19; 25-27; 31-32).

This resolves the problem of them not supporting the rest of God’s people and Moses agrees (v20-24; 28-30; 33-42). We must always consider how our actions impact not just ourselves but the rest of God’s people. Yet there must be a balance at the same time of insuring we provide for our families and that they do not suffer with our involvement with God’s people (see v17).

But one consequence of their action of not fully entering into the Promised Land would be that these tribes would be more vulnerable and in future generations the ones that would first be attacked by invading armies.

When we hold back from full commitment to being part of God’s people it will make us and our families vulnerable too. Take time to pray about your level of commitment to God’s people, are you holding back?