In these verses, Moses was recounting what was described in Numbers 32.
This was when the tribe of Reuben and Gad approached him to request to settle
on the eastern side of Jordan which they had just conquered. At first, Moses
was angry, for he reckoned if what they had requested was granted, it would set
a bad precedent. The other tribes might take their example and not be willing
to go into the promised land and possess it. He thought that they
were unwilling to take part in the conquest of Canaan.
The
two tribes then assured Moses that they would settle their children and women
on this side of Jordan. Then all the valiant men would join hands with the
other nine and a half tribes and help them to possess the land. They promised
to return and unite with their families only after the promised land was taken.
Moses then commanded them to do as they had promised.
Moses
used the word “brothers” to refer to the men of the other tribes. He wanted
them to recognize their kinship with each other. After all, they were all
descendants of Israel, and they must remain united. It was God who had redeemed
them from Egypt and made them His covenant people. Hence, they must recognize
this oneness among them. They must collaborate together until the Lord gave
them the rest that He had promised them.
In
the same breath as he commanded the people, Moses also seized the opportunity
to bring a word of encouragement to Joshua. Together with Caleb, Joshua held to
the belief that with God’s help they could easily possess the promised land.
However, we must not discount the fact that he was exposed to the negative
stunt which his fellow Israelites had adopted. This could bring some level of
trepidation as he thought of taking over the leadership, to lead the people
into Canaan. Hence Moses’ word was appropriate at this point. He said to
Joshua, “Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these
two kings; so the Lord shall do to all the kingdoms into which you
are about to cross. Do not fear them, for the Lord your
God is the one fighting for you.”
In
the encouragement Moses gave to Joshua, we learn what to do to remain steadfast
in God as we face an uncertain future. We must consider past experiences of
what God had done for us during our tough times. They are good assurances that
He can see us through. This would then help us to trust God no matter how
challenging our future may be. No matter how formidable our future may seem,
never forget this one-line “…for the Lord, your God is the one
fighting for you.” When He is for us, nothing should terrify us. So take heart
in Him!
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