Don't Take The Detour

Scripture(s): Numbers 32:1-5
Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had an exceedingly large number of livestock. So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock, the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben came and spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon, the land which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock." They said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not take us across the Jordan."
 
Commentary:
1. It must be confessed that prima facie—at first sight, the thing looked ill, especially the closing words of their petition: Bring us not over Jordan, v. 5 (1.) It seems to proceed from a bad principle, a contempt of the land of promise, which Moses himself was so desirous of a sight of, a distrust too of the power of God to dispossess the Canaanites, as if a lot in a land which they knew, and which was already conquered, was more desirable than a lot in a land they knew not, and which was yet to be conquered: one bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. There seemed also to be covetousness in it; for that which they insisted on was that it was convenient for their cattle. It argued likewise a neglect of their brethren, as if they cared not what became of Israel, while they themselves were well provided for.

(2.) It might have been of bad consequence. The people might have taken improper hints from it, and have suggested that they were few enough, when they had their whole number, to deal with the Canaanites, but how unequal would the match be if they should drop two tribes and a half (above a fifth part of their strength) on this side Jordan. It would likewise be a bad precedent; if they must have the land thus granted them as soon as it was conquered, other tribes might make the same pretensions and claims, and so the regular disposition of the land by lot would be anticipated (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
The sons of Gad and the sons of Rueben had an abundance of livestock. When they saw the land of Gilead, and it was indeed a place suitable for livestock, they requested of Moses to remain in the land and not go forward with the rest of the Israelites over the Jordan. Moses would not grant their requests, because it would discourage their brothers from going over the Jordan, just as it did in the days of their fathers, when their fathers had seen the land from Kadesh-barren. The anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and none of them made it to the promise land, except Joshua, Caleb and their families.

When God makes a promise to us and He begins to fulfill the promise, it is important for us not to become comfortable in our place of growth; just because we feel the pressures of life lifting. God has so much for us, and He does not want us to settle for less, on our way to His best. When we see something that looks good to us, and it is pleasing to our eyes, we should be quick to remember the promise; and don't take the detour that will derail us from our purpose in God. Settling in the place of growth, and not moving forward is easy for us to do, unless we continue to push our ownselves toward the place of destiny; and not be distracted by less than God's best for our lives.

Settling in a place of growth is not where God wants us to be. He wants us to be mature in Him, and not be moved by what we see; but be moved by His Spirit, and His Spirit only. Therefore, let us not settle into the place of growth, but propel ourselves into the place of fulfillment of purpose. Seeing the blessing on the way to the blessing should ignite a passion within us to continue to do what God is birthing within our hearts, and not to become comfortable with the foresight. 

• How will taking a detour from your purpose affect you, or your family?
• Do you want God's best, or do you want your best?
• Is the detour worth your purpose?

Strong's Concordance Definitions: Numbers 32:1

and when they saw: 7200
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

a) (Qal)
1) to see
2) to see, perceive
3) to see, have vision
4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
6) to look at, gaze at
b) (Niphal)
1) to appear, present oneself
2) to be seen
3) to be visible
c) (Pual) to be seen
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to see, show
2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
e) (Hophal)
1) to be caused to see, be shown
2) to be exhibited to
f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
the land: 776
1) land, earth
a) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 32 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 5 Mar 2010.  http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=32&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 32." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 5 Mar 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=779&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_32_1

Higgins, S. (2010). Don't Take The Detour. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com