Numbers 32:1-42

It is easy for misunderstandings to happen in our day to day relationship.  Today’s passage has all the makings of a classic misunderstanding that could have provoked a civil war in Israel.  However, because of clear communication on both sides of the issue, everything was cleared up and both sides of the argument went away happy with the outcome.  The key to maintaining right relationships with one another is usually open communication with one another.  There are several “rounds” of communication in this passage and I think that there are several lessons to be learned through this process.

THE TRIBES COMMUNICATE THEIR DESIRE: The tribes of Ruben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh desire to stay on the side of the Jordan River where they are instead of crossing over to the land of Canaan.  Their reason for this is that they have many cattle and the land they were on was good for raising livestock.  While this request seems logical enough, I wonder if this was truly the best choice for them.  It seems that in the future this physical separation between them and their other brothers causes several strains in the relationship.  At any rate, God does seem to permit this even if it was not the best choice for them to make.  We must be careful not to settle for that which is good and therefore losing that which would have been great.  The good thing that I see in this is that they simply did not decide what they were going to do, but rather took their request to Moses and clearly asked for permission to let this land be their inheritance.  We must always be careful not to rationalize and make our own decisions when we are under the authority of others.  We can make requests, but must not assume liberties that have not been given to us.

MOSES COMMUNICATES HIS DISAPPROVAL: Moses hears the request and he does not like it at all.  He assumes that they are planning to just take the land they already have and leave the other tribes to conquer their own lands.  Moses criticizes them for their fear and accuses them of being disobedient and even being a discouragement to the other tribes.  He compares them to the original rebels who refused to cross over the Jordan.  The fact that it appears that many of his assumptions were wrong is interesting to note.  Wrong assumptions are often the source of many of our conflicts.  They key to preventing that from happening is clear communication.  Moses could have gotten all offended by their request and said nothing and then go about criticizing them behind their backs; as so often happens when we avoid confrontation.  However, Moses does the right thing.  He tells the men right up front exactly why he disapproves of their proposal.  He lets them know exactly what his assumptions are.  Many of us do not like confrontation so we avoid it by not communicating when we are offended by someone.  Unfortunately, avoiding confrontation is one of the main reasons for prolonged conflicts in our relationships.  Many people are upset with one another but they really do not know why simply because they have not been faithful to communicate.

THE TRIBES COMMUNICATIE THEIR DEVOTION: The tribes make it very clear that they do plan to go to war with their brothers and will not settle in their homes until all of Israel has been given their inheritance.  They did not take offense at the assumptions Moses made, they simply understood how their request had looked to Moses and made sure that they cleared up their communication.  When misunderstandings take place it is easy for the party that is misunderstood to take offense.  They can become vindictive, proud and critical.  Taking offense during communication is another very easy way to break down relationships.  Fortunately, in this case that does not happen.  Moses and the leaders all come to a reasonable understanding and solution to the point that all sides are happy.  That is usually the outcome when we are faithful to maintain the lines of communication open.