Living With The Consequences
December 16, 2021
Commentary
In the last half of this chapter Moses reviews the distribution of this conquered land (vv. 12-29). The kingdom of Og was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh which chose to stay on the east side of the Jordan River (vv. 12-13). Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took control of the area of Argob (v. 14), Gilead was given to Makir (v. 15). The Reubenites took charge of the land between Gilead and the Ammonite border (v. 16). The border on the west was from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea (v. 17). The time for the Conquest of Canaan was near (v.v. 18-20).
God reminds Moses of his responsibility to prepare Joshua for leadership. Moses reminds the people that their being comfortably settled in their new homes does not free them from their responsibility of helping other tribes. God had made it clear that Moses would not enter the Promised Land (Num. 20:12). So, God told Moses to commission Joshua as the new leader and encourage him in this new role. He challenges Joshua not to fear and put his trust in God who will fight for him (vv. 21-22).
Moses had been told by God that he would not be allowed to enter the promised land, but he once more asks God if He will please allow him to enter the land (vv. 23-25). God seems to be a bit disturbed over Moses’ pleading and in essence says, “That’s enough, Moses. I don’t want to hear any more about it. (v. 26).” Climb to the top of Mount Pisgah and take a good look because you are not going to cross the Jordan River (v. 27). Joshua will lead Israel across the Jordan and take the land (v. 28). They will stay in the valley at Beth-Peor (v. 29).
Application
Good leaders prepare new people to take over their leadership roles. They do this by providing the training they need and looking for ways to encourage them. I have had a great example of this in Word of Life with Jack Wyrtzen, Harry Bollback, George Theis, Joe Jordan, and Don Lough.
Deuteronomy 3:12– 29 (NET)
12 This is the land we brought under our control at that time: The territory extending from Aroer by the Wadi Arnon and half the Gilead hill country with its cities I gave to the Reubenites and Gadites. 13 The rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to half the tribe of Manasseh. (All the region of Argob, that is, all Bashan, is called the land of Rephaim. 14 Jair, son of Manasseh, took all the Argob region as far as the border with the Geshurites and Maacathites —namely Bashan—and called it by his name, Havvoth Jair, which it retains to this very day.) 15 I gave Gilead to Machir. 16 To the Reubenites and Gadites I allocated the territory extending from Gilead as far as Wadi Arnon (the exact middle of the wadi was a boundary) all the way to the Wadi Jabbok, the Ammonite border. 17 The rift valley and the Jordan River were also a border, from the Sea of Kinnereth to the sea of the rift valley (that is, the Salt Sea), beneath the slopes of Pisgah to the east.
18 At that time I instructed you as follows: “The Lord your God has given you this land for your possession. You warriors are to cross over equipped for battle before your fellow Israelites. 19 But your wives, children, and livestock (of which I know you have many) may remain in the cities I have given you. 20 You must fight until the Lord gives your countrymen victory as he did you and they take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them on the other side of the Jordan River. Then each of you may return to his own territory that I have given you.” 21 I also commanded Joshua at the same time, “You have seen everything the Lord your God did to these two kings; he will do the same to all the kingdoms where you are going. 22 Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God will personally fight for you.”
23 Moreover, at that time I pleaded with the Lord, 24 “O, Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show me your greatness and strength. (What god in heaven or earth can rival your works and mighty deeds?) 25 Let me please cross over to see the good land on the other side of the Jordan River—this good hill country and the Lebanon!” 26 But the Lord was angry at me because of you and would not listen to me. Instead, he said to me, “Enough of that! Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and take a good look to the west, north, south, and east, for you will not be allowed to cross the Jordan. 28 Commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, because he will lead these people over and will enable them to inherit the land you will see.” 29 So we settled down in the valley opposite Beth Peor.