The Israelites have not come very far, but they have been a long time in coming to this point. They have camped and decamped at least forty times since they left Egypt. Now they are on the threshold of crossing into the promised land. Their leader all these years will not be able to go with them, but the Lord still has a few things for Moses to complete before he dies. 'The LORD said to Moses, "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people." '- Numbers 31:1-2 NIV The Israelites had already paid for cavorting with the Moabite women when the Midianite woman was put to death. Balaam was mixed up in this as well, so they all had to die. God goes with them into battle and they are successful, although it took a while for them to sort out the issue of the spoils.
They also have to clear up the issue of the boundaries and division of land. God gives Moses instructions for what the boundaries of the promised land will be. The tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh are given permission to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, but God makes it known that his eye will be on them to make sure they help the other tribes conquer the enemies of the land. God issues instructions for cities of refuge where people who innocently kill another Israelites can live without retribution. He also makes it clear that no inheritance can pass from tribe to tribe. There is no detail that He is not concerned with. The eye of God oversees it all.
No comments:
Post a Comment