Numbers 32:6-15 | The Way of Scripture

Numbers 32:6-15

Why does Moses compare the request with the earlier scouts’ report?

Berean Standard Bible

6 But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? 7 Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? 8 This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land. 9 For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. 10 So the anger of the LORD was kindled that day, and He swore an oath, saying, 11 ‘Because they did not follow Me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years of age or older who came out of Egypt will see the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob— 12 not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun—because they did follow the LORD wholeheartedly.’ 13 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil in His sight was gone. 14 Now behold, you, a brood of sinners, have risen up in place of your fathers to further stoke the burning anger of the LORD against Israel. 15 For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.”

What is the context?

Moses asks whether their brothers are to fight while they remain behind. He fears that their request will discourage Israel from entering the land, as the earlier scouts had discouraged the people at Kadesh.

He recalls the judgment on the generation that did not follow the Lord wholeheartedly, with Caleb and Joshua as the named exceptions. The warning concerns the possible effect of the present request on the whole people. Earlier failure is being recalled to prevent its repetition.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes the danger of the tribes’ example influencing others. The comparison explains Moses’ alarm, but it is still part of a conversation that continues. His initial warning should not be read as the final verdict on the agreement subsequently accepted.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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