Numbers 32:5
French (La Bible expliquée)
Et ils ajoutèrent: « Si tu es d'accord avec notre suggestion, Moïse, permets qu'on nous donne en partage cette région; ne nous emmène pas de l'autre côté du Jourdain. » Notre époque n'a pas l'exclusivité de l'individualisme et du chacun pour soi! Deux tribus et la moitié d'une autre (32.33 39-41) ont trouvé à l'est du Jourdain une région accueillante. Elles souhaitent s'y installer, sans plus se soucier du pays promis ni des autres tribus. Ce que conteste violemment Moïse, ce n'est pas le choix d'un territoire non prévu. En effet, il le leur accordera finalement (32.22 31). Le risque est d'affaiblir militairement et moralement le reste du peuple qui se prépare à la conquête. Les v. 7, 14-15 insistent beaucoup sur la solidarité de toutes les tribus. La faute d'une partie du peuple aurait des conséquences dramatiques pour tous. Le repli de certaines tribus sur leurs intérêts propres, qui se répètera plus tard (Jug 5.15 17), pose par-dessus tout un problème d'ordre spirituel. S'arrêter si près du but, c'est faire fi du cadeau de Dieu et rompre son alliance, en répétant les erreurs de la génération antérieure (14.1-3). Moïse oblige les tribus fautives à un travail de mémoire, car ne pas tirer les leçons du passé, c'est s'exposer à le revivre de façon cyclique. Cela est déjà arrivé avec la crise idolâtre du chap. 25, qui rappelle celle du veau d'or, en Exode 32, et se répétera encore au temps des Juges.
What Does This Mean?
In Numbers 32:5, the Reubenites and Gadites are speaking to Moses, asking if they can stay in the land east of the Jordan River instead of crossing over to the Promised Land with the rest of the Israelites. They request to have this land as their possession if Moses finds their request favorable.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your friends have been promised a big, new playground. But then, you see a smaller playground nearby and you ask your parents if you can stay there instead of going to the bigger one. That's like what the Reubenites and Gadites are doing with Moses. They want to stay where they are because they like the land they see.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of Numbers, written by Moses around 1400 BCE. The audience is the Israelites, who are wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The cultural setting is that of nomadic tribes looking for a homeland and facing decisions about their future.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, this verse can be applied to people who are deciding whether to pursue a comfortable but less rewarding situation or to move forward toward a more challenging but potentially more fulfilling opportunity. It reminds us to consider the long-term benefits of our choices.
Topics
choicesobediencepromised landloyaltyland inheritancefaithfulness
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the request of the Reubenites and Gadites?
The Reubenites and Gadites requested to stay in the land east of the Jordan River and not cross over to the Promised Land with the rest of the Israelites.
Why did Moses consider their request?
Moses considered their request because they were asking for a favor based on the goodness of the land they had seen and the suitability for their livestock.
What does this verse teach about decision-making?
This verse teaches that our decisions should be carefully considered and can affect not only ourselves but others as well, such as the Reubenites and Gadites considering their families' futures.
How does this verse relate to the concept of inheritance?
The verse relates to inheritance by showing how the Israelites sought to secure land for their families and descendants, reflecting the broader theme of inheritance in the Bible.