Moses' charge to the Transjordan tribes is a significant event recorded in the Pentateuch, specifically in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. This charge involves the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead, rather than crossing into the Promised Land with the rest of the Israelites.

Context and Background

The context of this event is set during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, after their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. As they approached the Jordan River, the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who had large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a request to settle in these lands rather than crossing the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-5).

Moses' Initial Response

Moses initially responded with concern and rebuke, fearing that their request might discourage the rest of the Israelites from entering the Promised Land, similar to the incident with the spies that led to the Israelites' prolonged wandering (Numbers 32:6-15). He reminded them of the LORD's anger when the previous generation refused to enter the land due to fear and disbelief.

The Agreement

In response to Moses' concerns, the tribes of Reuben and Gad proposed a compromise. They promised to build cities for their families and pens for their livestock in the Transjordan, but they also vowed to lead the Israelites in battle across the Jordan until the land was subdued and every tribe had received its inheritance (Numbers 32:16-19). Moses accepted this proposal, provided they fulfilled their promise to fight alongside their brethren. He charged them before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders of the tribes, ensuring that their commitment was witnessed and binding (Numbers 32:20-24).

Fulfillment and Settlement

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh honored their commitment. They crossed the Jordan with the rest of the Israelites and participated in the conquest of Canaan. After the land was subdued, they returned to their families and possessions in the Transjordan, as recorded in the Book of Joshua (Joshua 22:1-6).

Theological Significance

Moses' charge to the Transjordan tribes highlights themes of unity, responsibility, and faithfulness within the covenant community of Israel. It underscores the importance of collective responsibility and the need for each tribe to support one another in fulfilling God's promises. The event also illustrates the balance between individual desires and communal obligations, as the tribes' request was granted only when they committed to the collective mission of the Israelites.

Scriptural References

· Numbers 32:1-42: The initial request, Moses' response, and the agreement.
· Deuteronomy 3:12-20: Moses recounts the allocation of the Transjordan lands.
· Joshua 22:1-6: The fulfillment of the promise and the return to the Transjordan.

Key Verses

· Numbers 32:20-22: "Moses replied, 'If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of your obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will belong to you as a possession before the LORD.'"

This entry provides a comprehensive overview of Moses' charge to the Transjordan tribes, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and unity in the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.