11th.: Look Out Not Just for Yourselves
The nation of Israel camped on the east side of the Jordan River.
Very soon, they would cross to possess Palestine.
However, the children of Gad, and the children of Reuben, took a liking to the land on the east banks of the Jordan.
They therefore asked Moses (God's representative),
“Even the country which the Lord smote, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle.
Wherefore, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession,
and bring us not over Jordan.” (Num. 32:2-5).
Moses answered,
“Shall your brethren go to war, and shall you sit here?
Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel, from going over into the land which the Lord has given them?” (Num. 32:6-7).
"And the children of Gad & Reuben said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones.
But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel …,
until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.” (Num. 32:15-18).
Gad & Reuben asked for the land east of the Jordan River.
Moses told them to think not just about themselves,
but to also consider how their request would affect others.
Gad & Reuben accepted Moses’ stipulation, so they received
their request.
Our concerns should not be just for ourselves, but for others as well.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Phili. 2:4)