Justin Houtz

Numbers 32, 1 Corinthians 16

DateVersionReading Plan
May 29, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 32

Observation & Interpretation

The people of Reuben and Gad had a very great number of livestock and requested of Moses that they be allowed to settle in Gilead, east of the Jordan River (Num. 32:1-5). However, Moses responded in anger toward the tribes, accusing them of discouraging the tribes as their fathers did before—recounting the consequences of their rebellion—thinking that Reuben and Gad were turning away from following the LORD in not taking the land they were promised (Num. 32:6-15). The people of Reuben and Gad explained that they would build sheepfolds and cities in Gilead but that they would take up arms and help the rest of Israel in taking possession of the land (Num. 32:16-19). Moses told them that they would be allowed to have the land they wanted if they took up arms and helped the rest of Israel but, if they did not, they were to have possessions among the rest of the people in Canaan (Num. 32:20-32). Then is listed what Moses gave the people of Gad, Reuben and half-tribe of Manasseh of the land of they wanted for settling and its cities. The half-tribe of Manasseh “is mentioned as part of the agreement here [in Num. 32:33] for the first time. They apparently asked for the same favor. Half of Manasseh settles in the Transjordan while the other half settles in Canaan proper (see Josh 22:7).”

Application

Moses reaction to Reuben and Gad requesting to settle in Gilead was heated but it was “based on the negative precedent he witnessed before, when 10 of the 12 spies he sent to spy out the land of Canaan gave a bad report, based on fear (chs. 13–14).” He was remembering what had happened previously as a result of disobeying the LORD and confronted Reuben and Gad for what he perceived to be the same rebellion. However, the tribes and Moses were able to work through the conflict, agreeing that they would take up arms with the rest of Israel to fulfill the conquest of the land.

There is much to draw from this on a more personal level in the context of providing feedback and/or counseling to brothers and sisters in Christ on their conduct. When we hear expressed their intentions, we are to process this through the grid of Scripture to evaluate how it reconciles with the truth and commands God has given. When we perceive a direction to be against God’s revealed will, we should be diligent in loving confrontation, directing them toward the path of obedience.

1 Corinthians 16

Observation & Interpretation

In the closing chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he addresses the collection of the saints (”money for needy Jewish Christians in Jerusalem” – ESVSB), his plans for staying with them, instructions on being watchful, standing firm, acting like men, that all was to be done in love, recounting the first converts in Achaia and his final greeting.

Application

Particularly striking of Paul’s exhortation for the brothers in 1 Cor. 16:13 to “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” is how he immediately follows this with v. 14, saying “Let all that you do be done in love.” By this we see that strength and manliness are in no way incompatible with love. The BBC describes that the calling of Godly men is to live in “devotion to God and to others. It will mean a giving of themselves.” Such a man favors not a display of aggression or draconian rule but a strength made manifest through self-sacrifice and a gospel-empowered inclination to consider others above himself.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have a given us Your Word by which we can live aligned to Your will. Father, help me to be firm but gracious in my approach to help my brothers and sisters live in a way that maximizes Your glory and their flourishing. Father, guide me by Your Spirit to be a man in full surrender to You, joyfully willing to lay down my life for others as You did for me in the sacrifice of Your Son.

Resources