Numbers 32: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 32 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The children of Reuben and the children of Gad had many livestock. They saw the land of Jazer and Gilead was good for their flocks. They asked Moses to let them stay there instead of crossing the Jordan (vv.

Key verse

“Moses said to them, “If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war, and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before Yahweh, until he has driven out his enemies from before him, and the land is subdued before Yahweh; then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel; and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh.”
Numbers 32:20-22 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 32:1–5 The Request for Land
Numbers 32:6–15 Moses' Concern
Numbers 32:16–24 The Assurance of Support
Numbers 32:25–32 Moses' Conditions
Numbers 32:33–42 The Inheritance Granted

Discussion questions

In v2, who do the children of Reuben and Gad speak to about their request?
What specific land do the children of Reuben and Gad want in v4?
Moses' concern in v6: what potential impact does he fear their decision may have?
In v10, why does Yahweh's anger burn against Israel, according to Moses?
When have you felt a strong desire to stay where you are, like Reuben and Gad in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 32: Numbers 14, Numbers 21, Deuteronomy 3.

Before next time: read Numbers 33.