Between the conquest of Sihon and Og (Num. 21:21-35) and crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and a portion of Manasseh requested to stay in the land east of the Jordan. The land was suitable for pasturing large herds and and flocks (Num. 32:1).
Moses wasn’t pleased with their request. Moses asked, “Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?” Moses feared the Lord would be angered at their request to not cross over the Jordan River (Num. 32:6-15). The leaders of the tribes promised to fight alongside the rest of Israel during the Canaanite conquest, followed by simply going back to inhabit their desired land (Num. 32:17).
Moses granted their request, but this wouldn’t be their only example of compromise. Once Israel acquired Canaan, these three tribes went back over the Jordan River and built their own altar. Like their previous excuse of staying on the other side of the Jordan River, they justified building a replica of God’s place of worship (Josh. 22:10-34).
Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh’s compromise would prove to be detrimental to their future. The land in which these three tribes inhabited were in close proximity to several of Israel’s adversaries: Moab, Edom, and Ammon. These antagonist’s way of life seemed to always be a thorn in the flesh to Israel (1 Chr. 5:25). As a result of their compromising, the Assyrians eventually took them into captivity (1 Chr. 5:26).
Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled for less when they inhabited the land east of the Jordan River. Their decision made them vulnerable to temptation and attack. Dear reader, whether we concede God’s promises; justify our wrong desires; or compromise biblical truth, we make ourselves vulnerable to temptation, and spiritual attacks.