Deuteronomy 3:20

Commentary on Deuteronomy 3:20

Deuteronomy 3:20 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, detailing Moses' instructions to the Transjordanian tribes. This verse highlights the conditions under which the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh could settle in their requested territory east of the Jordan River.

Context

Moses is recounting to the new generation of Israelites the events leading up to their imminent entry into Canaan. Specifically, he reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their agreement to assist the rest of Israel in conquering the land west of the Jordan. They had requested and received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan (Transjordan) after defeating Sihon and Og. However, this privilege came with a crucial condition: they were to lead the charge across the Jordan and fight alongside their brethren until all the other tribes had secured their own inheritance. This command is a reiteration of the covenant made earlier, as recorded in Numbers 32, and would later be confirmed by Joshua in Joshua 1:13-15.

Key Themes

• Corporate Responsibility and Unity: The verse powerfully emphasizes that the welfare and security of one part of Israel were dependent on the active participation and sacrifice of another. No tribe was to seek its own "rest" or possession in isolation; the entire nation had a shared mission. This principle underscores the importance of community and mutual support in God's plan.
• Divine Promise and "Rest": The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is central. It signifies not merely a cessation of travel or war, but secure possession, peace, and stability in the land God promised. The verse states that the Lord Himself would "give rest" to their brethren, indicating that ultimate security and fulfillment come from God's hand. This rest is a key element of the blessings of the Promised Land.
• Patience and Perseverance: The Transjordan tribes were required to postpone their full enjoyment of their own inheritance until their brethren had received theirs. This teaches the virtue of patience and selfless perseverance in fulfilling one's obligations to the wider community before focusing solely on personal gain.
• God's Faithfulness: The repeated phrase "which the LORD your God hath given them" highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people. He is the ultimate giver of the land and the provider of rest.

Linguistic Insight

The term "rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is significant. It denotes a state of settled peace and security, often associated with the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the Promised Land. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, pointing to a spiritual rest that God offers to His people, as discussed in the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 4:9).

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 3:20 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

1. Serve Others First: Before fully enjoying personal blessings, we are called to contribute to the well-being and advancement of the wider community, especially the body of Christ. Our individual "possessions" or talents are to be used for the collective good.
2. Embrace Unity: The passage reminds us that the church is a unified body, and we are responsible for one another. True spiritual progress often requires laying aside individual desires for the sake of corporate mission and mutual support.
3. Trust God's Timing: Just as the Transjordan tribes had to wait for God to give rest to their brethren, we too must trust God's perfect timing for the fulfillment of His promises, both individually and corporately.
4. Commitment to Shared Vision: This verse calls for a commitment to a common vision and purpose within the community of faith, working together to achieve the spiritual "conquest" and see God's kingdom advance.