Numbers 32

Here in this chapter we read a story of compromise. The two and a half tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh wanted to stay on the east side of the Jordan rather than cross to the true Promise Land along with the other tribes of Israel.

Moses reproved them for it and said that their actions would discourage Israel from possessing the Promise Land. But the two and half tribes insisted and assured Moses that they would help the other tribes cross over the Jordan and possess the land but they themselves will return back to that part of the land to be with their wives, little ones, flocks and livestock after the conquest. They saw how good the land was for their livestock and so they decided to stay there.

Moses agreed to compromise and give them consent. This was clearly wrong on Moses' part. God's intention and will was that all the tribes of Israel was to cross over the Jordan and settle in the Promise Land.

The chapter ends with the two and half tribes possessing that part of the Jordan.

The tragedy of such a compromise is seen in the subsequent history of the nation many years later.