Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock, the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, the country which the LORD defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock." Therefore they said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan." (Numbers 32:1-5; NKJV)
Moses expresses His concern of Reuben and Gad's request in Numbers 32:6-15. He is concerned that they, like the ten spies that brought back a bad report, will discourage their brethren. Reuben and Gad agree to go into the land and fight before they receive the land that they've requested. Moses then utters these words: "But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23; NKJV).
Sin has consequences. If they don't find you out here, they will on the day of judgment. "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11).
Jason Cicero
