A possession to claim (1–11). Guided by God’s will and fortified by God’s promises, the people marched from victory to victory. Were it not for their unbelief, the former generation could have won the victories in Canaan forty years earlier. The high walls and gates were no problem to God (Num. 13:26–33). He is limited only by our unbelief.
A promise to keep (12–22). The tribes to be settled east of the Jordan had promised to cross the river and help conquer Canaan (Num. 32:16–23). Now that their land was subdued, Reuben and Gad might have settled down and avoided a lot of danger, but they kept their word. God hears our promises and takes them seriously (Num. 30:2; Eccles. 5:1–5).
A penalty to endure (23–29). Because of his pride at Kadesh (Num. 20:1–13), Moses was not allowed to enter Canaan, even though he prayed earnestly for God to relent. He did see the land and give the people a leader to take them into the land. He also visited the land centuries later when Jesus was transfigured (Matt. 17:1–3). Some of the disappointments of life will have their compensations when the glory comes. Be patient!
