James Leroy Wilson's one-man magazine.

Monday, June 13, 2022

Staying fully engaged

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 32

The Reubenites and Gadites decide they don't want to enter Canaan but would rather settle east of the Jordan. Moses tells them that they must help their brethren steal Canaan first.

It's unclear to me if the LORD is still hovering over the Israelite encampment, but the Israelites had experienced the LORD's wrath before, so the leaders of Reuben and Gad obey Moses's request.

It turns out, then, that the original purpose of the genocide in Numbers 31 was plunder (and, perhaps, the LORD's wrath on the kings of the region), but wasn't a land-grab. But now we have an ironic twist: the geographic boundaries of the nation of Israel have expanded before it has land to begin with. 

But I think there is a parable here if "Israel" represents the individual self. To "finish the race" (or to steal the land), one must be 100% all-in. If you have twelve parts, two parts can't sit out, even if those parts feel contented with the progress you've already made. One must be totally engaged until the promise is fulfilled. Then, the blessings (or land) will be even greater than originally promised.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily MiraclesThe Daily Bible ChapterJL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)

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