Numbers 32:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After rebuking their ancestors for their disobedience and noting the consequence they faced, as they ‘died in the wilderness’ (Num. 5: 4), never having set eyes on the Promised Land, he continues: (Num. 32: 14-19). It is evident that these individuals, out of love for their livestock and families, refused to cross the Jordan. They chose to forsake battles entirely, unwilling to join others in the glory and hope of future blessings. To them, it appeared best to avoid the Jordan’s waters and remain dry, a metaphor for some who live overwhelmed by present concerns, devoting their hearts to earthly matters, and neglecting what is divine. As it is written, ‘many are called, but few are chosen’ (Matthew 20:16). These individuals may find themselves among the called by faith, yet not among the elect, due to their penchant for pleasure. They remain hesitant even regarding the grace of holy baptism, fearful of the labor required for God’s glory and their own wellbeing, just like the saints, and reluctant to face persecution alongside the faithful, even in favorable circumstances. Now, consider deeply the elegance of what has been revealed.

Palladius: In what manner?

Cyril: Those who displayed apathy toward greater things for the sake of flocks and families—those were Reuben and Gad.

Palladius: And what of their significance?

Cyril: One was Jacob’s firstborn, while the other was born of Zilpah, his maidservant.

Palladius: Indeed.

Cyril: Thus, the firstborn in faith and calling are those who have received from God, to the extent of their capacity, a gracious inheritance, yet they have not shown themselves to be zealous for freedom, hindered instead by their inclinations toward shameful pursuits. We refer to ‘the church of the firstborn’ written in heaven, namely those justified by faith (Hebrews 12:23). Conversely, a lack of desire for liberty is an ally to those who submit themselves to the disgrace of bondage.

Palladius: You have expressed this insight wonderfully.

However, when faith is challenged, they outwardly present themselves as faithful, defending it with both words and actions, all while demanding a heavenly homeland without genuinely cherishing it. This describes the sons of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, who approached Moses, having vast herds and seeing the rich pastures beyond the Jordan. They preferred to dwell there rather than inherit the Promised Land, declaring, "The land which the Lord hath smitten before the congregation of Israel is a land most fit for cattle, but we thy servants have herds, and we pray, If we have found favour in thine eyes, give it unto us thy servants to possess, and make us not cross Jordan." Those with abundant livestock hesitate to cross into the Promised Land, similar to those preoccupied with worldly distractions, which prevents them from longing for their heavenly citizenship.

Despite this, their faith, which they outwardly display, spurs them not to seek ease but instead serves as an example for others, advocating for perseverance in labor and patience. Hence, Moses asked them, "Your brothers will go to war, but will you stay here? Why do you turn away the heart of the children of Israel?" Ashamed to fail in defending their profession of faith, they join the battle—not for their own benefit, but for their neighbors. They assert to Moses, "We will build here sheep-yards, and stalls for the flocks, and fortified cities for our children; we ourselves shall be the first to arm ourselves, and go before the children of Israel." These individuals exhibit swift courage in defending the Promised Land against adversaries but ultimately return to graze their flocks beyond the Jordan. For many, despite remaining faithful, their engagement with temporary concerns mirrors the act of tending flocks outside the Jordan, as they prioritize fleeting desires over the faith they profess. They may don armor and seem valiant when conflicts arise regarding faith, conquering their adversaries through force, yet they lack true affinity for the Promised Land—the fruits of faith. They resist for its sake, yet their affections rest elsewhere: they have families outside the realm of promise, while within it, they find no belonging. Thus, they return to their pastures, descending from lofty spiritual heights as if abandoning the hope of heaven to tend to temporal needs. Their efforts are devoted to satisfying hollow aspirations, and preoccupied with earthly matters, they remain oblivious to the brilliance of eternal light, effectively closing themselves off from the entrance to the divine abode of heavenly illumination.