Aliya Summary: The tribes of Reuven and Gad owned lots of cattle.
Seeing that the eastern bank of the Jordan -- the lands of Sichon and Og
which they had just conquered -- had abundant pasture, they asked Moshe
if they could remain and settle on the eastern bank. Moshe angrily
responds that they are following in the footsteps of the spies who were
fearful of the Canaanites, did not want to enter the land of Israel, and
discouraged the entire nation from doing so. The Reuvenites and
Gaddites respond that they will leave their cattle and families behind
in fortified cities, and all their men will proceed into Israel with
their brethren and lead them in the conquest of the land. Only after all
the land has been conquered and settled would they return to the other
side of the Jordan.
The actions of these tribes (that
of fighting with their brethren) helped prove to Moshe and everyone that
their intention wasn't to disengage from the people, but merely a
practical solution to having so much cattle. This proved appropriate and
effective, and is an effective method of leading: with action, not
words.
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