Oath Keepers
Joshua 4:12-13
The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh passed over armed before the people of Israel, as Moses had told them. About 40,000 ready for war passed over before the LORD for battle, to the plains of Jericho.
If we hadn’t just made our way through the Pentateuch before arriving at the book of Joshua, I might’ve passed over the names of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh and found nothing especially insightful about their leading this charge, but memory of why they’re out in front provides a deeply encouraging sign of progress in the spiritual fervor of this commonwealth.
Go back in your Bible to Numbers 32 and re-read Moses’ account of events. To summarize, as the pilgrim band made their way through the conquered terrain of Gilead and Jazer, tribal leaders from Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh saw that the region was a perfect habitat for their numerous livestock and pleaded with Moses to allot it as their inheritance. Of course, this was an unorthodox request, since, technically, the land they desired wasn’t part of the Promised Land. So Moses scolded them harshly in verses 6-14 (paraphrased): “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? … And behold, you have risen in your fathers’ place, a brood of sinful men, to increase still more the fierce anger of the LORD against Israel!” But the men assuaged Moses’ fury by making a remarkable vow in verses 16-17 & 23: “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. … We will not return to our homes until each of the people of Israel has gained his inheritance.”
That’s why Joshua 4:12-13 is an enormous deal. Even though Moses is now gone, even though these tribal men have left wives and children on the other side of the Jordan, they’re keeping true to their word. Unlike their faithless fathers, they’re genuine shepherds. They’re real men. They made an oath that they intend to keep even if it cost them their lives.
Friend, never underestimate the power of integrity against the coalitions of darkness. There’s nothing devils fear more than a godly man who gives a good word and keeps it at all costs.