Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory. – Numbers 21:22

Today's Scripture Reading (December 16, 2021): Numbers 21

German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, argued that "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." Nietzsche speaks of the importance of purpose. If we have discovered our purpose, we can survive almost any obstacle because we know where we are going. It is part of the importance of purpose in our lives. Lives driven by purpose are hard to stop, and sometimes those living those lives barely recognize the obstacles placed in their way.

For Israel, the conquest of Canaan had begun, although that was not the purpose. Israel's goal was to get to the Jordan River across from the Canaanite city of Jericho and begin the conquest there. But that was not going to be the reality for Israel.

Moses and the nation's leaders sent a message to Sihon, the King of the Amorites, asking to pass peacefully through the country. The commitment of Israel is that they promise not to leave the King's Highway, a north-south trade route that existed along the eastern coast of the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. They will not eat from any vineyard or field along the way. They will not even drink the water. Everything that the nation needed to survive, they will carry with them. If only Sihon would allow them to pass through the Amorite territory.

Sihon refuses. According to Numbers, "Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. He mustered his entire army and marched out into the wilderness against Israel. When he reached Jahaz, he fought with Israel" (Numbers 21:23). Israel's intention was for a peaceful crossing of Amorite territory, but their purpose was to reach the Promised Land. Sihon believed that he could defeat the Israelites where they stood and became an obstacle to Israel reaching their goal

But Sihon had misunderstood the power of the God of Israel. He might have been able to defeat the physical army of Israel, but he had no chance against the God that they served and the purpose of Israel to reach the land that God had promised to them. And if Sihon wanted to start the battle for the Promised Land early, Israel would join the fight.

Sihon's decision not to allow a peaceful crossing of his territory changed the outcome, but not the purpose of the Israelites. The changed outcome was that Israel would not be isolated on the Jordan River's west side. East of the Jordan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh, would find their home. And when the dust finally settled, it would be Gad who would inhabit the land that had formerly belonged to Sihon. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Numbers 22