The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 548

lrnsty in sC'eking nn allotment in CanRl\n, When the bends or this tribe perceived how Fnitnhle were the hills of Gilead for pasturing their extensive flocks, they clamoured at 0nce for this possessi0n, ere yet an inch of IRnd had been gained on tho west or Jordnn. llloses yiPldPd to their request, on condition only that they should g0 over Jordan armro with their brethren, and should fight in the front of battle. '!'his they nobly ,lid, and returned to their families and flocks only when Joshua released them from fmthcr ~en-ice. We see- r. A HAPIT cuo1cE OVERRULED FOR GOOD, There can be little doubt that sclfishncs~ ,,.a~ the originating mot.ive for this choice. The \'l'ell-being of other tribes was not, for 1lw time, weighed. Yet it was a choice beset with perils. The district coveted lay on 1.he borders of the wilderness, and was exposed to raid nud depredation from foes. It is wiser always to look heavenward and to say, "Thou shalt choose om inheritance for us." Yet, 1hough selfishness was for the hour dominant, other and better qunlities dwell in the tribe. As often happens, God allowed their choice, and then led.them throu;::h se'l"erc discipline to enable them to enjoy it. II. THEIR CHOICE WAS PURCHASED BY BARD AND PERILOUS WARFARE, "Ho came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel." To acquire this territory, Moses stated at once the simple condition, viz. 1hat they should fight in the van of Israel's battalions. This condition they accepted, and bravely they acquitted themselves. The event taught them valuable lessons. It taught them that they were an integral part of a great commonwealth, and could not ~eparate themselves, without injury, from it. It taught them to look, not only on their own welfare, but also to consult for the welfare of others. It taught them that rest and quiet possession were more valued after a hard-fought campaign than before. Jll. THEIR CHIVALROUS COlIDUCT DEVELOPED THEm LATENT QUALITIES OF MARTIAL PROWESS. The greatest advantage resulting from their military encounters was the personal strength and heroism which were developed in themselves. They were better, braver, nobler men afterwards than ever before. Now, and not till now, they were qualified to protect their own hills and flocks. This advantaii:e they had not foreseen, yet it was the best and most enduring. Now the men of Gad" dwelt like a lion" in fearless possession; now they were able, when assailed," to tear the arm" of a foe, '' with the crown of the heacl." This heroic quality reappeared, in brighter form, in the person of Elijah, and probably also in the forerunner of our Lord. IV. Tms FEARLESS COURAGE OBTAINS A PR.A.YER FOR STEADY ENLARGEMENT. "Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad." It was a boon to the whole of Israel to have such a martial tribe occupying an outpost in the land. To enlarge and strengthen Gad was to stren,.tben their military defence, was to increase their own safety, was to perpetuate their ~wn peace. So long as the lion-hearted tribe of Gad had a numerous generation, no foe could invade Israel from that side. The very reputation of Gad eastwar,l kept the nationa in salutary awe. The welfare of Gad was the welfare of all.-D. Ver. 22.-Tlie blessing of strength. From the tribe of Dan sprang Samson, whom we may reg,u-d as a typical child of Dan. In all probability the whole tribe was noted fur strong men, and their pride was to cultivate and increase muscular strength. We have here promised- !. Y ouTHFUL STRENGTH. This is confessedly not the highest form of blessing; yet, in some conditions of civic society, it is essential to the preservation of independence, property, and life. 'l'he picture is that of a young lion, II. DESTRUCTIVE STRENGTH. This has its place in God's kingdom. The destructive stren,.th of Samson was an inestimable boon, when the Philistines threatened to over- wbel~ the land. We cannot otherwise regard the prodigious strength of Samson but as God's scourge for the chastisement of gross idolaterf!. Yet, what prodigies of good might Ruch strength accomplish if directed into beneficent channels I III. STRENGTH UNDER THE DIRECTION AND CONTROL OF SAGACITY. "He shall .leap from Bashan." Strength is ofttimes wasted from want of prudence, The strength of Dan was rei;erved for suitable occasions. It displayed itself in forms surprising and unexpected. 'fbe close "icinity of the PhilistiIJes to one part of Dan's allotment nec!s• sitated this training of muscular strength. It is instructive to note wbr.t latent energies there reside in man, which come into vjew only when great occasions require.-D. en. xx:xm, l~':!9.] TI18 BOOK OF DEUTEP.ONUJlY.