Numbers 26:54-55
To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. Be sure that the land is distributed by lot.
Contentment
When God told Moses to determine the division of each tribe’s portion of the land of Israel, we see that He told him two seemingly contradictory ways of doing so. We read, “To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. Be sure that the land is distributed by lot.” First, God said to divide the land according to the size of each tribe. And then immediately after that, God said to make sure that each portion is determined by lottery. If Moses divided the land into different sized portions according to the size of each tribe, what is the point of the lottery? Wouldn’t this undo all the work of dividing by size? God first wanted each tribe to see that they would be getting a portion of land that suited their size. But God also wanted all the tribes to know that it wasn’t Moses who made the decision about who got which portion. Moses divided the land by the size of the tribes, and then when he cast lots, the result was miraculously exactly what Moses had just determined. It was a lesson in learning contentment. The lottery showed the tribes that God had decided and therefore there was no reason for jealousy or for questioning their portion. Each tribe had exactly the portion that was best for them. Are you content with what you have? Take time today to thank God for what He has given you.
