Parshat Matot-Masei - Priorities
by Rabbi Lobel

For forty years, the Children of Israel wandered south of Egypt, through the Sinai Desert, and then north, approaching the Promised Land from the eastern side of the Jordan River.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad had an abundance of livestock (Numbers 32:1). Concerned they wouldn’t inherit enough land for pasture, the two tribes asked Moses for permission to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan River in the land of Gilead. Moses was worried the other tribes would feel disparaged if Reuben and Gad did not join the war to conquer the land of Israel. (Rashi; Numbers 32:6). Reuben and Gad told Moses, “pens we shall build for our livestock and cities for our children, then we shall arm ourselves in front of our brethren for war... We will not return to our land until our brethren conquer Israel.” (Numbers 32: 16-18)

Moses agreed to Reuben's and Gad's conditions and responded, “Build for yourself cities for your children and pens for your livestock.” (Number 32: 24)

The Medrash Rabba (Bamibar Rabba 22:9) says that Moses specifically reversed the words of Reuben and Gad placing the children before the livestock.

According to the Medrash, the tribes of Reuben and Gad mentioned the livestock first because they were more concerned about their wealth than their children. The Mahrzu, commenting on the Medrash, says that Reuben and Gad did not have Bitachon - trust in G-d - that the Land of Israel would be sufficient to hold all the tribes and still provide enough land for pasture.

The Medrash says Reuben and Gad were more concerned with their livestock than their children. The Mahrzu says they were worried about their livestock because they lacked trust in G-d. Undoubtedly, the two are connected. How, then, does a compromise in Bitachon - trust in G-d - lead a person to think more about his property than his kids?

When an individual lacks trust in G-d, he is forced to rely upon himself or others. Yet, everyday, we are confronted by unexpected circumstances beyond our control and have to meet new challenges. We can become so focused on the tasks at hand that we begin to forget our true priorities. Reuben and Gad became so worried about their livestock, their animals took priority over their children.

When we trust in G-d to provide for our daily needs, we still need to face our everyday challenges but we can do so without losing focus on the truly important things in our lives.