The Israelites are finally on the brink of actually entering the Promised Land. They are numbered, reminded of the daily sacrifices and feasts, given some final instructions, Joshua is appointed to lead them in battle. Then, a few tribes decide to stay put, and claim the land that was just emptied instead of carrying on to the promised land. Oh sure, they send soldiers, but the reality is that they have sacrificed their inheritance for the immediate opportunity that has presented itself.
The Midianites sinned against the Lord and Israel, God's wrath meant their destruction, the land was open in front of them. It was an open door, an answer to a hope for them, land for their herds and their families. Certain land. But God had so much more planned for them! God had so much more he wanted to give them, and he had TOLD them he would give them. They went for the sure thing rather than God's promise of the future.
How often do we do this? We see something open up, and we take it as an open door even when we know, deep down, that God is asking us to step out in faith and go for the full promise. God wants obedience, and he too will take us all the way to the promised land if we let him.
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