They approached him (Moshe) and said, ‘Pens for the flock shall we build here for our livestock, and cities for our small children.” (32:16)
How often it is that we reveal our shortcomings to others, while we ourselves stay blissfully ignorant of our true selves! A slip of the tongue often speaks louder than a blasting loudspeaker.
The tribes of Reuven and Gad were blessed with large flocks. Recognizing that the terrain on the east bank of the Jordan was ideal for cattle grazing, they petitioned Moshe for this to be their share of the Land.
The Midrash says that their request to Moshe betrayed a materialistic orientation. In the order of their priorities ‘pens for the flock’ preceded ‘cities for our small children.’ Moshe, in his response, subtly corrected their priorities; “Build for yourselves cities for your small children and pens for your flocks...” (32:24)
It seems that Moshe’s subtle rebuke had its effect, for they replied, “Our small
