“And ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the book of Joshua, where the Israelites had conquered the land of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. The twelve tribes of Israel were allotted their respective territories within the Promised Land, but before they dispersed, Joshua commanded the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to return to the land east of the Jordan River, where they had received their inheritance.
The context of Joshua 22:18 begins with the return of the tribes to their allotted land. The other tribes, hearing of an altar that the eastern tribes had built near the Jordan River, assembled to go to war against them, assuming it was an act of rebellion against the Lord. However, before engaging in battle, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas the priest and ten tribal leaders to seek an explanation from the eastern tribes.
In response to the concerns raised by the delegation, the eastern tribes clarified their intention. They explained that the altar they had built was not meant for offering sacrifices but as a memorial, a witness between them and the rest of the tribes of Israel, ensuring that they too would be partakers in the worship of the Lord.
Joshua 22:18 is a part of the delegation’s speech, expressing their fear that the construction of this altar would provoke the anger of the Lord toward the whole nation of Israel. They accused the eastern tribes of following in the footsteps of their forefathers who had engaged in sinful behaviour, resulting in God’s wrath being unleashed upon the people. The delegation was concerned that the actions of the eastern tribes would bring about similar consequences.
The verse highlights the importance of unity among the tribes of Israel and their commitment to the worship of the Lord in the prescribed manner. The delegation was worried that any deviation from the established pattern of worship could lead to disastrous consequences for the entire nation. They wanted to ensure that the eastern tribes were not introducing unauthorized practices that might incur God’s anger.
In the subsequent verses, the eastern tribes clarified their intentions, and the potential conflict was resolved amicably. The explanation satisfied the delegation, and they returned to the other tribes with the good news, averting a civil war among the Israelites.
Joshua 22:18 serves as a reminder of the significance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments and the potential consequences of straying from the prescribed path. It encourages believers to exercise caution, ensuring that their actions and practices align with the teachings of Scripture, so as not to incite God’s anger and judgment. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of open communication and seeking understanding before hastily passing judgment or engaging in conflict.
