“And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?”
This verse is part of a narrative in the book of Joshua that describes an event involving the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. After the conquest of Canaan, these tribes were granted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River. As they returned to their allotted territories, they built a large altar near the Jordan River, which caught the attention of the other Israelite tribes.
The tribes of Israel, gathering at Shiloh, assumed that the tribes on the eastern side had turned away from the Lord God of Israel and were engaging in idolatry by building an altar for sacrifices separate from the Tabernacle. Fearing that this act would bring God’s wrath upon the entire community, they sent Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, along with ten tribal representatives, to inquire about their intentions.
In response to the delegation’s inquiry, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh explained their motivations. They affirmed that the altar they had built was not meant for sacrifices but served as a memorial to signify their unity with the rest of Israel and their connection to the Lord God. They expressed their concern that in the future, their children might question their loyalty to the Lord, so they wanted to ensure that future generations understood their faithfulness.
The verse you mentioned is part of their explanation, stating that they built the altar not out of rebellion or a desire to establish an independent relationship with God, but out of concern for the future faith of their children. They wanted to avoid any potential division or misunderstanding that might arise among the Israelite community.
The event depicted in Joshua 22:24 teaches us several important lessons:
- Unity within the community: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh valued their relationship with the other Israelite tribes. They took proactive measures to maintain unity and prevent future divisions.
- Open communication: Rather than jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, the tribes of Israel sent a delegation to inquire about the intentions behind the altar. This emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and seeking understanding before making judgments.
- Concern for future generations: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had the well-being of their children in mind. They wanted to ensure that their descendants would understand their commitment to the Lord God of Israel. This reminds us of the significance of passing down faith and values to the next generation.
Overall, Joshua 22:24 highlights the importance of maintaining unity, practicing open communication, and being mindful of the impact our actions may have on future generations.
