“Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.”
Context: To understand the significance of Joshua 22:28, it is important to consider the context in which it is found. The book of Joshua describes the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. In this particular chapter, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had completed their duty of helping their fellow Israelites conquer the land. Now they were returning to their allotted lands on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
The altar on the Jordan: Prior to their departure, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh decided to build an altar near the Jordan River. The other tribes heard about it and assumed that this altar was intended for idolatrous worship, which was strictly forbidden by God’s law. This led to a potential conflict and a misunderstanding between the tribes.
Clarification of intention: In response to the misunderstanding, the leaders of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh explained that the altar they built was not meant for burnt offerings or sacrifices. They clarified that the purpose of the altar was to serve as a witness between them and the rest of the Israelites. It was a symbolic representation of their unity and shared heritage with the other tribes.
Preserving unity: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh recognized the importance of maintaining unity among the Israelites. They did not want future generations to be divided by misunderstandings or misconceptions. By building the altar, they were taking proactive measures to ensure that their motives were clear. They wanted to leave a tangible testimony that would prevent division and maintain harmony among the Israelite tribes.
Lessons for believers today: Joshua 22:28 teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us of the significance of open communication and clarifying misunderstandings within the body of Christ. Misinterpretations can lead to unnecessary conflicts, and it is essential to address them promptly and honestly.
Second, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh understood the importance of preserving unity within the community of believers. Unity is a valuable aspect of our Christian witness and testimony to the world. Like the altar, our actions should reflect our commitment to the shared faith and heritage we have as followers of Christ.
Finally, this passage encourages us to be proactive in building bridges and promoting understanding among believers. The tribes took the initiative to build the altar as a visible symbol of their intentions, ensuring that future generations would understand their motives. Similarly, we should actively seek ways to promote unity, clarity, and understanding among fellow believers.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:28 highlights the importance of open communication, preserving unity, and taking proactive steps to prevent misunderstandings within the community of believers. It serves as a reminder for us to be diligent in our efforts to foster harmony and maintain a strong witness for Christ.
