"God forbid that we should rebel against the Lord, and turn this day from following the Lord, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the Lord our God that is before his tabernacle."
Context:The book of Joshua records the events that took place after Moses’ death, as Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 22, Joshua dismissed the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to return to their allotted land on the east side of the Jordan River.
Unity of Israel:Joshua 22:29 emphasises the unity and loyalty of the Israelites to the Lord. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were accused of building an altar as a replica of the altar of the Lord, which could have been seen as a form of rebellion or idolatry. In response to these accusations, they declared their commitment to following the Lord and affirmed that they had not turned away from Him.
Avoiding Misunderstandings:The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built the altar as a memorial, not for offering sacrifices or worshiping other gods. However, the other tribes misunderstood their intentions, assuming they were creating an alternative place of worship. In response, the tribes clarified their true purpose, expressing their deep devotion to God and their commitment to worshiping Him at the central altar.
Importance of Communication:Joshua 22:29 highlights the importance of clear communication within the community of believers. Misunderstandings and assumptions can lead to division and conflict. By openly explaining their intentions, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh diffused a potentially dangerous situation and maintained the unity of Israel.
Loyalty and Faithfulness:The tribes’ response in Joshua 22:29 reflects their loyalty and faithfulness to the Lord. They were willing to stand up against false accusations and reiterate their commitment to following God’s commandments. Their words demonstrate a deep reverence for God and a desire to avoid any form of rebellion or turning away from Him.
Application:Joshua 22:29 reminds us of the importance of maintaining unity within the body of believers and the need for open and honest communication. It encourages us to clarify misunderstandings, address false accusations, and reaffirm our loyalty and commitment to God. In our interactions with fellow believers, it is crucial to seek understanding, extend grace, and prioritise unity, just as the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh did.
Overall, Joshua 22:29 teaches us the significance of loyalty to God, the importance of clear communication, and the preservation of unity within the community of believers.
