“And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.”
Context: Before diving into Joshua 22:10, it is essential to understand the context in which this verse appears. The book of Joshua records the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. By this point in the narrative, the land had been divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, and Joshua was about to dismiss the two and a half tribes-Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh-to return to their allotted territories east of the Jordan River.
Building an Altar: In Joshua 22:10, we learn that the children of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan River. Altars held significant religious and spiritual symbolism for the Israelites. They were places of sacrifice and worship, where they would offer burnt offerings and seek God’s presence.
The Purpose of the Altar: Building an altar near the Jordan River raised concerns among the other tribes of Israel. They feared that the altar was a rebellious act, suggesting that Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh were creating an alternative place of worship apart from the tabernacle, which was established at Shiloh.
Misunderstanding and Potential Conflict: The construction of this altar created misunderstanding and the potential for conflict between the tribes. The other tribes viewed it as a violation of God’s command to worship at the central tabernacle, and they were prepared to go to war against their brethren to rectify what they saw as a breach of faith.
Resolving the Conflict: Before resorting to military action, the tribes sent Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, along with ten tribal representatives, to investigate the matter. They went to the region of Gilead, where the altar was built, to confront the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh about their intentions.
Explanation and Resolution: In Joshua 22:11-34, the two and a half tribes explained that they built the altar as a symbol, not for sacrificial worship, but as a reminder to future generations that they were a part of the covenant people of Israel. They wanted to ensure that their descendants would not be cut off from the rest of Israel and that they would share in the inheritance of the Promised Land.
Unity Restored: After hearing their explanation, Phinehas and the tribal representatives were satisfied. They realized that there was no intention of rebellion or idolatrous worship. The tribes’ motives were genuine, and they recognized the importance of maintaining unity among the Israelites. As a result, they returned to the other tribes and reported the matter, resolving the potential conflict.
Key Lessons:
- Unity among God’s people is crucial: The incident surrounding the building of the altar emphasizes the importance of unity among the people of God. Misunderstandings can arise, but it is essential to seek resolution and maintain unity within the body of believers.
- Open communication resolves conflicts: The tribes took the initiative to send representatives to address the issue directly, rather than resorting to hasty actions. This teaches us the importance of open communication and seeking clarification before jumping to conclusions or taking drastic measures.
- Intentions and motives matter: The incident also reminds us to consider the intentions and motives of others before passing judgment. It is crucial to listen and seek understanding before assuming the worst about others.
Overall, Joshua 22:10 highlights the importance of unity, open communication, and understanding within the community of believers, providing valuable lessons that can be applied in various aspects of our lives.
