“And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the events that occurred after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. After the conquest of the land, Joshua divided it among the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh were given their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, which was outside the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Explanation:
In Joshua 22:11, we find that the children of Israel, who were settled in the Promised Land, received news that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh had built an altar near the Jordan River, on the eastern side. This raised concerns among the other tribes because building an altar could potentially lead to idol worship, which was strictly prohibited by God’s commandments (Exodus 20:3-5).
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh built the altar as a witness and memorial to their unity with the other tribes and to symbolize their relationship with God. They wanted to ensure that future generations would recognize their shared faith and commitment to the Lord. However, the Israelites who lived west of the Jordan misunderstood their intention and interpreted it as a rebellious act.
The Reaction and Resolution:
Upon hearing the news, the Israelites gathered at Shiloh, the central place of worship at that time, to prepare for war against the eastern tribes. Phinehas, the priest, and ten tribal leaders were sent to investigate the matter. They questioned the eastern tribes, expressing their concern about the potential violation of God’s commands.
The response of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh clarified their intentions. They explained that the altar was not intended for sacrifices but as a visible reminder of their unity with the rest of Israel and their commitment to worship the one true God. They assured the other tribes that they would continue to offer sacrifices only at the tabernacle in Shiloh.
The Outcome:
Upon hearing their explanation, the leaders of Israel were satisfied and acknowledged that they had misunderstood the situation. They praised God and commended the eastern tribes for their faithfulness and loyalty. The potential conflict was averted, and peace was restored among all the tribes of Israel.
Lessons and Application:
- Misunderstandings can arise due to lack of communication or misinterpretation of actions. It is important to seek clarification and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Building memorials and reminders of our faith can be beneficial, but we must ensure they do not become objects of worship or detract from the true worship of God.
- Unity among God’s people is crucial. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh sought to maintain unity and showed their commitment to the rest of Israel. As believers, we should also strive for unity within the body of Christ.
Overall, Joshua 22:11 teaches us the importance of clear communication, resolving conflicts peacefully, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to God’s commandments and unity among fellow believers.
