“And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them.”
Context: To better understand Joshua 22:12, it is important to consider the surrounding verses and the broader context of the passage. In Joshua 22, the Israelites had just completed the conquest of the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh were granted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, and they had fulfilled their commitment to assist their fellow Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. Now, they were returning to their allotted territories.
Exegesis:
In Joshua 22:12, we find that news reached the rest of the Israelite tribes about an altar built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh near the Jordan River. This news caused great concern among the other tribes, as they perceived it as a violation of God’s commandment to worship Him in the designated place of worship, which was the tabernacle at Shiloh.
The building of an altar by the eastern tribes seemed to imply a separation from the rest of the congregation, potentially leading to division among the tribes of Israel. As a result, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh with the intention to go up to war against the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
The purpose behind this gathering was to seek clarification and to confront the eastern tribes regarding the alleged violation. The rest of the Israelites were concerned about the potential consequences of this action and wanted to ensure the purity of worship and the unity of the nation.
Application: Joshua 22:12 teaches us several valuable lessons:
- Unity and Communication: The incident highlights the importance of open communication and unity within the community of believers. Instead of jumping to conclusions or harboring misunderstandings, it is vital to address concerns directly and seek clarification before taking drastic actions.
- Addressing Concerns: Rather than allowing assumptions to fester, the tribes of Israel took the initiative to gather together and confront the eastern tribes. This teaches us the importance of addressing concerns in a respectful and loving manner, seeking to understand the intentions and motivations of others before making judgments.
- Preserving Worship and Unity: The tribes of Israel were zealous in upholding the proper worship of God. While their initial response was to go up to war, their concern ultimately stemmed from the desire to preserve the integrity of worship and maintain the unity of the nation. It reminds us to be diligent in safeguarding the purity of our worship and to prioritize unity among believers.
- Seeking God’s Guidance: Throughout the account, we see the Israelites seeking guidance from God and acting in accordance with His will. This reminds us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all matters, allowing Him to direct our steps and resolve conflicts.
In summary, Joshua 22:12 serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, open communication, addressing concerns, preserving worship, and seeking God’s guidance in times of potential division.
