“And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest.”
Context: In the book of Joshua, the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and conquered the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. After the conquest, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh were granted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region known as Gilead. These tribes requested this land due to its suitability for their livestock.
Now, let’s delve into the key points and themes found in Joshua 22:13:
Unity among the tribes: This verse highlights the unity and cooperation among the different tribes of Israel. Although the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, they were still connected and involved with the other tribes living in the land of Canaan. This unity among the tribes was essential for maintaining a strong and united Israel.
Phinehas the priest: Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, served as the priest representing the people of Israel. In this context, he was sent as a messenger from the children of Israel to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Phinehas had previously demonstrated his zeal for the Lord when he took action against the Israelites who had engaged in idolatry (Numbers 25:6-15). His appointment as a messenger suggests that he was a respected and trusted leader among the Israelites.
Establishing communication: The purpose of sending Phinehas was to establish communication between the tribes on opposite sides of the Jordan River. This suggests that there was a concern or misunderstanding that needed to be addressed. The following verses in Joshua 22 describe how the tribes on the western side of the Jordan mistakenly assumed that the tribes on the eastern side had built an altar for worship, which was against God’s commandment to have only one central place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-14).
Ensuring obedience to God’s commands: The incident described in Joshua 22 highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The tribes on the eastern side of the Jordan built an altar not for idol worship, but as a witness to their connection with the other tribes in Israel and to symbolize their dedication to the Lord. However, the tribes on the western side misunderstood the intention behind the altar and prepared to go to war against their brothers. This situation emphasizes the need for clear communication and adherence to God’s instructions to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:13 demonstrates the unity among the tribes of Israel and the importance of communication and obedience to God’s commands. It reminds us of the significance of clear communication, avoiding misunderstandings, and maintaining unity among God’s people.
