“And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying,”
Context: To better understand Joshua 22:15, it is important to provide some context. The verse is part of the account of the Israelites’ conquest and division of the Promised Land. After Moses’ death, Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, being primarily livestock herders, requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River instead of the western side with the other tribes. Joshua granted their request on the condition that they would assist their fellow Israelites in conquering the land before settling down (Joshua 1:12-18).
Explanation:
In Joshua 22:15, the representatives of the remaining tribes of Israel, having completed the conquest of the land under Joshua’s leadership, come to the children of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The purpose of their visit is not explicitly stated in this verse, but it becomes clear in the subsequent verses.
Joshua 22:16-20 reveals that the representatives were concerned about a large altar the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had built on their side of the Jordan River. The other tribes perceived it as a sign of rebellion against God, reminiscent of the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the danger of falling into idolatry. They were worried that such an altar would lead to the wrath of God falling on the entire community of Israel.
Joshua 22:21-29 explains that the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh constructed the altar, not for idolatrous purposes, but as a memorial and witness between themselves and the rest of the tribes. They intended to ensure that future generations would remember their shared heritage and that the tribes on both sides of the Jordan would worship the Lord together.
Joshua 22:30-34 describes how Phinehas the priest and ten tribal leaders were sent to investigate the matter. When they learned the true purpose of the altar, they returned to the Israelites and shared the good news, putting to rest the fears of potential idolatry.
Lessons from Joshua 22:15:
- Communication and understanding: Joshua 22:15 demonstrates the importance of open communication and seeking understanding in times of potential conflict or misunderstanding. Rather than jumping to conclusions, it is crucial to approach others with humility and a willingness to listen.
- Unity and shared purpose: The incident surrounding the construction of the altar highlights the significance of maintaining unity among God’s people. Despite their geographic separation, the tribes on both sides of the Jordan recognized their shared heritage and the need to worship the Lord together.
- Avoiding assumptions: The initial concern of the other tribes regarding the altar emphasizes the dangers of making assumptions without seeking clarification. It is important to approach situations with wisdom, discernment, and a willingness to investigate matters thoroughly before passing judgment.
Overall, Joshua 22:15 reminds us of the importance of unity, effective communication, and avoiding hasty judgments. By embracing these principles, we can foster stronger relationships within the body of Christ and maintain peace and harmony even in the face of potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
