“Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the Lord?”
Context: In this verse, the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are speaking to the tribes of Israel who remained on the western side of the Jordan River. The eastern tribes had just built an altar near the Jordan River, which caused concern among the other tribes, fearing it was an act of rebellion against the Lord.
Historical Background: The reference to the iniquity of Peor in this verse is significant. The incident of Baal-Peor happened during the time of Moses, when the Israelites were on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 25). The Israelites were enticed by the Moabite women to engage in sexual immorality and worship the Moabite gods. As a result, God sent a plague that killed thousands of Israelites. This event was a serious offense against God’s commands and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
Acknowledging Past Sin: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were concerned that the altar built by their brethren near the Jordan River would lead to a repetition of the sin of Baal-Peor. They express their fear that the iniquity of Peor was not adequately dealt with, as they still bear the guilt of that sin, even though there was a plague that resulted from it.
Accountability and Seeking Clarification: The tribes on the western side of the Jordan reacted strongly to the altar built by the eastern tribes, suspecting it to be a replica of the pagan altars associated with Baal worship. Instead of jumping to conclusions or taking rash actions, they chose to approach their brothers in a spirit of accountability and seeking clarification. They wanted to understand the intention behind the altar and ensure that it did not represent a departure from the worship of the Lord.
Lessons for Today:
- The Importance of Addressing Past Sins: The mention of the iniquity of Peor reminds us that sins committed in the past can have lasting consequences. It is crucial to acknowledge and deal with our past sins, seeking God’s forgiveness and working towards reconciliation.
- Communication and Seeking Understanding: The tribes on the western side of the Jordan set an example by seeking clarification and addressing their concerns directly. In our relationships with fellow believers, it is important to communicate openly and seek understanding before making judgments or taking actions based on assumptions.
- Learning from History: The tribes’ reference to the plague resulting from the sin of Baal-Peor serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. We should learn from the mistakes of the past, both individually and collectively, and strive to walk in obedience to God’s commands.
Joshua 22:17 highlights the importance of addressing past sins, fostering open communication, seeking understanding, and learning from historical examples to maintain unity and obedience within the community of believers.
