“And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.”
In this verse, we find an account from the book of Joshua, which tells us about an incident involving the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. These tribes had received their allotted inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River but were to return with the rest of Israel to help conquer the Promised Land west of the Jordan.
Context: To better understand the significance of this verse, we need to consider the context. After the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River, they had engaged in a series of battles to conquer the land of Canaan. The land had been divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, with Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh receiving their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan.
Misunderstanding and Potential Conflict: However, as they were preparing to return to their land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh built a large altar on the west side of the Jordan. The other tribes saw this and assumed that they were building an altar for worship other than the one true God. This caused great concern and the potential for conflict within the Israelite community.
Phinehas and the Princes’ Reaction: In this verse, we see the response of Phinehas the priest and the princes of the congregation, along with the heads of the thousands of Israel, upon hearing the explanation from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. When they heard the words spoken by these tribes, it pleased them. The verse does not provide specific details about what was said, but it indicates that the explanation was satisfactory to those who heard it.
Resolution and Unity: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh clarified that they built the altar not for idolatrous worship but as a witness to their shared faith in the Lord God of Israel. They were concerned that in the future, the other tribes would exclude them from worship at the central tabernacle, as they lived on the other side of the Jordan. So, they constructed the altar as a memorial, reminding the future generations of their unity and commitment to the true God.
Avoiding Division: The response of Phinehas, the leaders, and the congregation was crucial in preventing division and conflict among the tribes. They understood the intentions of the tribes and acknowledged their faithfulness to God. This response fostered unity and prevented unnecessary strife within the community.
Lessons to Consider:
- Clear Communication: This incident highlights the importance of clear communication and seeking understanding before jumping to conclusions. Misunderstandings can easily lead to conflict, so it is crucial to listen to others and seek clarification when necessary.
- Unity among Believers: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh demonstrated their commitment to the unity of Israel by explaining their actions. It reminds us of the importance of unity among believers and the need to work towards resolving conflicts peacefully within the community.
- Faithful Worship: The tribes’ intention to maintain their faith in God and ensure their future generations would remember their commitment is commendable. It reminds us of the importance of worshiping the one true God and preserving our faith for future generations.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:30 teaches us the importance of clear communication, unity among believers, and faithful worship. By resolving the misunderstanding and avoiding unnecessary division, the tribes of Israel were able to maintain their unity and focus on their shared goal of possessing the Promised Land.
