“And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.”
Context: The verse is part of the account of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. After the initial battles, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled on the east side of the Jordan River. However, misunderstandings arose when the altar built by these tribes near the Jordan River was misunderstood as an act of rebellion against God. The other tribes gathered to wage war against their brethren, but before any conflict occurred, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas the priest to seek an explanation.
Importance of Communication: This incident highlights the importance of effective communication in resolving conflicts. Rather than immediately assuming the worst and resorting to violence, the other tribes chose to send a delegation to understand the intention behind the altar. It serves as a reminder to us that in our relationships, open and honest communication is vital to avoid misunderstandings and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Unity and Loyalty to God: Phinehas’ statement, “This day we perceive that the LORD is among us,” reflects the recognition of God’s presence and involvement in the situation. It shows the unity and loyalty of the tribes to God, as they were concerned that their brethren had committed a trespass against the Lord. They were zealous for the Lord’s commandments and desired to maintain the purity of worship.
Acknowledging Righteous Actions: Phinehas commended the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh for their fidelity to the Lord by saying, “ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD.” He recognized that they had not turned away from God’s commands and that their action of building the altar was not an act of rebellion but rather a memorial to signify their unity with the other tribes across the Jordan.
Deliverance through Unity: Phinehas also acknowledged that their actions had delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord. By clarifying their intentions, they prevented a potential civil war among the tribes. This incident highlights the importance of unity within the body of believers and how misunderstandings, when addressed with wisdom and humility, can lead to greater deliverance and peace.
Trusting God’s Presence: The resolution of this conflict revealed the faith and trust the tribes had in God’s presence and guidance. They sought His will and submitted to His judgment. This serves as a reminder to us that, in our own lives, when faced with misunderstandings or conflicts, we should trust in God’s presence and seek His wisdom to navigate through difficult situations.
In summary, Joshua 22:31 teaches us the importance of communication, unity, loyalty to God, acknowledging righteous actions, deliverance through unity, and trusting in God’s presence. It serves as a reminder to approach conflicts with humility, seeking understanding and resolution while maintaining faith in God’s guidance and the unity of the body of believers.
