“And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.”
Context: To fully understand Joshua 22:34, it is essential to examine the broader context. The book of Joshua documents the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they engaged in battles to possess the land assigned to each of the twelve tribes. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, had already received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River (Numbers 32:1-33). Joshua 22 recounts an incident where these tribes built an altar near the western side of the Jordan, which initially raised concerns among the other tribes.
Explanation:
The construction of the altar: The children of Reuben and Gad, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, built an altar on the western side of the Jordan River. They constructed it as a replica of the altar in the tabernacle, but it was not intended for sacrifice or worship (Joshua 22:10-11). Instead, they built it as a memorial, a symbolic representation of their unity with the rest of the tribes and their dedication to the Lord.
The purpose of the altar: The purpose of the altar was to serve as a witness, reminding future generations that the children of Reuben and Gad were part of the covenant community and acknowledging the Lord as the one true God. It was important to clarify that the altar was not meant for offering sacrifices or for establishing a separate place of worship, which would have been contrary to God’s commandment.
Unity and avoiding division: The construction of this altar initially caused confusion and concern among the other tribes. They perceived it as a potential act of rebellion or an attempt to establish an unauthorized place of worship. Fearing that it would lead to division and a departure from the Lord’s commandments, they assembled for war against their brothers (Joshua 22:12-20).
Resolution and affirmation of unity: Before going to war, Phinehas the priest and a delegation from the remaining tribes confronted the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. In their response, the eastern tribes explained the purpose of the altar and their commitment to remaining faithful to the Lord (Joshua 22:21-29). The leaders of the tribes acknowledged the explanation and praised God, avoiding unnecessary conflict and solidifying their unity as one people of Israel.
Lessons and Applications:
- Miscommunication and potential conflicts: The incident surrounding the construction of the altar teaches us the importance of effective communication within the community of believers. Misunderstandings can arise, leading to unnecessary divisions and conflicts. It is crucial to address concerns and seek clarity before jumping to conclusions or taking hasty actions.
- Witness to future generations: The altar built by the children of Reuben and Gad serves as a reminder that our actions can have a lasting impact on future generations. It is essential to leave behind a legacy that testifies to our faithfulness and commitment to the Lord. Our choices and symbols can serve as witnesses of our devotion to God and unity with fellow believers.
- Unity in the body of Christ: The resolution of the conflict demonstrates the value of unity within the community of believers. Even when faced with potential disagreements or misunderstandings, it is crucial to pursue unity, peace, and reconciliation. We should strive to understand one another and seek solutions that honor God and strengthen our bond as brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Faithfulness to God’s commands: The construction of the altar was a reminder to the Israelites of the importance of obeying God’s commands. The children of Reuben and Gad demonstrated their commitment to following the Lord and not deviating from His instructions. Likewise, as believers, we should remain steadfast in our devotion to God’s Word and be obedient to His commands.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:34 highlights the significance of effective communication, unity, and faithfulness to God’s commands within the community of believers. The altar built by the children of Reuben and Gad served as a witness to future generations, reminding them of the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord and fostering unity among God’s people.
