1 At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh,
2 and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you.
3 You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the Lord your God.
4 And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan.
5 Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.
7 Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given a possession in Bashan, but to the other half Joshua had given a possession beside their brothers in the land west of the Jordan. And when Joshua sent them away to their homes and blessed them,
8 saying, “Return to your tents with much wealth and with very much livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, and iron, and with much clothing. Divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.”
9 So the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned home, parting from the people of Israel at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, their own land of which they had possessed themselves by command of the Lord through Moses.
10 And when they came to the region of the Jordan that is in the land of Canaan, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, an altar of imposing size.
11 And the people of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the people of Israel.”
12 And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them.
13 Then the people of Israel sent to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest,
14 And with him ten chiefs, one from each of the tribal families of Israel, every one of them the head of a family among the clans of Israel.
15 And they came to the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, and they said to them,
16 “Thus says the whole congregation of the Lord, ‘What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the Lord by building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the Lord?
17 Have we not had enough of the sin at Peor from which even yet we have not cleansed ourselves, and for which there came a plague upon the congregation of the Lord,
18 that you too must turn away this day from following the Lord? And if you too rebel against the Lord today then tomorrow he will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel.
19 But now, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over into the land of the Lord’s possession, where the Lord’s tabernacle stands, and take for yourselves a possession among us. Only do not rebel against the Lord or make us as rebels by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the Lord our God.
20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.
21 Then the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel,
22 “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows; and let Israel itself know! If it was in rebellion or in breach of faith against the Lord, do not spare us today”
23 that we have built this altar to turn away from following the Lord. Or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings on it, may the Lord himself take vengeance.
24 No, but we did it from fear that in time to come your children might say to our children, ‘What have you to do with the Lord, the God of Israel?
25 For the Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you, you people of Reuben and people of Gad. You have no portion in the Lord.” So your children might make our children cease to worship the Lord.
26 “Therefore we said, ‘Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice,
27 but to be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we do perform the service of the Lord in his presence with our burnt offerings and sacrifices and peace offerings, so your children will not say to our children in time to come, “You have no portion in the Lord.”
28 “Therefore we said, ‘Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice,
29 “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the Lord and turn away this day from following the Lord by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the Lord our God that stands before his tabernacle!”
30 When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation, the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh spoke, it was good in their eyes.
31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the people of Manasseh, “Today we know that the Lord is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the Lord. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the Lord.”
32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the chiefs, returned from the people of Reuben and the people of Gad in the land of Gilead to the land of Canaan, to the people of Israel, and brought back word to them.
33 And the report was good in the eyes of the people of Israel.
34 The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.”
The True Meaning of Joshua 22
The book of Joshua, written by the prophet Joshua himself, recounts the Israelites’ conquest and settlement of the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. The tribes of Israel navigate the delicate balance between unity and autonomy, resolving a potential conflict in this particular chapter.
The chapter opens with the Israelites returning to their respective territories after the successful military campaigns. However, a troubling situation arises when the tribes east of the Jordan River build an altar, which raises concerns among the other tribes about potential idolatry or division. This incident echoes the tensions described in the book of Judges, where the Israelites struggled to maintain their unity and allegiance to the one true God (Judges 2:11-19). The Israelite leaders, who seek to address this issue before it escalates, demonstrate wisdom and diplomacy as the chapter unfolds. Their response reflects the importance of maintaining the unity of the nation, as commanded by God in Deuteronomy 12:5, “But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there.” The resolution of this conflict foreshadows the ongoing challenges the Israelites will face in preserving their identity and relationship with the Lord as they settle in the land.
Joshua 22:1-6
Joshua, now an aging leader, gathers the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Joshua 22:1-6. These tribes had been given land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, and now Joshua addresses them with commendation. He acknowledges their faithfulness to God and their commitment to aiding their fellow Israelites in conquering the promised land before settling in their own territory. This moment is significant as it marks the conclusion of the military campaign for the Promised Land.
Joshua’s words serve as both praise and a call to action. He reminds them to “observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you” (Joshua 22:5), emphasizing the importance of obeying God’s laws even as they return to their own land. Joshua reinforces the idea of the continuity of God’s covenant with His people and the need for continued obedience by urging them to follow the teachings of Moses.
This passage also underscores the unity of the Israelite tribes. Despite settling in different regions, there is a shared camaraderie and sense of belonging to one nation under God. The unity of the tribes reflects the larger theme of unity in the body of Christ, where different individuals come together as one community under God. This unity is not just about geographical proximity but a spiritual bond that transcends physical boundaries.
Furthermore, this passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands. Throughout the Bible, obedience is a recurring theme that demonstrates God’s desire for His people to trust and follow Him wholeheartedly. Believers today are called to walk in obedience and trust in God’s promises, just as Joshua urged the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to remain faithful to God’s commandments. This story serves as a timeless lesson on the significance of faithfulness and obedience in the Christian walk. This moment in Joshua 22 sets the stage for the subsequent events in the book in the grand narrative of the Bible. It paves the way for the tribes to return to their land east of the Jordan River and marks the beginning of the transition from the era of conquest to settling and inhabiting the Promised Land. The faithfulness and unity displayed by the tribes of Israel here foreshadow the challenges and victories they will face in the chapters to come. It is a reminder that God’s faithfulness and the call to obedience are foundational aspects of the Christian journey, guiding believers through both times of peace and times of struggle.
Joshua 22:7-9
The Israelites are sending the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh back to their lands on the east side of the Jordan River in Joshua 22:7-9. This was after they had helped their fellow Israelite tribes conquer and settle in the Promised Land on the west side of the Jordan. The Israelites commend these tribes for faithfully following the commandments of Moses, the servant of the Lord, and for obeying the leadership of Joshua.
This section showcases the unity and cooperation among the Israelite tribes. Despite residing on opposite sides of the Jordan River, they worked together to fulfill God’s command to conquer Canaan. This unity among the tribes is a significant lesson for believers today, emphasizing the importance of working together despite differences in geography, backgrounds, or circumstances. It underlines the idea that as followers of God, we are all united in our faith and purpose.
Mention of Moses in this passage also reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. Moses, as God’s servant, played a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and guiding them towards the Promised Land. The Israelites were demonstrating the value of adherence to God’s word and leadership by acknowledging the tribes’ obedience to Moses. This theme of obedience to God runs throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament with figures like Moses, to the New Testament with Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of obeying God’s will.
Furthermore, the act of sending the tribes back to their land on the east side of the Jordan River highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises. God fulfilled His promise to provide a homeland for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan, just as He had promised the Israelites the land of Canaan. This fulfillment of promises underscores the faithfulness and reliability of God in keeping His word, a central theme throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God’s promises and have faith that He will always fulfill His word. This passage marks a significant point in the narrative where the conquest of Canaan is coming to a close in the broader context of the book of Joshua. The Israelites had successfully taken possession of the land, and now the time had come for them to settle in and live according to God’s laws and principles. Sending the tribes back to their lands signifies a transition from a period of warfare to one of peace and establishment. This transition is reminiscent of God’s desire for His people to not only conquer territories but also to build communities that honor and serve Him. It emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands not just in times of conflict but also in times of peace and prosperity.
Joshua 22:10-12
The Israelites had finally conquered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua in Joshua 22:10-12, and it was time for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to return to their allotted land on the east side of the Jordan River. These tribes had fulfilled their promise to help the other Israelite tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan before settling in their own inheritance. They built a massive altar by the Jordan River as they came to the region of the Jordan in Canaan. The other tribes of Israel gathered together at Shiloh to go to war against the tribes on the east side of the Jordan, presuming that the building of the altar was an act of rebellion against the Lord.
This event in Joshua 22 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of communication and seeking understanding before jumping to conclusions. The other tribes did not inquire about the purpose of the altar, assuming the worst and preparing for war instead. This lack of communication could have led to unnecessary bloodshed among the various tribes of Israel. However, before engaging in battle, they sent Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to investigate the situation and understand the motives behind the altar.
This incident highlights the significance of unity among God’s people. Even though misunderstandings and disagreements arise, it is crucial for believers to approach such conflicts with a heart of humility, seeking reconciliation and understanding before resorting to conflict. This is in line with the broader biblical teaching on unity and reconciliation. Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”” Similarly, Proverbs 15:1 advises, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Phinehas’ mission to speak with the eastern tribes demonstrates the importance of seeking reconciliation and understanding before acting rashly. The tribes explained that the altar was not for sacrifices but as a reminder and a witness that they too worshipped the Lord, the same God as the other tribes on the west side of the Jordan. Once they understood the motives behind the altar, the situation was diffused, and the potential conflict was averted. This can serve as a lesson for believers today to approach disagreements with grace, seeking to understand the perspectives of others before passing judgment.
Joshua 22:13-20
A significant event unfolds among the tribes of Israel in Joshua 22:13-20, specifically involving the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes had been granted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River as an inheritance, and they were now returning to their families with the blessing of Joshua after the conquest of Canaan. However, upon their return, they built a large altar near the Jordan River, which caused quite a stir among the other tribes of Israel.
The building of this altar led to the other tribes assuming that Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were setting up an alternative place of worship to the Lord, which was strictly prohibited by God. The other tribes gathered together to go to war against these three tribes for what they perceived as a violation of God’s commands. This situation reveals the importance of communication and not jumping to conclusions.
Upon learning about the altar, the tribes of Israel sent Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest to investigate the matter. Phinehas, known for his zeal for the Lord, went with ten chiefs, one from each tribe, to address the issue directly with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This show of unity among the tribes of Israel, coming together to confront a potentially divisive issue, is commendable. It highlights the importance of seeking understanding and resolving conflicts within the community of believers.
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh quickly clarified that the altar they had built was not for offering sacrifices but as a witness between them and the other tribes of Israel. They explained that while they lived on the eastern side of the Jordan River, they were still part of the community of Israel and worshipped the same God. This explanation satisfied Phinehas and the other chiefs, averting a potential disaster of civil war amongst the tribes of Israel.
This event in Joshua highlights the need for open communication, unity among believers, and the dangers of making assumptions without seeking clarification. It also underscores the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord’s commands and being vigilant in upholding the community’s worship practices according to His instructions. This passage serves as a reminder for believers to approach potential conflicts with humility, seeking resolution through dialogue and understanding, rather than resorting to hasty actions that could lead to division and discord among God’s people. This event echoes the theme of unity among God’s people throughout the Bible in a broader context. “Romans 12:18 says, ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.’”” This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and understanding in our relationships with others, especially within the body of Christ. Christians are called to pursue unity and reconciliation with one another, maintaining the bond of peace through the Spirit, just as the tribes of Israel came together to resolve their differences peacefully.
Joshua 22:21-29
The Eastern tribes of Israel return to their land beyond the Jordan River in a significant event found in Joshua 22:21-29. Upon their return, the other tribes send Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, along with ten leaders representing the rest of the tribes, to address the Eastern tribes about the altar they had built. The Western tribes had initially misunderstood the purpose of this altar, thinking that it was for offering sacrifices that were not in accordance with the laws of God.
This section of the verse highlights the importance of communication and unity within the community of believers. The Western tribes could have easily interpreted the building of the altar as an act of rebellion or apostasy, leading to potential division among the Israelites. However, instead of jumping to conclusions, they chose to inquire about the altar, showing a commitment to understanding and resolving any potential issues within the community. This serves as a timeless lesson for believers to seek understanding and clarity before assuming the worst about their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Phinehas, being chosen as the representative of the Western tribes, holds a significant role in this narrative. He was known for his zeal for the Lord, famously stopping a plague by zealously defending the holiness of God when Israel had fallen into sin (Numbers 25). His presence in this delegation not only highlights the importance of involving respected leaders in addressing sensitive matters but also serves as a reminder of the consequences of acting hastily without seeking the truth first.
This event also underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites took their worship of God. The building of an altar was a profound act with deep theological significance in the Old Testament. It was meant for offering sacrifices and seeking God’s presence. Any deviation from the laws of God regarding worship was considered a grave offense. This reveals the Israelites’ commitment to honoring God’s commandments and maintaining the purity of their worship, reminding us today to approach God with reverence and obedience in all our acts of worship. The resolution of this conflict showcases the importance of maintaining unity and peace within the body of believers. The Eastern tribes clarify that the altar was not for sacrifices but as a witness for future generations that they worshipped the same God as the rest of Israel. This clarification not only dispels misunderstandings but also reinforces the bond between the tribes. It serves as a reminder for Christians today to diligently preserve unity within the Church, resolving conflicts with truth, love, and humility, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.
Joshua 22:30-34
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh return to their land east of the Jordan River in a pivotal moment in Joshua 22:30-34. The context of these verses is essential to understanding their significance. Previously, these tribes had fulfilled their promise to help conquer the land west of the Jordan alongside the other Israelite tribes before settling in the land allotted to them on the eastern side of the Jordan River. However, before departing to their land, they built an altar as a memorial near the Jordan River.
When news of this altar reached the other tribes of Israel, they immediately assumed the worst – that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan were turning away from the Lord and setting up a rival altar for sacrifices. Worried that this deviance would bring God’s wrath upon all the tribes of Israel, they gathered to go to war against their brothers. It was only through the intervention of Phinehas the priest and a delegation of princes that war was averted.
This passage provides us with several crucial lessons. Firstly, it demonstrates the danger of jumping to conclusions without seeking clarity. The tribes of Israel were quick to assume the worst about their brethren without investigating the situation further. Proverbs 18:13 warns us, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.” It is vital for us to seek understanding and not rush to judgment based on assumptions.
Secondly, it highlights the importance of communication and reconciliation. Instead of resorting to violence, the tribes of Israel sent a delegation to speak with their brothers on the other side of the Jordan. Through dialogue and explanation, misunderstandings were cleared up, and peace was restored. This reminds us of Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Lastly, this incident emphasizes the unity of God’s people. Despite living on separate sides of the Jordan River, the tribes of Israel were interconnected and responsible for one another. They recognized the need to stand united as one nation under God. This unity among believers is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God’s people are encouraged to love one another, bear each other’s burdens, and work together in harmony (John 17:20-23, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:3). Joshua 22:30-34 serves as a reminder for us to seek understanding before passing judgment, to prioritize communication and reconciliation in the face of conflict, and to uphold the unity of God’s people. These timeless principles are just as relevant today as they were in the time of Joshua, guiding us in our relationships with one another and with God.
After Joshua 22
The Israelites had gathered and listened intently as the leaders of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh explained their actions. They had built an altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between themselves and the other tribes. The Israelites were satisfied with this explanation and blessed them, urging them to remain faithful to the Lord. The reverend knew that the journey ahead would not be an easy one as the men prepared to return to their own lands. The temptations of the world were ever-present, and the people would need to remain vigilant in their devotion to God. The reverend’s heart was heavy, for he knew that the true test of their faith was yet to come.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.