Study Joshua 22 and the eastern altar, revealing how God's people preserved unity and resolved conflict through communication.
The conquest of Canaan was complete, and the land had been divided among the tribes of Israel. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh had received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. These tribes had faithfully fought alongside their brethren to secure the land west of the Jordan. Now the time had come for them to return to their families and possessions on the eastern side.
Joshua called the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh to Shiloh. He commended them for their faithful service in keeping the commandments of the Lord. He blessed them and sent them away to their inheritance. The eastern tribes departed with great wealth and many possessions. They crossed the Jordan and built a great altar on the western side near the river. This act nearly caused a civil war among the tribes of Israel.
The western tribes prepared for war when they heard about the altar. They sent a delegation of leaders to confront the eastern tribes. The delegation included Phinehas the priest and ten princes from the western tribes. The confrontation threatened to tear the nation apart. The eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for sacrifices but for a witness. The altar was a memorial to future generations that they belonged to the Lord. The explanation preserved unity among the people of God.
The Dismissal of the Eastern Tribes
The Call of Joshua
Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 22:1). The meeting took place at Shiloh where the tabernacle was located. The eastern tribes were gathered to receive their dismissal. Joshua addressed them with words of commendation and blessing.
Joshua spoke to them: Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you (Joshua 22:2). The eastern tribes had been faithful in battle. They had left their families and possessions to fight for their brethren. Their obedience was commendable.
The Commandment to Love the Lord
Joshua gave the eastern tribes a charge: Take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul (Joshua 22:5). The charge was comprehensive and demanding.
The commandment to love the Lord was central to the covenant. Deuteronomy 6:5 records: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. The eastern tribes were called to continue in this love after they returned to their homes.
The Blessing and Dismissal
So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents (Joshua 22:6). The blessing of Joshua carried great weight. The leader of Israel spoke words of favor over the departing tribes. The dismissal was filled with gratitude and blessing.
The text records that they departed with much riches, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment (Joshua 22:8). The wealth of the eastern tribes was a testament to God's provision. They had gained great possessions during the conquest.
The Building of the Altar
The Journey Home
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession (Joshua 22:9). The journey took them from the central meeting place to their homes on the east side.
The eastern tribes crossed the Jordan River. They were returning to the land that Moses had given them. The journey was a transition from warfare to settlement. The tribes were eager to reunite with their families.
The Altar Built
When they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to (Joshua 22:10). The construction of the altar was a significant act. The altar was visible and impressive in size.
The altar was located on the western side of the Jordan. The exact location was in the land of Canaan, near the river crossing. The altar was intended to be a memorial. The eastern tribes built it to preserve unity and identity.
The Construction of the Altar
The construction of the altar followed the pattern of Israel's worship. The altar was made of stones. It was a great altar to see to, meaning it was large and impressive in appearance. The construction showed the commitment of the eastern tribes to their faith.
The altar was not intended for offerings. The eastern tribes later explained that the altar was not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. The altar served a different purpose. It was a witness and a memorial.
The Reaction of the Western Tribes
The Gathering of the Congregation
The children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan (Joshua 22:11). The news spread quickly among the western tribes. The report of the altar caused great concern.
The congregation of the children of Israel gathered together at Shiloh to go up to war against them (Joshua 22:12). The reaction was immediate and severe. The western tribes prepared for civil war. The unity of the nation was threatened.
The Concern About Idolatry
The western tribes were concerned that the eastern tribes had turned away from the Lord. The commandment against idolatry was clear: Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). The altar appeared to be a violation of this commandment.
The law of Moses prohibited any altar other than the one at the tabernacle. The construction of an unauthorized altar could lead to idolatry. The western tribes remembered the sin of Peor and the judgment that followed. They were determined to prevent such sin from happening again.
The Delegation to the Eastern Tribes
The Leaders Sent
The children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and with him ten princes (Joshua 22:13-14). The delegation was led by Phinehas, the priest. The inclusion of Phinehas was significant because he had shown zeal for the Lord (Numbers 25:7-13).
The ten princes represented the ten western tribes. Each prince was from a different tribe. The delegation showed the seriousness of the situation. The leaders were united in their concern.
The Confrontation
The delegation came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them (Joshua 22:15). The confrontation was direct and serious. The western tribes did not hesitate to address the issue.
The delegation spoke: What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel? (Joshua 22:16). The question was pointed and accusing. The eastern tribes were charged with rebellion against God. The accusation was serious and could not be ignored.
The Appeal to History
The delegation appealed to the history of Israel. They reminded the eastern tribes of the sin of Peor. The sin at Peor had brought a plague upon the congregation (Numbers 25). The delegation did not want a similar judgment to fall upon the nation.
The delegation also mentioned the sin of Achan. Achan's sin had caused defeat at Ai (Joshua 7). The delegation was determined to prevent sin from entering the camp. The appeal to history showed the gravity of the situation.
The Response of the Eastern Tribes
The Explanation Given
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel (Joshua 22:21). The response was immediate and respectful. The eastern tribes addressed the delegation with honor.
The eastern tribes declared: The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know (Joshua 22:22). The repetition of the name of God showed their reverence. They affirmed that God knew their hearts and intentions.
The Purpose of the Altar
The eastern tribes explained: We did it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the Lord God of Israel? (Joshua 22:24). The altar was built as a witness. The eastern tribes feared that future generations would be separated from the worship of God.
The altar was a memorial. It testified to the relationship between the eastern and western tribes. The altar would be a sign that the eastern tribes belonged to the Lord. The purpose of the altar was to preserve unity, not to create division.
The Witness Between the Tribes
The eastern tribes said: Let it be a witness between us, that the Lord is God (Joshua 22:34). The altar was not for offerings but for testimony. The witness would remind future generations of their common faith.
The explanation satisfied the western tribes. The delegation understood the true purpose of the altar. The concern about idolatry was addressed. The unity of the nation was preserved.
The Resolution of the Conflict
The Acceptance of the Explanation
The thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle (Joshua 22:33). The resolution brought relief and joy. The western tribes accepted the explanation of the eastern tribes. The threat of civil war was averted.
The children of Israel blessed God. The praise was directed to God for preserving unity. The resolution was seen as an act of divine intervention. The leaders of the delegation reported the good news to the congregation.
The Naming of the Altar
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed (Joshua 22:34). The name Ed means witness. The name reflected the purpose of the altar. The altar was a testimony to the relationship between the tribes.
The name Ed was a reminder to future generations. The altar stood as a witness that the Lord was God. The name preserved the memory of the resolution. The altar served its purpose as a memorial.
Lessons from Joshua 22
The Danger of Misunderstanding
The conflict between the eastern and western tribes arose from misunderstanding. The western tribes assumed the worst about the intentions of the eastern tribes. The assumption nearly led to civil war. The lesson is that miscommunication can lead to serious conflict.
The eastern tribes built the altar with good intentions. The western tribes interpreted the altar as idolatry. The breakdown in communication threatened the unity of the nation. The lesson for believers is the importance of clear communication.
The Value of Confrontation
The western tribes confronted the eastern tribes directly. The delegation was sent to address the issue. The confrontation was conducted in a respectful manner. The leaders were willing to listen to the explanation of the eastern tribes.
The apostle Paul writes: Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another (Romans 14:19). The confrontation was intended to preserve peace and unity. The lesson for believers is the importance of addressing issues directly.
The Importance of Unity
The unity of the nation of Israel was at stake. The conflict threatened to divide the tribes permanently. The leaders were committed to preserving the unity of the people. The resolution of the conflict preserved the nation.
The psalmist writes: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). The unity of God's people is precious. The lesson for believers is the importance of maintaining unity in the body of Christ.
The Witness of the Altar
The altar was built as a witness between the tribes. The witness testified to the common faith of the people. The altar reminded future generations of their relationship to God. The witness served to preserve the unity of the nation.
The apostle Peter writes: Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). The people of God are called to be witnesses to the world. The lesson for believers is the importance of testifying to their faith.
Connections to Scripture
The Law of Moses
The concern of the western tribes was based on the law of Moses. The law prohibited other altars and idols. The law also required that the congregation deal with sin. The reaction of the western tribes was consistent with the law.
The law of Moses also provided for the resolution of disputes. The delegation of leaders was sent to address the issue. The process was consistent with the instructions in the law. The resolution of the conflict demonstrated the wisdom of the law.
The Sin of Peor
The delegation appealed to the sin of Peor. The sin at Peor had brought a plague upon the congregation. The sin involved idolatry and immorality. The memory of the judgment was fresh in the minds of the people.
The sin of Peor was a warning to the people of Israel. The sin had led to the death of twenty-four thousand people. The delegation did not want a similar judgment to fall upon the nation. The appeal to history was effective in communicating the seriousness of the issue.
The Sin of Achan
The delegation also mentioned the sin of Achan. Achan's sin had caused defeat at Ai. The sin involved taking forbidden items. The judgment on Achan had affected the entire congregation.
The sin of Achan was a lesson in corporate responsibility. The sin of one person affected the whole nation. The delegation was determined to prevent such sin from entering the camp. The appeal to history reinforced the seriousness of the issue.
Conclusion
The conflict over the altar built by the eastern tribes was a significant moment in Israel's history. The building of the altar nearly caused a civil war. The western tribes prepared for battle, believing the altar was a sign of idolatry. The delegation led by Phinehas confronted the eastern tribes with their concern. The eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for offerings but for a witness.
The explanation of the eastern tribes preserved the unity of the nation. The western tribes accepted the explanation and blessed God. The altar was called Ed, meaning witness. The resolution of the conflict demonstrated the importance of communication and understanding. The lesson from Joshua 22 is that unity among God's people is precious and must be protected. The altar served as a memorial to the relationship between the tribes.
The account of Joshua 22 teaches believers about the importance of confronting misunderstandings. The western tribes did not ignore the issue but addressed it directly. The eastern tribes did not become defensive but explained their intentions. The willingness to communicate preserved the unity of the nation. The lesson applies to believers today. Misunderstandings must be addressed with humility and a commitment to unity. The witness of the altar reminds believers to testify to their faith and to preserve the unity of the body of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the eastern tribes build an altar near the Jordan River?
The eastern tribes built the altar as a memorial and a witness. They feared that future generations might deny their connection to the Lord. The altar would serve as a testimony that the eastern tribes belonged to God. The altar was not intended for sacrifices or offerings. It was a witness between the tribes that the Lord is God.
2. Why did the western tribes prepare for war when they heard about the altar?
The western tribes were concerned that the eastern tribes had turned to idolatry. The construction of an unauthorized altar appeared to violate the law of Moses. The law prohibited any altar other than the one at the tabernacle. The western tribes remembered the sin of Peor and the judgment that followed. They were determined to prevent similar sin from entering the nation.
3. Who led the delegation to confront the eastern tribes?
The delegation was led by Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest. Phinehas had shown zeal for the Lord at Peor. The delegation also included ten princes, one from each of the western tribes. The composition of the delegation showed the seriousness of the issue. The leaders were united in their concern about the altar.
4. What was the purpose of the altar according to the eastern tribes?
The eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for offerings or sacrifices. The altar was a witness between the tribes. It would serve as a memorial to future generations that the eastern tribes belonged to the Lord. The altar was called Ed, which means witness. The purpose of the altar was to preserve unity and identity.
5. What lessons can believers learn from Joshua 22?
Believers can learn the importance of clear communication and the value of confrontation done in love. The western tribes addressed the issue directly rather than assuming the worst. The eastern tribes explained their intentions without becoming defensive. The resolution preserved the unity of the nation. Believers are called to address misunderstandings with humility and to preserve the unity of the body of Christ.
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