Joshua chapter 22 captures a crucial transition in the history of the Israelites. The major battles are over and the two and a half tribes that chose to live on the other side of the Jordan are allowed to go home. Joshua says, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and have obeyed me in everything I commanded… you have not deserted your brothers… now that the Lord has given your brothers rest as He promised, return home… to the other side of the Jordan“. These tribes have been faithful to God and their brothers, and their obligation is complete. It is interesting that Joshua adds, “Be very careful to keep the commandments and the Law of Moses“. General Joshua understands that temptation often comes when we relax from the spiritual battle. He exhorts them to, “Love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul“. Joshua blessed them and sent them home.
When the tribes of Rueben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh come to Geliloth (near the Jordan, but still on the east side), they, “Build an impressive altar there by the Jordan“. When the rest of the tribes heard of this great altar, “They gathered at Shiloh to go to war with them“. What a strong reaction to an altar built to God! Remember Leviticus 17:8-9 warns there is only one place to offer sacrifice: “Anyone who does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, to offer it to the Lord, that man shall be cut off from among his people“. They sent a group representing each of the ten tribes along with Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest, to inquire before taking action. What an important lesson for us. When we seek clarification and understanding, we can often avoid the misunderstanding that leads to hurt and anger. They confront the tribes with a series of questions. Phinehas expresses concern that they will set up a separate place of worship apart from the rest of the nation. He lovingly offers to allow them to have some of their land in the land of Canaan rather than allow them to separate. He notes that God will judge the whole nation for their rebellion. These brothers come not in self-righteous condemnation, but with a willingness to get involved.
The two and a half tribes explain the purpose of the altar, “We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What have you to do with the Lord God of Israel? You have no share in the Lord.’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord… it is not for our burnt offerings and sacrifices, it is a witness between us and you“. Phinehas and the other leaders were pleased and declared, “Today we know that the Lord is with us, because you have not acted unfaithfully toward the Lord“. As believers in Christ, we know that the one place of worship is the cross of Christ. Each of us must come to that place to receive forgiveness. We also know that we need to be part of a body of believers. According to Hebrews chapter 10, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as we see the Day approaching“. May you experience the unity of God’s Holy Spirit again today.