What other biblical examples show the dangers of disunity among God's people? The Jordan Crossings: A Snapshot of Tribal Pride “The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim…” (Judges 12:5) • One people, one covenant, yet swords are raised against each other. • Forty-two thousand Ephraimites die (v. 6). • Disunity drains strength that should have been aimed at Canaanite enemies. Wilderness Rebels: Korah’s Unholy Coalition “The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households...” (Numbers 16:32) • Levites rebel against Moses and Aaron—fellow servants, not outsiders. • 250 leaders perish by fire; 14,700 more die in the ensuing plague. • Lesson: rejecting God-ordained leadership fractures the camp and invites judgment. Brother against Brother: The Gibeah Civil War “The men of Israel turned again against the Benjamites and cut down 25,000...” (Judges 20:45-46) • A single tribe defends sin; the rest of Israel reacts with extreme force. • Almost wipes Benjamin off the map—only 600 men survive. • Moral outrage loses balance when unity in holiness is already gone. A Father’s Tears: Absalom’s Revolt “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!” (2 Samuel 18:33) • National unity splinters when David’s own son steals hearts at the city gate. • Civil war costs 20,000 lives in one forest battle (18:7). • Even victorious saints can be left mourning when family loyalty turns lethal. One Kingdom Becomes Two: Rehoboam’s Folly “When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king, ‘What portion do we have in David?’ ” (1 Kings 12:16) • Ten tribes break away, creating Israel and Judah. • Centuries of internecine conflict follow, culminating in twin exiles. • Disunity opens the door to idolatry, foreign alliances, and ultimate downfall. Fractured Fellowship in Corinth “I appeal to you... that there be no divisions among you...” (1 Corinthians 1:10) • Paul names party spirit—“I follow Paul… Apollos… Cephas” (v. 12). • Spiritual infancy and fleshly jealousy stunt growth (3:1-3). • Warning: “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him” (3:17). When Co-Workers Collide: Paul and Barnabas “There arose such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” (Acts 15:39) • Two veterans separate over John Mark. • Ministry continues, but a dynamic team is lost for years. • Even godly leaders must guard their unity for the gospel’s sake. Biting and Devouring: New-Testament Alerts • Galatians 5:15—“If you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” • Philippians 4:2—Euodia and Syntyche urged to “agree in the Lord.” • Hebrews 12:15—A “root of bitterness” defiles many. Key Takeaways for Today • Disunity among God’s people invites divine discipline, weakens witness, and drains resources meant for kingdom advance. • Pride, unresolved offense, and doctrinal jealousy are common triggers—then and now. • Guarding unity is an act of obedience that preserves life, testimony, and mission. |
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