What role does the altar play in maintaining unity among the tribes? Setting the Scene Joshua 22 recounts how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned east of the Jordan after helping conquer Canaan. Before crossing, they erected “a large, impressive altar” by the Jordan (v. 10). The western tribes feared it signaled rebellion against the LORD, since sacrifice was authorized only at the tabernacle (Deuteronomy 12:13-14). They gathered for war—unity was at stake. Why an Altar? “Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will reply: Look at the replica of the LORD’s altar that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’” Key motives behind the altar’s construction: • It was a “replica,” not a competing shrine. • It was “not for burnt offerings or sacrifices,” upholding Deuteronomy 12. • It was “a witness” affirming both sides served the same LORD. The Altar as a Visible Witness • Symbol of shared covenant—reminded everyone that all twelve tribes belonged to one people under one God (Exodus 24:3-8). • Boundary marker—situated beside the Jordan, the natural divide, it bridged geographic distance with spiritual unity. • Preventive measure—should suspicion arise later, the altar testified: “We did not break faith” (v. 27). Preserving the Single Place of Worship Scripture insists on one sanctioned altar (Leviticus 17:8-9; Deuteronomy 12:5-14). By labeling theirs a memorial, the eastern tribes affirmed: • No new center of sacrifice was being instituted. • Tabernacle worship at Shiloh remained the only legitimate sacrificial site (Joshua 18:1). • True unity is protected when God’s revealed order is honored. Guarding Future Generations from Division • “Between us and you and the generations after us” (v. 27) highlights a forward-looking strategy. • Children on either side of the Jordan could point to the altar and know they shared the same heritage, forestalling tribal rivalry. • Comparable principle: Joshua 4:6-7—twelve stones from the Jordan served as a memorial “so that all the peoples of the earth may know.” Echoes Across Scripture • Psalm 133:1—“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” • Malachi 2:10—“Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?” • 1 Corinthians 10:17—believers “are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.” • Ephesians 4:3—“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Each passage underscores that genuine unity rests on fidelity to the Lord’s revealed truth, just as the altar witnessed to fidelity at the Jordan. Take-Home Insights • Unity among God’s people must be rooted in shared obedience to His Word. • Visible reminders—whether an altar, stones, or the Lord’s Supper today—reinforce that unity. • Handling misunderstandings quickly and biblically (Joshua 22:15-20) averts unnecessary division. • Future generations need tangible testimonies of faithfulness to keep them connected to the same covenant Lord. The altar by the Jordan, therefore, played a crucial role in maintaining unity: it memorialized shared faith, safeguarded ordained worship, and provided a perpetual witness that the tribes east and west belonged to one God and one covenant family. |
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