How does Joshua 22:17 warn against repeating past sins and unfaithfulness? Setting the Scene After completing their military duties in Canaan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large altar by the Jordan. Fearing apostasy, the western tribes gathered at Shiloh to confront them. Their opening plea is embodied in Joshua 22:17. The Warning in Joshua 22:17 “Was not the iniquity of Peor enough for us, from which even to this day we have not cleansed ourselves, although a plague came upon the congregation of the LORD?” The leaders recall the dire consequences Israel suffered at Peor (Numbers 25). What Peor Teaches • Sin’s stain lingers: “even to this day.” • Idolatry invites swift judgment: 24,000 died (Numbers 25:9). • One group’s rebellion endangers all (Joshua 7:1; 22:18). • Past mercy does not excuse future compromise. • Remembered judgment urges present obedience. Practical Takeaways • Guard against recycled temptations (1 Corinthians 10:11-12). • Treat every deviation from God’s Word as serious (Hebrews 2:1-3). • Acknowledge corporate responsibility within the body (1 Corinthians 5:6). • Maintain quick repentance and confession (1 John 1:9). • Let historical warnings fuel ongoing faithfulness (Romans 15:4). Related Scriptures Numbers 25:1-9; Deuteronomy 4:9; Psalm 78:32-39; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; Hebrews 3:7-19 |
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