What lessons on unity can we learn from Joshua 22:23's context? An Altar on the Riverbank: The Setting of Joshua 22 The Lord had granted Israel rest in the land. With their military duty fulfilled, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned across the Jordan to settle in the east. Before crossing, they built a large altar beside the river. The western tribes saw the structure, assumed it was for unauthorized sacrifices, and prepared to go to war to defend true worship at the central tabernacle. Misunderstanding Breeds Division The western tribes feared apostasy. They remembered the judgment that fell at Peor and at Achan’s sin, and they refused to let compromise spread (Joshua 22:16–20). Scripture commends their zeal for holiness, yet their initial conclusion was based on appearance rather than verified fact. A Humble Defense Anchored in Loyalty A delegation led by Phinehas confronted the eastern tribes. Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh answered: “If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn from following the LORD, or to offer on it burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings, may the LORD Himself require it.” (Joshua 22:23) They explained that the altar was never intended for sacrifices. It was a witness, a memorial ensuring that future generations on both sides of the river remembered they served the same God at the same sanctuary. Their words satisfied the delegation, and conflict was averted. Timeless Lessons for Cultivating Unity • Zeal for purity and compassion for brethren must travel together. • Verification precedes confrontation. The western tribes investigated before taking up arms, obeying the principle in Deuteronomy 13:12–15. • Clear communication preserves fellowship. The eastern tribes articulated motives transparently, dispelling suspicion. • Shared testimony strengthens future unity. The altar of witness functioned like a covenant reminder, proving that visible symbols can reinforce unseen bonds. • Humble willingness to be held accountable safeguards trust. The eastern tribes invited God’s judgment if they had sinned, modeling integrity. • Geographic, cultural, or generational distances need intentional bridges. The Jordan River posed a physical divide; the witness altar bridged it spiritually. • Unity centers on faithful worship of the one true God. Agreement on essential truth forms the foundation for peace. Scriptural Reinforcement from the Rest of the Word • Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony.” • Ephesians 4:3–6 – eagerness to maintain “the unity of the Spirit” around “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” • John 17:21 – Christ prays that His followers “may all be one,” so that the world will believe. • Romans 14:19 – pursue “what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” • 1 Corinthians 12:25 – no division in the body, but members caring equally for one another. Bringing the Lessons Home The historical account stands as a God-given reminder that a divided people can either rush toward conflict or step back, listen, and reaffirm their oneness in the Lord. When zeal for doctrinal purity meets humility, honest dialogue, and shared commitment to God’s revealed will, unity perseveres and the watching world sees a living witness to His faithfulness. |
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