Why did the Israelites confront the tribes in Joshua 22:15 about their altar? Framing the Moment Joshua 22:10–14 tells us that once the eastern tribes crossed the Jordan and settled, they “built a large, impressive altar by the Jordan.” Word of it reached the rest of Israel at Shiloh, the nation’s central worship site, and the western tribes quickly assembled to go to war if necessary. Verse 15 picks up the story: “Then they went to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and said to them,” (Joshua 22:15). Why the Confrontation Happened • God had commanded one central sanctuary. – Deuteronomy 12:13-14: “Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribes.” – A new altar elsewhere looked like disobedience to that clear command. • Past sins had brought national judgment. – They recall Peor (Numbers 25) and Achan (Joshua 7) in verses 17-20. – Any breach of covenant endangered the whole nation, not just one tribe. • Unity of worship safeguarded unity of the nation. – With the Jordan River now separating these tribes, duplicating the altar threatened to fracture Israel’s identity around the LORD’s presence. • Leadership had pledged to purge idolatry. – Exodus 34:12-14 and Deuteronomy 13 required swift action if idolatry appeared. – By confronting their brothers, they upheld their covenant responsibility. Key Observations from the Passage 1. Swift, collective response: “the whole congregation” gathered (22:12). 2. Peaceful diplomacy first: rather than attack, they sent Phinehas and ten chiefs (22:13-14). 3. Concern was theological, not territorial: their question centers on “unfaithfulness against our God” (22:16). Lessons to Draw • Seriousness about God’s commands: apparent deviations demand careful, loving investigation. • Corporate responsibility: the sin of one group can invite discipline on all (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6). • Balance of zeal and dialogue: they prepared for war yet sought explanation first—a model of truth paired with grace. Summary The western tribes confronted Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh because a second altar looked like rebellion against God’s explicit command for a single sanctuary. Past experiences of judgment, the need to protect covenant fidelity, and the desire to preserve national unity compelled immediate action. |
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