Why did the Israelites gather at Shiloh to "go to war against them"? Setting the Scene The two and a half tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—had just returned across the Jordan. Joshua blessed them for faithful service (Joshua 22:1-8) and sent them home laden with spoil. Once back in their own territory, they built a large, imposing altar “by the Jordan, a conspicuous altar in view of the Israelites” (Joshua 22:10). What Triggered the Crisis • Word reached the western tribes that an altar had been erected outside the tabernacle’s location. • God had commanded that all burnt offerings be brought “to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting” (Leviticus 17:8-9), and later centralized worship at the place He would choose (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). • Any rival altar suggested apostasy—exactly what Moses had warned could provoke divine wrath (Deuteronomy 32:16-17). Why They Gathered at Shiloh • Shiloh held the tabernacle, the Ark, and God’s manifest presence (Joshua 18:1). • Gathering there united every tribe under the covenant. • Decisions about covenant faithfulness were to be made before the LORD’s dwelling (Judges 20:1-2). Why They Prepared for War Joshua 22:12: “And when the Israelites heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.” Key motivations: 1. Covenant obedience • Deuteronomy 13:12-15 lays out a duty to investigate and, if necessary, destroy any city turning to idolatry. • Numbers 25 recounts the plague at Peor when Israel tolerated foreign worship—24,000 died. 2. Corporate responsibility • Sin by one group endangered the whole nation (Joshua 7:1-12). 3. Love expressed in discipline • Proverbs 27:5-6 shows that faithful correction may appear harsh yet flows from genuine concern. 4. Preventing God’s judgment • Joshua 22:18 underscores their fear that “this day you are rebelling against the LORD, and tomorrow He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel.” Resolution Before weapons were drawn, a delegation led by Phinehas confronted the eastern tribes (Joshua 22:13-14). Hearing that the altar was “a witness between us and you that the LORD is God” and not for sacrifices (Joshua 22:26-29), the western tribes rejoiced and canceled the war (Joshua 22:30-34). Takeaways for Believers Today • Guard the purity of worship; zeal for God’s commands protects the community (John 4:23-24). • Confrontation, pursued biblically, can rescue brothers from error (Galatians 6:1). • Investigate carefully before judging; listening prevented civil war in Israel (Proverbs 18:13). |
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