Why did the Israelites react to the altar built by the eastern tribes? Setting the Scene in Joshua 22 • After years of conquest, Joshua blesses the two-and-a-half tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—to return east of the Jordan (Joshua 22:1-9). • On their way home they stop “at Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan” and build “a large, imposing altar” (Joshua 22:10). Initial Shock: Why the Altar Caused Alarm • “The Israelites heard that the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar on the frontier of Canaan… and the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them” (Joshua 22:11-12). • Three core concerns stirred the western tribes: – Perceived violation of God’s command that sacrifices be offered only at the tabernacle (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). – Fear that rebellion by a few would bring corporate judgment on the whole nation, as with Achan (Joshua 7:1-12). – Memories of the plague at Peor when Israel “yoked themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against them” (Numbers 25:3). God’s Clear Commands on Central Worship • Leviticus 17:8-9—no animal was to be sacrificed outside the LORD’s dwelling place lest the person “be cut off.” • Deuteronomy 12:13-14—Israel must not offer burnt offerings “in just any place,” but only “at the place the LORD will choose.” • The altar at Shiloh stood as the authorized focal point; any rival structure appeared to threaten obedience to God’s explicit Word. Shared Historical Memories of Rebellion and Judgment • At Peor, idolatry invited a deadly plague—24,000 died (Numbers 25:9). • At Jericho, Achan’s hidden sin led to defeat and divine wrath upon the entire camp (Joshua 7). • These national memories made Israel hypersensitive to anything that even resembled covenant disloyalty. Communication Before Conflict • Instead of rushing into battle, Israel sends Phinehas the priest and ten tribal chiefs (Joshua 22:13-14). • They state their charge plainly: “How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this?” (Joshua 22:16). • The eastern tribes respond that the altar is “not for burnt offering or sacrifice,” but “a witness between us and you and between the generations after us” (Joshua 22:26-27). • They feared future exclusion from worship at Shiloh because of the Jordan barrier, so they erected a replica as a perpetual reminder that they share the same covenant (Joshua 22:24-25, 27, 34). Resolution and Praise • Phinehas declares, “Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this unfaithfulness” (Joshua 22:31). • The matter ends in peace; the altar is named “Witness,” confirming its purpose (Joshua 22:34). Key Takeaways • Zeal for God’s Word requires vigilance; Israel’s swift reaction showed serious commitment to obey Scripture. • Discernment and dialogue prevented civil war—truth and love worked together (Ephesians 4:15). • Even well-intentioned actions can be misunderstood; clear explanation fosters unity (Proverbs 15:1). • God honors a people who value covenant faithfulness enough to confront sin yet rejoice when obedience is confirmed (Psalm 133:1). |
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