Why did the Israelites question the tribes about "rebelling against the God of Israel"? Background of Joshua 22:16 • After helping conquer Canaan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh began returning to their land east of the Jordan (Joshua 22:1-9). • On the way, they erected a “large, imposing altar” by the Jordan (22:10). • News reached the remaining tribes, who “gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them” (22:12). • A delegation led by Phinehas confronted the eastern tribes, opening with the charge recorded in Joshua 22:16. Concerns That Prompted the Question • Fear of apostasy: “to build for yourselves an altar in rebellion against the LORD this day?” (22:16). • Protection of covenant purity—an unauthorized altar suggested competing worship outside God’s chosen place (cf. Deuteronomy 12:13-14). • Desire to avert divine wrath; they remembered how sin by a few can endanger all. Biblical Precedent for Immediate Confrontation • Peor: “Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against them” (Numbers 25:3). • Achan: “The Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things… so the LORD’s anger burned against Israel” (Joshua 7:1). • Both events taught that idolatry or disobedience by individuals brings judgment on the whole nation. Corporate Responsibility in Covenant Life • God viewed Israel as one body; holiness or sin was shared. • Confrontation, then, was not meddling but loving stewardship—protecting every tribe from collective condemnation (cf. Galatians 6:1 for the same principle in the church). The Seriousness of Unauthorized Altars • Leviticus 17:8-9: offerings made “outside the camp… that man shall be cut off from his people.” • Deuteronomy 12:13-14: sacrifices permitted only “in the place the LORD will choose.” • The western tribes assumed the new altar meant rival worship, threatening obedience to the one true God. Outcome and Resolution • The eastern tribes clarified their intent: the altar was “a witness” (Joshua 22:27)—not for sacrifice but to testify that they, too, belonged to the LORD. • Phinehas rejoiced: “Today we know that the LORD is among us” (22:31). • War was averted; unity and covenant fidelity were preserved. Lessons for Believers Today • Vigilance: spiritual compromise must be addressed quickly, yet fairly (Matthew 18:15). • Investigation before judgment: the delegation listened, avoiding needless conflict (Proverbs 18:13). • Corporate holiness: the faith community thrives when members guard one another from drifting (Hebrews 3:13). In Joshua 22:16 the Israelites questioned their brothers because past experience, divine law, and covenant solidarity convinced them that even the appearance of rebellion could draw God’s judgment on the whole nation. Their prompt, loving confrontation safeguarded the purity and unity of God’s people. |
    |