Why is maintaining unity among tribes crucial, as seen in Joshua 22:19? Setting the Scene - Israel is now settled in Canaan. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh return east of the Jordan with Joshua’s blessing (Joshua 22:1-9). - On the journey home they build a massive altar beside the river (v.10). - The nine-and-a-half tribes fear this altar signals rebellion against the Lord, so they gather at Shiloh prepared for war (vv.11-12). - Phinehas the priest speaks for them, reminding the eastern tribes of past judgments for unfaithfulness (vv.16-18). - In verse 19 he offers a solution rooted in covenant loyalty: “If indeed the land of your possession is unclean, then cross over to the LORD’s land, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession among us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar besides the altar of the LORD our God.” (Joshua 22:19) What Happened in Joshua 22:19? - The western tribes invite their brothers to relocate rather than create a competing place of worship. - They link personal fidelity to God with corporate unity: rebellion by one group endangers all (cf. Joshua 7:1-12). - They stress the centrality of the tabernacle—worship must remain where God appointed. - By calling the eastern tribes “among us,” they reaffirm shared identity and inheritance. Why Unity Among Tribes Is Crucial • Shared Worship Safeguards Truth - A single altar ensured pure, covenant-approved sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). - Multiple altars could open the door to syncretism and idolatry (1 Kings 12:26-30). • Corporate Responsibility Before God - Sin in one camp brings consequences on the whole nation (Joshua 7:11-12; Numbers 16:22). - Unity keeps Israel collectively under blessing rather than judgment. • Witness to Surrounding Nations - One people, one God, one sanctuary declare the uniqueness of the LORD (Isaiah 43:10-11). - Division blurs that testimony and invites scorn (Ezekiel 36:20-23). • Mutual Protection and Provision - United tribes stand stronger against external threats (Judges 20:11). - They can even offer land and resources—“come live with us if need be” (Joshua 22:19)—to keep each other close to God. • Fulfillment of Covenant Promises - Unity preserves the inheritance allotted by God (Joshua 13–21). - It anticipates the harmony God always intended for His people (Psalm 133:1). Principles for Preserving Unity Today - Guard the purity of doctrine and worship; drift in truth quickly fractures fellowship (1 Timothy 4:16). - Address potential divisions promptly and face-to-face, as the tribes did with Phinehas (Matthew 18:15). - Value corporate holiness; strive “to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3-6). - Remember shared identity in Christ: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13). - Encourage regular gathering around the Lord’s appointed means—Word, prayer, fellowship, and the Supper (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42). Key Takeaways - Unity among God’s people is never optional; it is vital to covenant faithfulness and collective blessing. - Joshua 22:19 shows that maintaining unity may require sacrifice—inviting others into our space, resources, and lives. - True unity centers on God’s revealed worship, shared inheritance, and mutual accountability. - When believers pursue such unity, they fulfill Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). |
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