Joshua 22:25

For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!' So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD.

Study Bible

For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites.
This phrase highlights the geographical division established by the Jordan River, which served as a natural boundary between the tribes settling on the east and west sides. The Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-5). This decision was made with Moses' approval, provided they assisted in the conquest of Canaan. The Jordan River, therefore, became a significant marker of tribal territories. Theologically, this boundary was seen as divinely ordained, emphasizing God's sovereignty in the allocation of the Promised Land. The division also foreshadows later tensions between the tribes, as seen in this passage, where concerns about unity and shared worship arise.

You have no share in the LORD!’
This statement reflects a deep concern about the potential spiritual and communal separation between the tribes. The fear was that the physical boundary might lead to a spiritual one, where the eastern tribes might be excluded from the central worship practices at the Tabernacle, located in Shiloh at the time (Joshua 18:1). This concern is rooted in the covenantal relationship Israel had with God, where worship and obedience were central. The phrase echoes the importance of unity in worship and the dangers of division, which could lead to idolatry or apostasy, as warned in Deuteronomy 12:5-14. Theologically, it underscores the necessity of communal worship and the shared inheritance of God's promises.

So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD.
This phrase expresses the fear of future generations losing their reverence and obedience to God due to separation. The "fear of the LORD" is a recurring biblical theme, signifying a relationship of reverence, awe, and obedience (Proverbs 1:7). The concern here is that physical separation might lead to a spiritual drift, where the eastern tribes might develop different religious practices or neglect the central worship at the Tabernacle. Historically, this reflects the importance of communal identity and shared religious practices in maintaining covenant faithfulness. The phrase serves as a warning about the potential consequences of division and the importance of teaching future generations to remain faithful to God's covenant, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Reubenites and Gadites
These are two of the tribes of Israel who settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. They are central to the discussion in this passage as they are being addressed by the other tribes of Israel.

2. Jordan River
A significant geographical and symbolic boundary in the account. It represents a division between the tribes on the east and west sides.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, whose commands and promises are central to the identity and unity of the Israelite tribes.

4. The Altar of Witness
Built by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as a witness between them and the other tribes, signifying their shared worship of Yahweh despite the physical separation.

5. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar the priest, who plays a key role in mediating the potential conflict between the tribes by investigating the intentions behind the altar.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
The tribes of Israel, though separated by the Jordan, are called to maintain unity in their worship and fear of the LORD. This teaches us the importance of unity in the body of Christ, despite physical or denominational differences.

The Importance of Intentions
The Reubenites and Gadites built the altar with good intentions as a witness, not for sacrifice. This reminds us to seek understanding and clarity in others' actions before jumping to conclusions.

Fear of the LORD
The concern was that separation might lead to a loss of reverence for God. We must ensure that nothing in our lives causes us or others to lose the fear of the LORD.

Mediation and Reconciliation
Phinehas' role as a mediator highlights the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and understanding in conflicts within the community of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the physical separation of the tribes across the Jordan River relate to challenges we face in maintaining unity within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions and traditions serve as a witness to our faith rather than a stumbling block to others?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking understanding and clarity in others' actions before making judgments in our daily interactions?

4. What are some modern "altars" or practices that might cause division among believers, and how can we address these issues biblically?

5. How can the role of Phinehas as a mediator inform our approach to resolving conflicts within our communities or families?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12
Discusses the centralization of worship and the importance of worshiping Yahweh in the designated place, which is relevant to the concerns about the altar built by the eastern tribes.

Numbers 32
Provides background on the agreement that allowed the Reubenites and Gadites to settle east of the Jordan, highlighting their commitment to still support their fellow Israelites.

Ephesians 2
Speaks to the breaking down of dividing walls, which can be related to the unity sought among the tribes despite geographical separation.