Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle." Far be it from us to rebel against the LORDThe eastern tribes solemnly rejected the charge that they had broken covenant with God. Israel’s history had shown that rebellion brought judgment, from the wilderness generation at Kadesh to the sin at Peor and Achan’s trespass. Their answer recognized that loyalty to the LORD was not a tribal preference but the duty of all Israel. Jos 24:16 The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake… and turn away from Him today Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh understood that residence east of the Jordan must not become spiritual separation from the nation or from the God of Israel. Their descendants needed a continuing testimony that they belonged to the people whom the LORD had redeemed and brought into the land. Deu 29:18 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you… by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, Sacrifices belonged at the sanctuary God had appointed, not at privately established shrines. An altar used for sacrificial worship apart from the tabernacle would have rejected God’s order, endangered Israel’s unity, and opened the way for idolatry. Lev 17:8-9 Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel… other than the altar of the LORD our God, The altar at the tabernacle was the authorized place where Israel approached God through sacrifice, priesthood, and atonement. The large altar built beside the Jordan was not intended as a rival altar but as a visible witness that the tribes on both sides of the river worshiped the same LORD. Deu 12:5-6 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God… which stands before His tabernacle.” At this time the tabernacle stood at Shiloh in the land of Ephraim, where the LORD had established the center of Israel’s worship. God’s presence among His people required worship according to His revealed command. The tabernacle and its sacrifices anticipated the true access to God provided through Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among His people and offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. Exo 40:29 He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)These tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River and were returning to their inheritance after helping the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan. 2. Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest He was sent by the Israelites to confront the Eastern tribes about the altar they built, fearing it was an act of rebellion against God. 3. The Altar of Witness The altar built by the Eastern tribes near the Jordan River, intended as a witness between them and the other Israelites that they all serve the same God. 4. The Tabernacle The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the altar of the LORD was located, signifying the proper place for sacrifices and offerings. 5. The Land of Canaan The Promised Land west of the Jordan River, where the majority of the Israelite tribes settled. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe altar was a symbol of unity among the tribes, reminding us of the importance of maintaining unity in our worship practices today. Guarding Against Idolatry The Israelites' concern over the altar reflects the need to guard against idolatry and ensure our worship aligns with God's commands. Zeal for God's Honor Phinehas' involvement shows the importance of being zealous for God's honor and purity in worship, a trait we should emulate. Communication and Understanding The resolution of the conflict through dialogue highlights the importance of communication and understanding in resolving disputes within the faith community. Witness to Future Generations The altar served as a witness to future generations, reminding us of the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the construction of the altar by the Eastern tribes serve as a reminder of the importance of unity in worship among believers today?2. In what ways can we guard against idolatry in our personal and communal worship practices? 3. How can we demonstrate zeal for God's honor in our daily lives, similar to Phinehas' actions? 4. What lessons can we learn from the resolution of the conflict between the tribes about the importance of communication and understanding in the church? 5. How can we ensure that our faith and worship serve as a witness to future generations, as the altar was intended to be for the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 12This chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the place He chooses, which connects to the concern over unauthorized altars. Numbers 25 Phinehas is previously noted for his zeal in maintaining the purity of Israel's worship, which is relevant to his role in addressing the altar issue. 1 Kings 12 The account of Jeroboam setting up unauthorized altars in Bethel and Dan, illustrating the dangers of deviating from God's prescribed worship.
People Achan, Eleazar, Gad, Gadites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Phinehas, Reuben, Reubenites, ZerahPlaces Bashan, Canaan, Gilead, Heshbon, Jordan River, Peor, ShilohTopics FALSE, Altar, Apart, Beasts, Beside, Besides, Build, Building, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings, Cereal, Forbid, Grain, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offerings, Oblation, Offering, Offerings, Present, Rebel, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Stands, Tabernacle, To-day, Turn, TurningDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 22:296718 reconciliation, believers Library Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"Coming down from Syria, it would have been difficult to fix the exact spot where, in the view of the Rabbis, "the land" itself began. The boundary lines, though mentioned in four different documents, are not marked in anything like geographical order, but as ritual questions connected with them came up for theological discussion. For, to the Rabbis the precise limits of Palestine were chiefly interesting so far as they affected the religious obligations or privileges of a district. And in this respect … Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Third Sunday after Epiphany Trials of the Christian And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Joshua Links Joshua 22:29 NIVJoshua 22:29 NLT Joshua 22:29 ESV Joshua 22:29 NASB Joshua 22:29 KJV Joshua 22:29 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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