Topical Bible: Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The altar built by the Reubenites and Gadites is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. This altar serves as a testament to the unity and faithfulness of the tribes of Israel, despite geographical separation. The narrative is found in Joshua 22, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh construct an altar by the Jordan River upon returning to their allotted lands east of the Jordan.

Context and Background

After the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, the land was distributed among the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had previously requested and received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as recorded in Numbers 32. Before returning to their lands, these tribes had fulfilled their commitment to assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan.

Construction of the Altar

Upon their return, the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large and imposing altar by the Jordan. This act was initially misunderstood by the other tribes of Israel, who perceived it as a potential act of rebellion against the LORD. The concern was that this altar might serve as a rival to the central altar of the LORD at the Tabernacle, which was located at Shiloh at that time.

Misunderstanding and Resolution

The western tribes, fearing that this altar signified a breach of covenant and could invoke divine wrath upon the entire nation, prepared to go to war against their eastern brethren. However, before taking action, they wisely sent a delegation led by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to investigate the matter. This delegation included ten chiefs, one from each of the western tribes.

Upon meeting with the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, the delegation expressed their concerns. The eastern tribes responded by clarifying their intentions. They explained that the altar was not built for sacrifices or offerings, but as a "witness" between them and the other tribes. It was meant to serve as a reminder for future generations that they too were part of the people of Israel and shared in the worship of the LORD. The altar was named "Witness" to signify this purpose.

Biblical Text

The Reubenites and Gadites explained their intentions in Joshua 22:24-27 : "But in fact we have done this for fear that in the future your descendants might say to ours, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel? For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the LORD. That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Instead, it will be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, so that we may perform the service of the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD.’"

Significance

The resolution of this potential conflict highlights the importance of communication and understanding within the community of God's people. It underscores the unity of the tribes despite physical separation and the shared commitment to the covenant with the LORD. The altar stands as a symbol of faithfulness and a reminder of the unity that transcends geographical boundaries. This event also illustrates the importance of addressing misunderstandings with wisdom and seeking peaceful resolutions in accordance with God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 22:10,34
And when they came to the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... In the IXth century Mesha of Moab does not mention the Reubenites, and speaks of
the Gadites only ... and he built there an altar unto the Lord." To this ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm