The Reubenites, descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, hold a significant place in the history of Israel. As one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the Reubenites settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This geographical separation from the other tribes of Israel, who settled west of the Jordan, occasionally led to tensions and misunderstandings. One notable event that highlights the unity and faithfulness of the Reubenites is their involvement in building a monument, as recorded in the Book of Joshua.

Context and Background

After the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, had conquered the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned to their allotted territories east of the Jordan River. Before crossing back, they had fulfilled their commitment to assist the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan, as per the agreement made with Moses (Numbers 32:20-22). Their return marked a significant moment of transition and potential division, given the physical separation by the Jordan River.

The Altar of Witness

In Joshua 22, the Reubenites, along with the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, constructed a large altar by the Jordan River. This act was initially misunderstood by the other tribes of Israel, who perceived it as a rebellion against the LORD and a potential breach of the covenant. The western tribes feared that this altar signified a separate place of worship, contrary to the central sanctuary established by God.

The western tribes, led by Phinehas the priest and ten chiefs, confronted the Reubenites and their allies. They expressed their concern that such an altar could lead to idolatry and bring divine wrath upon the entire nation, reminiscent of past transgressions like the sin of Peor (Joshua 22:16-20).

Reubenites' Explanation and Unity

The Reubenites, along with the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, clarified their intentions, emphasizing that the altar was not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Instead, it was a "witness" between them and the other tribes, a tangible reminder that they too were part of the covenant community of Israel. They declared, "Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from following Him this day 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" (Joshua 22:29).

Their explanation satisfied Phinehas and the delegation, who recognized the altar as a symbol of unity rather than division. The altar was named "Witness," for it testified that the LORD is God and that the eastern tribes were committed to the same faith and worship as their brethren west of the Jordan.

Significance

This episode underscores the importance of communication and understanding within the covenant community. The Reubenites' actions, initially perceived as divisive, ultimately reinforced the unity of the tribes of Israel. Their commitment to the LORD and the shared heritage of the Israelites was affirmed through dialogue and mutual respect.

The Reubenites' role in this event serves as a reminder of the potential for misunderstanding within the body of believers and the necessity of addressing concerns with grace and truth. The monument they helped build stands as a testament to their faithfulness and the enduring unity of God's people, despite geographical and cultural differences.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

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Mesha of Moab does not mention the Reubenites, and speaks of ... the feud would be kept
up at other points of ... and then those of Southern Canaan to unite under the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org

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