Joshua 22
Scripture
Joshua 22:30-31
When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation, the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh spoke, it was good in their eyes. And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh, “Today we know that the Lord is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the Lord. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the Lord.””
Observation-What does it say?
The Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh were just released by Joshua to return to their homes, because their mission was completed and they were faithful in it. Joshua blessed them and told them to keep God #1 by obeying, serving and loving Him with their whole heart and soul (vs. 5). On the way home, the two and a half tribes ended up building an altar by the Jordan. When the Israelites got word of the altar, they thought it was an idolatrous altar built to worship other gods. As a result, they planned to make war with them because it was built on the side that belonged to the people of Israel. (vss. 11-12) .
Understanding-What does it mean?
The Israelites were in protection mode and were willing to do whatever was needed to protect their country and keep it protected from impure influences.
Back in Joshua ch. 7, the Israelites had just dealt with the consequences of the sin of one man, Acahan, who had taken some of the Lord's devoted things. If they (the two and a half tribes on the other side of the Jordan), were rebelling against the Lord, the Lord would become angry with the whole community of Israel. (Ch. 22, vs. 16) They were not willing to deal with that again.
They sent a priest and ten chief men to question Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh and found out their motives for building that altar was pure. Their heart's motive for building it was not to worship other gods, but the One true God. Their exchange ended in peace.
Life Application
When we have a misunderstanding with a brother or sister in Christ, we must communicate about it and be slow to speak and quick to listen. We cannot make assumptions.
Imagine if the Israelites and the 2 and a half tribes were both prideful in their assumptions. What if the Israelites chose not to listen to the other side of the story? What if the two and a half tribes got angry for being accused by the Israelites for idolatrous worship (which was a wrongful accusation)? Then the exchange would have resulted in a war and not peace.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”James 1:19-20 ESV“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”Ephesians 4:1-3 ESVDear Lord, I pray that we would strive for humility and peace with our brothers and sisters in You. I pray that we wouldn't make any wrongful assumptions without listening to and understanding their side of the story. Please forgive me when I am not slow to speak and instead quick to respond in anger without hearing the other side of the story, especially with those closest to me. Your Spirit desires unity and peace for all believers. I pray that it would begin with me in my marriage, church family and family relationships. May I also teach humility and peace to my children when they argue and allow pride to get in the way of their relationship with each other. Thank You in advance for Your Spirit's help and guidance in this struggle. Amen.
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-Michelle Gaddi