Joshua 22 (4)

Read Joshua 22.21-29.

Reflect.
1.  What kind of fear is a good reason for taking some action? How should we nurture that fear instead of the fear of people?

2.  Does it seem to you that the tribes on the east side of the Jordan River and those on the west trusted one another?

Think about it.
You’d think that, after many long days and even years of fighting side by side, the tribes of Israel would be bonded to one another in love and trust. They were not. In the matter of this “great, and impressive” altar, the tribes on the west imposed false and unbelieving motives on the tribes east of the Jordan River, while those tribes fully expected to be disowned by their brethren before long. Out of sight, out of mind.

There is no evidence that Joshua or the ten tribes indicated a desire to be rid of the two-and-a-half tribes. But the latter were convinced that was likely to happen, and they would be left out of the promises of God. They did not intend to sacrifice any offerings on this altar (v. 27 refers to their making offerings at Shiloh, on the altar there; cf. v. 28). They simply intended it as a witness, a reminder to themselves and the tribes across the Jordan River that the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were partners with all Israel in God’s covenant and worship.

Was this a good idea? To what does it actually bear witness, if not to a lack of trust and fear of rejection?

Israel may be in the process of settling the land, but there doesn’t seem to be much glue – whether social or spiritual – binding them together as one people. From the beginning of their occupying the land, they are suspicious of one another, fearful of others’ designs, and looking out for their own interests in the Name of the Lord.

The children of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh explained the altar of witness to everyone’s satisfaction, as we shall see. What no one bothered to explain is why such suspicion and fear should be present among the covenant people of God in the first place.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Meditate on Ephesians 4.3. Why does maintaining unity in the Body of Christ require such hard and consistent effort?

2.  Among the believers you know, are you a force for unity or a source of suspicion and fear? Explain.

3.  What did this “altar of witness” say? To whom did it say it? This “sculpture” conveyed a message that spoke to the people of God. Is there a principle in this that applies to the use we make of culture?

“The children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh do all that is required for their exculpation, when they declare that they would use the altar only as a bond of brotherly union; and add a sufficient reason, namely, the danger there was, lest, after a long course of time, the ten tribes might exclude the others as strangers, because they did not inhabit the same land. For as the country beyond the Jordan was not at first comprehended in the covenant, a difference of habitation might ultimately prove a cause of dissension.” John Calvin, Commentary on Joshua (1509-1564 AD)

Lord, I want to be a force for unity among my fellow believers. Today, let me sow unity of the faith by…

Pray Psalm 133.
What can you do today to strengthen the unity of the Spirit among your fellow believers? As you pray this psalm and think about the day ahead, listen for the Lord’s leading.

Psalm 133 (Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara: Children of the Heavenly Father)
O behold, how sweet, how pleasant, 
When the brethren dwell together; 
All in unity abiding
Find God’s blessing there presiding.

Like the precious oil of blessing
Flowing down on Aaron’s vestment, 
God’s anointing rests forever
Where His people dwell together.

Like the dew of Hermon’s fountain
Falling down on Zion’s mountain, 
So the blessing of the Savior
Dwells where unity finds favor.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).