Joshua 22
Pastor Mark Hudson
Dale R. Davis titles this chapter, “What can an altar alter?” This incident will divide readers over what is happening and who is to blame. Some will say the 10 ½ tribes overreacted. Some will say the 2 ½ tribes committed a serious sin. Let’s see where you end up after we look at the story.
First, an overview of the book as we arrive at the last section of Joshua. Remem-ber this outline of the book of Joshua?
1-4 Entering the land.
5-12 Taking the land.
13-21 Possessing the land.
22-24 Retaining the land.
Regarding the last three chapters, the ESV has summoned at the beginning of each chapter. Joshua gathers the nation to remind them of God’s loyalty and their duty. Right before chapter 22, we read in 21:43-45 that all that happened to Israel because of God faithfulness and the promise He kept. Now in the following chapters the focus is on Israel’s fidelity to God. See 22:5, 16, 18-19, 25, 29, 31; 23:6, 8, 11; 24:14-15, 16, 18, 21, 23-24). This emphasis does not exclude Yahweh’s “antecedent fidelity” in 23:5, 9-10, 14; 24:2-13, 17-18) [Davis, Commentary on Joshua p. 169].
In Numbers 32, the ½ tribe of Manasseh, Reuben and Gad asked Moses if they could settle on the eastern side of the Jordan. Moses granted this proposal as long as they fought with their brothers to clear the land west of the Jordan. They agreed. So, in our passage, after 7 years of fighting for their brothers, Rueben, Gad, and the ½ tribe of Manasseh were ready to return to the pasture lands. Joshua blesses them and reminds them to divide the spoil with their brothers.
On the way home, these 2 ½ tribes build an “altar of imposing size” either on the east or western side of the Jordan (it is not clear). Now the sparks begin to fly. In verse 11, the people of Israel hear of this altar and in the next verse they gather at Shiloh to go to war. Fortunately, the send Phinehas and 10 chiefs of the tribes (this is official!) to visit the 2 ½ tribes. They immediately accuse the 2 ½ tribes of a “breach of faith” and “rebellion.” In their eyes, this is equal or similar to Achan’s sin that brought guilt and wrath upon “all the congregation of Israel.”
They suggested that what this altar represents alters everything. This was high treason. In fact, if the Transjordan is so bad or “unclean” join the other tribes west of the Jordan. They took this to the highest wrong one could commit.
So, here they are, ready to go to war, accusing their brothers of treason. They may have been armed but if not, they are certainly upset. Were they right? Well, according to Deut. 12, there is only one place to worship and at that time it was Shiloh. Soon it would be Jerusalem, but Israel was not to copy the Canaanites and worship at any high place they wanted. That would result in chaos and idolatry. So, Israel had reason to be concerned.
To be fair to the 10 ½ tribes, there was concern from the very beginning. Even back in Numbers 32, Moses was alarmed. After the initial request, Moses blasts them calling them “a brood of sinful men” and raises the alarm. Their response in vs. 14ff helps so Moses gives his (reluctant?) blessings provided these tribes do what they promised.
Yet, looking at it from the Transjordan tribe’s side, they had fought alongside these soldiers for 7 years. Instead of asking, Israel wanted to destroy them. This move across the Jordan was agreed upon by Moses years ago. The first move from the western tribes is war? After seven years fighting for the tribes of Israel? We fulfilled our promise and the first move you make is to destroy us before you asked one question? In fact, the 2 ½ tribes begin responding with a sacred oath. They quickly and clearly repudiate any kind of “rebellion or in breach of faith against the Lord.” The symbolism was so the children in the land of promise could not exclude the people on the eastern side of the Jordan from the congregation of Israel. This altar was a copy of the real altar and not to be used for anything but a claim that the 2 ½ tribes are just as much a part of Israel as the other tribes. They end by rejecting this “altar” as a place to sacrifice.
The final leg is to bring the report back to Israel. They accept this news gladly and the issue is settled. You can decide what you want about the wisdom of the altar, the hastiness of the tribes almost going to war, but can we learn a few things for our good? First, when there is conflict, communication is key. Nothing gets resolved without talking, listening, asking questions, listening to those involved. According to the 2 ½ tribes, the copy of the altar was an innocent move, even one to promote unity. To the 10 ½ tribes, that altar represented rebellion.
They needed more light and less heat. But some of us heat up fast and the light comes later. We need light first and then action after we are sure we understand each other. Someone said something about an altar, and they are ready to fight soldiers they have been fighting side-by-side for seven years. And couldn’t the 2 ½ tribes let the others know what the altar was for just to be clear? They could have sent a messenger telling them what the altar signified?
Father, in the body of Christ we will always have misunderstandings and failure to communicate or listen properly. Help us to be good listeners, slow to come to conclusions, and quick to listen even when we think we have listened to all sides. Help us to ask questions like our Lord did. Remind us to be good examples of godly people in times of conflict. When we are hurting and want to give our side, prompt us to listen as well as encourage others to listen. In Christ’s holy name. Amen.