Joshua 22:15

They went to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and said to them,

Study Bible

So they went
This phrase indicates a deliberate action taken by the delegation from the rest of Israel. The Hebrew root for "went" is "halak," which often implies a purposeful journey or mission. This reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the potential conflict, emphasizing the importance of unity and obedience to God's commands. Historically, this journey underscores the geographical and relational distance between the tribes, highlighting the need for communication and reconciliation.

to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes had chosen to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as recorded earlier in the book of Joshua. Their decision was based on the suitability of the land for their livestock, as described in Numbers 32. The mention of these specific tribes serves as a reminder of their unique position within the nation of Israel. They were part of the covenant community but physically separated, which could lead to misunderstandings or feelings of isolation. This context is crucial for understanding the potential for conflict and the need for careful dialogue.

in the land of Gilead
Gilead is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. The land's name is often associated with healing and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 8:22. Theologically, Gilead represents a place of God's provision and blessing, yet it also symbolizes the challenges of maintaining faithfulness when separated from the central worship community. The tribes' location in Gilead highlights the tension between enjoying God's blessings and the risk of spiritual drift.

and said to them
This phrase introduces the dialogue that follows, emphasizing the importance of communication in resolving disputes. The Hebrew verb "amar" (to say) is used here, which can imply a range of speech acts, from casual conversation to solemn declaration. In this context, it suggests a formal and serious address, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Theologically, this moment underscores the power of words to build or destroy community, reminding believers of the biblical call to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Reubenites, Gadites, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh
These are the tribes of Israel that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. They were given this land by Moses and had fulfilled their obligation to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

2. Land of Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and fertile land. It was the inheritance of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

3. The Delegation
A group sent by the rest of Israel to confront the eastern tribes about a perceived breach of faith. This delegation included Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, and ten leaders, one from each of the other tribes.

4. The Altar
The event revolves around the construction of a large altar by the eastern tribes, which was misunderstood by the rest of Israel as an act of rebellion against God.

5. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar the priest, known for his zeal for God's holiness. He led the delegation to address the potential breach of faith.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Believers
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining unity and clear communication within the community of faith. Misunderstandings can lead to division if not addressed promptly and with grace.

The Importance of Intentions
The eastern tribes' intentions were not rebellious but were misunderstood. This teaches us to seek understanding and clarity before making judgments about others' actions.

Zeal for God's Holiness
Phinehas' involvement underscores the importance of zeal for God's holiness and the need to address potential breaches of faith with seriousness and care.

The Role of Mediation
The delegation acted as mediators to resolve the conflict, illustrating the importance of peacemakers in the community who seek to restore relationships and understanding.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The concern over the altar reflects the need for faithfulness to God's commands and the dangers of deviating from prescribed worship practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure clear communication within our church community to prevent misunderstandings like the one in Joshua 22:15?

2. In what ways can we be zealous for God's holiness in our daily lives, similar to Phinehas?

3. How does the role of the delegation in Joshua 22:15 inspire us to act as peacemakers in our own communities?

4. What steps can we take to ensure our intentions are understood by others, and how can we seek to understand the intentions of others?

5. How does the concern for faithfulness to God's commands in Joshua 22:15 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about worship and obedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12
This chapter discusses the centralization of worship in the place God chooses, which is relevant to the concern over the altar built by the eastern tribes.

Numbers 32
This passage details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh regarding their settlement east of the Jordan.

1 Corinthians 8
This New Testament passage discusses the importance of understanding and addressing potential stumbling blocks within the community of believers.