Joshua 22:25

For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!' So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD.

Study Bible

For the LORD has made
This phrase emphasizes divine sovereignty and purpose. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal presence and authority. The use of "made" (Hebrew: עָשָׂה, 'asah) indicates an intentional act by God, underscoring His role as the ultimate architect of boundaries and destinies. This reflects the belief that God actively shapes the world and its history, a central tenet in conservative Christian theology.

the Jordan a border
The Jordan River serves as a significant geographical and spiritual boundary. In Hebrew, "Jordan" (יַרְדֵּן, Yarden) means "descender," reflecting its flow from the highlands to the Dead Sea. Historically, the Jordan was a natural division between the tribes of Israel. Spiritually, it symbolizes transitions and divine interventions, such as Israel's crossing into the Promised Land. The term "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul) implies a divinely ordained separation, reinforcing the idea of distinct roles and inheritances among God's people.

between us and you, O Reubenites and Gadites
This phrase identifies the specific tribes involved: the Reubenites and Gadites, who settled east of the Jordan. Historically, these tribes chose land outside the main body of Israel, which sometimes led to misunderstandings and tensions. The mention of "us and you" highlights the potential for division within the community of God's people, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. It serves as a reminder of the need for unity and understanding among believers.

You have no share in the LORD
The phrase "no share" (חֵלֶק, chelek) suggests exclusion from communal worship and blessings. In the context of ancient Israel, having a "share" in the LORD meant participating in the covenant community and its spiritual heritage. This statement reflects a fear of spiritual alienation, a concern that resonates with conservative Christian values emphasizing the importance of remaining within the faith community to maintain one's relationship with God.

So your descendants might cause our own to stop fearing the LORD
The word "descendants" (בָּנִים, banim) refers to future generations, highlighting the long-term impact of present actions. The phrase "stop fearing the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, yirat Yahweh) speaks to the heart of Israel's covenant relationship with God, where "fear" denotes reverence and obedience. The concern here is that separation might lead to a loss of faith and reverence for God among future generations. This reflects a conservative Christian emphasis on the transmission of faith and values to one's children, ensuring that they remain within the fold of God's covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Reubenites and Gadites
These are two of the tribes of Israel who settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. They are central to the discussion in this passage as they are being addressed by the other tribes of Israel.

2. Jordan River
A significant geographical and symbolic boundary in the account. It represents a division between the tribes on the east and west sides.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, whose commands and promises are central to the identity and unity of the Israelite tribes.

4. The Altar of Witness
Built by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as a witness between them and the other tribes, signifying their shared worship of Yahweh despite the physical separation.

5. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar the priest, who plays a key role in mediating the potential conflict between the tribes by investigating the intentions behind the altar.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
The tribes of Israel, though separated by the Jordan, are called to maintain unity in their worship and fear of the LORD. This teaches us the importance of unity in the body of Christ, despite physical or denominational differences.

The Importance of Intentions
The Reubenites and Gadites built the altar with good intentions as a witness, not for sacrifice. This reminds us to seek understanding and clarity in others' actions before jumping to conclusions.

Fear of the LORD
The concern was that separation might lead to a loss of reverence for God. We must ensure that nothing in our lives causes us or others to lose the fear of the LORD.

Mediation and Reconciliation
Phinehas' role as a mediator highlights the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and understanding in conflicts within the community of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the physical separation of the tribes across the Jordan River relate to challenges we face in maintaining unity within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions and traditions serve as a witness to our faith rather than a stumbling block to others?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking understanding and clarity in others' actions before making judgments in our daily interactions?

4. What are some modern "altars" or practices that might cause division among believers, and how can we address these issues biblically?

5. How can the role of Phinehas as a mediator inform our approach to resolving conflicts within our communities or families?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12
Discusses the centralization of worship and the importance of worshiping Yahweh in the designated place, which is relevant to the concerns about the altar built by the eastern tribes.

Numbers 32
Provides background on the agreement that allowed the Reubenites and Gadites to settle east of the Jordan, highlighting their commitment to still support their fellow Israelites.

Ephesians 2
Speaks to the breaking down of dividing walls, which can be related to the unity sought among the tribes despite geographical separation.