Joshua 22:31

Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, "Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this breach of faith against Him. Consequently, you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD."

Study Bible

And Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest
Phinehas, a significant figure in Israel's history, is known for his zealousness for God's holiness, as seen in Numbers 25. His lineage as the son of Eleazar, the high priest, and grandson of Aaron, places him in a position of spiritual authority. The Hebrew root of his name, "Pinchas," suggests a connection to boldness and protection, reflecting his role as a defender of the covenant.

said to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
These tribes, settled on the east side of the Jordan, had built an altar that caused concern among the other Israelites. Historically, these tribes were often seen as somewhat separate due to their geographical location. The mention of their names here emphasizes the unity and reconciliation achieved through dialogue and understanding, a theme prevalent throughout the narrative of Joshua.

Today we know that the LORD is among us
This declaration signifies a moment of divine affirmation and presence. The Hebrew word for "know," "yada," implies an intimate understanding and recognition of God's active role in their midst. It reflects the covenant relationship where God's presence is a sign of His favor and guidance.

because you have not committed this treachery against Him
The term "treachery" in Hebrew, "ma'al," often denotes a breach of faith or betrayal. The tribes' actions were initially misunderstood as rebellion, but their explanation revealed their true intentions. This highlights the importance of communication and the dangers of assumptions within the community of faith.

As a result, you have delivered the Israelites
The phrase underscores the collective responsibility and interconnectedness of the tribes. The Hebrew root "natsal," meaning to deliver or save, is often used in contexts of divine rescue. Here, it emphasizes how their actions preserved the unity and spiritual integrity of the nation.

from the hand of the LORD
This expression conveys the concept of divine judgment or discipline. The "hand of the LORD" is a metaphor for His power and authority. By averting potential conflict and misunderstanding, the tribes avoided the consequences of divine displeasure, underscoring the theme of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar, the priest, and grandson of Aaron. Known for his zeal for God's holiness, Phinehas plays a crucial role in mediating between the tribes of Israel in this passage.

2. Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
These are the tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. They built an altar, which initially caused concern among the other tribes of Israel.

3. The Altar
Built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, this altar was intended as a witness between them and the other Israelites, not for sacrifices, which was misunderstood initially.

4. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose presence and favor are central to the unity and peace of the nation.

5. The Israelites
The collective people of God, who were concerned about maintaining faithfulness to the LORD and avoiding His wrath.

Teaching Points

Zeal for God's Holiness
Phinehas exemplifies a passion for God's holiness and the importance of addressing potential sin within the community. We should be vigilant in maintaining purity in our own lives and communities.

Misunderstandings and Reconciliation
The initial misunderstanding about the altar teaches us the importance of seeking clarity and reconciliation before jumping to conclusions. We should strive for unity and understanding in our relationships.

God's Presence as Assurance
Phinehas' declaration that the LORD is among them highlights the assurance and peace that come from God's presence. We should seek to live in a way that invites and honors God's presence in our lives.

Deliverance through Obedience
The tribes' obedience in clarifying their intentions delivered Israel from potential divine judgment. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for experiencing His deliverance and blessing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Phinehas' response to the altar built by the eastern tribes reflect his character and previous actions in Numbers 25?

2. What steps can we take to ensure that misunderstandings in our communities are resolved in a godly manner, as seen in Joshua 22?

3. How does the concept of God's presence among His people in Joshua 22:31 relate to the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit's indwelling?

4. In what ways can we demonstrate zeal for God's holiness in our daily lives, following the example of Phinehas?

5. How does the resolution of the conflict in Joshua 22 encourage us to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ, as instructed in Ephesians 4?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 25
Phinehas is previously noted for his zealous action against idolatry, which connects to his role in ensuring Israel's faithfulness in Joshua 22.

Deuteronomy 12
This passage outlines the proper place and manner of worship, which is relevant to the concern over the altar built by the eastern tribes.

1 Samuel 7
Samuel's leadership in calling Israel to faithfulness parallels Phinehas' role in maintaining covenant loyalty.