The event known as "The Eastern Tribes Return Home" is a significant moment in the history of the Israelites, recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 22. This event marks the return of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to their allotted territories east of the Jordan River after fulfilling their commitment to assist the other tribes in conquering the land of Canaan.

Background and Context

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as described in Numbers 32. This land, which was suitable for their large herds and flocks, was granted to them by Moses on the condition that they would first help their fellow Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. They agreed to this condition, promising to fight alongside the other tribes until the land was secured.

Fulfillment of the Promise

After the successful conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, the time came for the eastern tribes to return to their homes. Joshua 22:1-4 records Joshua's acknowledgment of their faithfulness: "Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and said to them, 'You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. You have not deserted your brothers even to this day, but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you. Now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan.'"

The Altar of Witness

Upon their return, the eastern tribes built a large altar by the Jordan River, which led to a misunderstanding with the other tribes of Israel. Fearing that this altar signified rebellion against the LORD and a potential breach of covenant, the western tribes prepared to go to war against their eastern brethren. However, the eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for sacrifices but was intended as a witness between them and the other tribes, ensuring that future generations would remember their shared faith and heritage. Joshua 22:24-27 captures their explanation: "But in fact we have done this for fear that in the future your descendants might say to ours, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel? For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the LORD. That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Instead, it will be a witness between us and you and between the generations after us, so that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’"

Resolution and Peace

The explanation satisfied the western tribes, and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, along with the leaders of Israel, praised God for the peaceful resolution. They recognized that the altar was a symbol of unity and not division. Joshua 22:33 states, "The Israelites were pleased with the report, and they blessed God. They no longer spoke of going to war against the Reubenites and Gadites and destroying the land where they lived."

This event underscores the importance of communication, understanding, and unity among God's people. It highlights the faithfulness of the eastern tribes to their commitments and the shared identity of the Israelites as one nation under God, despite geographical separations.