Click to read Joshua 22
(The previous 9 chapters can be accessed through the links on the side bar. To access chapters before those listed, go to the All Chapters section.)
Synopsis
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were given land on the east of River Jordan. However, these people were asked to help the other tribes conquer Canaan. They did so diligently. Now that all was done, Joshua commended them and allowed them to return to their land, which on the other side of the river.
As these tribes returned to the east, they built an altar near the river bed. The rest of Israel thought that they were forming their own religion and leaving the true God. Fearing the consequences of God's wrath upon the whole nation, the rest of the tribes wanted to war against these three tribes. Thankfully, they followed Godly instructions (see Deut 13:12-18) to conduct a thorough investigation before acting. By so doing, they averted a civil war which would have been based on a misunderstanding.
The Reubenites, Gadites and Manasseh built the altar not to offer burnt offering s and sacrifices (which would mean breaking faith with the nation). They did so as a reminder to all and especially their future generations that they worship the same God with their brothers across the river. They were concerned that without a visible sign of unity between the east and west settlements, future generations might see conflict between them.
Major Verses
V4-5 - Joshua reminded them that obedience to God should be based on their love for God. This was the same message Moses gave to the Israelites in Deuteronomy.
What I learnt
It is our duty and mission to love our God and obey His instructions. We must not forget who we are to be in Christ because we think too much of what we are to do!
V13-32 - Phinehas, the priest led a delegation of community leaders (a representative of each of the other tribes) to investigate them. They clarified the position and averted a civil war that could have erupted out of a misunderstanding.
What I learnt
God had told us to clarify before acting. It will always be to our advantage if we obey God's words. Many misunderstandings in churches, with friends and even family members happen because we choose to jump to our own conclusions and not investigate the matter thoroughly before acting. Some one once said, "Those who jump into conclusion normally lands in a pile of shit."
Summary
We must not forget the reason for our existence - to love and worship God. And in that process, obedience to Him will be a definite result. We must take God's instruction carefully. This lesson has taught us that while we carry out His instructions, we must also check thoroughly before acting.
Up next....
In the next chapter, Joshua knew that he was going to die and he reminded the people once again with a consistent message from God. What is that message? Read it on 16th Apr...
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