Joshua 22: Altar of Witness and Unity

Short answer: Joshua 22 recounts the return of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh to their inheritance east of the Jordan after helping conquer Canaan. When they build a large altar near the Jordan, the western tribes fear rebellion and prepare for war, but a delegation led by Phinehas confronts them, and the eastern tribes explain the altar is only a witness, not for sacrifice, averting conflict.

What Joshua 22 says

Joshua summons the tribes settled east of the Jordan and commends them for their obedience and for not abandoning their brothers during the conquest. He releases them to return to their own land, but charges them to love Yahweh, walk in His ways, keep His commandments, hold fast to Him, and serve Him wholeheartedly. Joshua blesses them and sends them away with great wealth and livestock, instructing them to share the plunder with their brothers who remained behind. The scene closes with their departure from Shiloh to Gilead, the land they had been given according to Yahweh's command through Moses. This opening section highlights faithfulness rewarded and the importance of continued devotion.

Upon reaching the region near the Jordan, the eastern tribes build a large altar by the river. When the western tribes hear of it, they gather at Shiloh, ready to go to war, interpreting the altar as an act of rebellion against Yahweh. They send Phinehas the priest and ten princes to confront them. The delegation accuses the eastern tribes of trespass, reminding them of the sin at Peor and the incident with Achan, warning that such rebellion would bring wrath on the whole congregation. They offer the eastern tribes a place in the land west of the Jordan if their own land is unclean, but urge them not to rebel by building another altar.

The eastern tribes respond with a solemn appeal, calling on the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, as witness that they had no intention of rebellion or apostasy. They explain that they built the altar out of concern that future generations might be excluded from worshiping Yahweh because the Jordan River formed a border. They feared their children would be told they had no portion in Yahweh, so they constructed the altar as a witness between the tribes, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. They affirm that the true altar of Yahweh is before His tabernacle, and they would never rebel by offering sacrifices elsewhere.

Phinehas and the princes are pleased with the explanation. Phinehas declares that today they know Yahweh is among them because the eastern tribes have not trespassed, and they have delivered Israel from judgment. The delegation returns to the western tribes and reports the matter, and the people are pleased and bless God. They no longer speak of going to war. The eastern tribes name the altar 'A Witness Between Us that Yahweh is God.' The chapter concludes with reconciliation and unity restored, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in avoiding conflict among God's people.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”” (Joshua 22:5) — This verse encapsulates the core of Joshua's charge to the eastern tribes: to love God, walk in His ways, keep His commandments, hold fast to Him, and serve Him with all their heart and soul. It is a summary of covenant faithfulness.
• “When the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up against them to war.” (Joshua 22:12) — The western tribes' immediate readiness to go to war shows how seriously they took the threat of idolatry and rebellion. It underscores their zeal for God's honor, even if their judgment was premature.
• ““The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, he knows; and Israel shall know: if it was in rebellion, or if in trespass against Yahweh (don’t save us today),” (Joshua 22:22) — The eastern tribes invoke the divine name three times, emphasizing their sincerity and calling God as witness to their innocence. This appeal to the Mighty One highlights the gravity of the accusation and their desire for truth.
• “The children of Reuben and the children of Gad named the altar “A Witness Between Us that Yahweh is God.” (Joshua 22:34)” (Joshua 22:34) — The naming of the altar as a witness between the tribes that Yahweh is God captures the heart of the resolution. It transforms a potential symbol of division into a lasting testimony of shared faith.

Gospel connection

This chapter foreshadows the unity that Christ brings to His people. Just as the eastern and western tribes nearly went to war over a misunderstanding, we often divide over non-essential matters. The altar of witness points to the need for a clear testimony of faith that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, and through His sacrifice, He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. The true altar is the cross, where all believers have a portion in Yahweh. The chapter encourages us to pursue peace and to ensure our actions bear witness to the God we serve, so that future generations may know Him.

Application

This passage challenges us to avoid hasty judgments and to seek clarification before assuming the worst about others. The western tribes were ready to go to war based on a report, but they wisely sent a delegation to investigate. In our relationships, especially within the church, we must be quick to listen and slow to speak. The eastern tribes' concern for their children's spiritual heritage also prompts us to consider how our actions affect future generations. Are we building things that will draw our children closer to God or push them away? Finally, the resolution reminds us that unity is worth preserving and that honest communication can prevent destructive conflict.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not specify the exact location of the altar beyond being near the Jordan in the land of Canaan. It does not tell us whether the eastern tribes actually offered sacrifices on it, only that they built it as a witness. It does not record any direct speech from God in this episode; the resolution comes through human dialogue and priestly discernment. It also does not mention the reaction of the eastern tribes' children or future generations, only the concern for them. The text is silent on whether the altar was ever used for any purpose other than as a memorial.

Questions for study

1. What motivated the eastern tribes to build the altar, and how did their concern reflect a desire to remain faithful to Yahweh?
2. Why did the western tribes react so strongly to the altar, and what does their reaction reveal about their priorities?
3. How did Phinehas and the princes approach the situation, and what can we learn from their method of confrontation?
4. What does the name given to the altar signify about the relationship between the tribes and their understanding of God?
5. In what ways can misunderstandings lead to conflict in our communities today, and how can we apply the principles of this chapter to resolve them?

Keep reading

Related studies: Joshua 10 Bible Study, Joshua 11 Bible Study, Joshua 12 Bible Study, Joshua 13 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why did the eastern tribes build an altar if they were not supposed to sacrifice on it?

They built it as a witness to future generations that they had a portion in Yahweh, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. It was a memorial to remind both sides of their shared faith.

Was the western tribes' readiness to go to war justified?

They acted out of zeal for God's law, fearing rebellion and idolatry. However, their judgment was based on incomplete information, and they wisely investigated before taking action.

What can we learn from the resolution of this conflict?

The resolution shows the value of communication and assuming good intent. It also highlights the importance of unity among God's people and the need to avoid division over misunderstandings.