SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 22
BIBLE VERSE:
“But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:5)
EASTERN TRIBES RETURN HOME (VS. 1-34)
The Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh had carried out the mission to fight with fellow Israelites. The battles were over and Joshua summoned them and told them to return to their homes. He gave these instructions: To love the Lord, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all their hearts and all their souls. Then Joshua sent them away with this blessing: “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with large herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze and iron and a great quantity of clothing and divide with your brothers the plunder from your enemies” (v. 8)
So the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites and returned to gilead. Then they built an altar on the border of Canaan at Gelilah near the Jordan on the Israelite side. When the Israelites saw the altar, the whole assembly gathered at Shiloh to go war against them because they thought the altar was built for themselves and in rebellion against God. But the Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh explained that the altar was a witness to the future generation that the Lord had made Jordan a boundary between them. They name the altar “Witness Between Us that the Lord is God”.
THOUGHTS:
- Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh had kept their promise. We should also keep whatever we have promised.
- Joshua commended them for their faithful service. We should also know how to appreciate those who are serving the Lord.
- Beware of the temptation to quit early and leave God’s work undone. We should carry out our duties patiently and diligently.
- Let us also remember to obey the following commands: Love God, Walk in all His way, Obey His command, Hold fast to Him, Serve Him with all your heart and soul.
- The building of the altar was at first misunderstood as starting their own religion to rebel against God. But when Phinehas inquired about them, they learned that the altar was for a memorial rather than for pagan sacrifice. So, before accusing someone of doing anything, find out the truth and purpose.