Joshua 22:1–34
“Therefore we said, ‘Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you.’”
— Joshua 22:26–27
🔍 A Divided Land, a Shared Faith
As Joshua 22 opens, the conquest is complete, the land is distributed, and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are preparing to return east of the Jordan to their allotted inheritance. These eastern tribes had fulfilled their promise to fight alongside their brothers, just as they said they would in Joshua 1:16–18.
Now, their mission complete, they begin the journey home. But before crossing the Jordan, they do something that shocks the rest of Israel:
“They came to the region of the Jordan… and there they built an altar by the Jordan, an altar of imposing size.”
— Joshua 22:10
This single action nearly sparked a civil war.
⚠️ Misjudged Motives – The Western Tribes React
When the other tribes hear of the altar, they are alarmed—and rightly so. The law of Moses forbade altars of sacrifice outside the place God designated (Deut. 12:13–14), and Israel’s history was marred by moments of compromise that led to national disaster (e.g., Baal-Peor in Numbers 25).
So they gather at Shiloh and prepare to go to war. But before drawing swords, they send a delegation led by Phinehas, the zealous priest known for his righteous defense of God’s holiness (Num. 25:7–8).
This is crucial: They are outraged, but they seek dialogue before destruction. They choose to listen before they fight.
🕊️ The Power of Communication
Phinehas and the leaders confront the eastern tribes, asking a bold question:
“What is this breach of faith… in building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the Lord?”
— Joshua 22:16
They don’t soft-pedal the accusation. They reference the sin at Peor and Achan’s disobedience to illustrate how rebellion by a few can bring wrath upon many.
But they also extend grace. In verse 19, they offer a remarkable alternative:
“If your land is unclean, come over to the Lord’s land… and take for yourselves a possession among us.”
— Joshua 22:19
This is a call for unity, not judgment. It reflects God’s heart. Sometimes, faithfulness means confronting, but it always includes an invitation to restoration.
🏗️ A Witness, Not a Rebellion
The eastern tribes respond with humility and clarity:
“Far be it from us that we should rebel against the Lord.” (Joshua 22:29)
The altar, they explain, was never intended for sacrifice. It was built as a witness—a visible memorial testifying to their shared identity with the western tribes. Because the Jordan River physically separated them, they feared future generations might be told:
“You have no portion in the Lord.” (Joshua 22:27)
The altar would stand as proof that they worshiped the same God, held the same covenant, and belonged to the same people. It was not an act of rebellion. It was an act of remembrance.
🧠 Word Study: “Witness” (Hebrew: עֵד – ed)
The word translated “witness” implies a legal or covenantal testimony. It was often used in treaty documents or oaths. The altar wasn’t a place of burnt offerings; it was a stone of testimony—a legal statement of unity across the Jordan.
This type of witness resembles stones set up in Joshua 4 after Israel crossed the Jordan. God’s people marked places of covenant to teach future generations who they were and whom they served.
🪖 Avoiding Civil War: A Victory of Understanding
After hearing the explanation, Phinehas and the leaders rejoice. They acknowledge that the Lord is truly among His people, and they abandon any thought of war.
“Today we know that the Lord is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith.”
— Joshua 22:31
Israel returns home in peace. The eastern tribes name the altar “Witness,” for it stands between them as a testimony to the Lord.
And just like that, a potential civil war is averted—not by compromise, but by clarity.
💡 Life Application: Faithfulness in a Misunderstood World
1. Sometimes God’s People Will Misunderstand You
The eastern tribes were doing something godly for godly reasons—but others saw it as rebellion. If your heart is clean before the Lord, stand your ground with humility. He sees what others may not.
2. Be Willing to Communicate, Even When Offended
Phinehas didn’t assume the worst and attack. He asked questions. He listened. If we practiced the same in our churches, many unnecessary divisions could be avoided.
3. Build Altars of Testimony
What visible reminders do you have in your life that testify of your faith? Whether it’s how you speak, how you live, or how you love—let your life say loudly, “I belong to the Lord.”
4. Don’t Let Distance Become Division
The Jordan River was just geography—but it almost became a wall of separation. When God’s people are spread out, communication becomes more important. Unity requires intentional reminders.
5. Honor the Unity of the Body
Paul wrote, “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:4–6). We may serve in different places or styles, but if we honor the same Christ, we are one people.
🧭 Summary: Misunderstood but Still Faithful
The altar of Joshua 22 was misunderstood—but not misplaced. It was built for the right reason: to declare the enduring identity of God’s people, regardless of distance or cultural drift.
Sometimes, doing what’s right may be misjudged by others—but faithfulness is not determined by perception. It’s measured by truth and obedience.
Joshua 22 calls us to seek unity, speak truth, and build visible testimonies of our devotion. Whether misunderstood or embraced, our loyalty is to the Lord—and our witness must stand.
💬 Questions for Reflection
- Have I ever been misjudged for doing what’s right? How did I respond?
- What “altars of witness” exist in my life to show I belong to the Lord?
- Am I quick to assume the worst of others, or do I seek understanding first?
🕊️ Final Word
In a fractured world, misunderstanding is inevitable. But in Christ, unity is possible. Let your life be an altar of witness. Speak the truth. Live humbly. Defend your faith. And when others question your motives, let your heart—and your God—speak for you.
Next up: Post 24 – “Choose This Day – Covenant Renewal and Final Words” (Joshua 23–24)
