Jos. 22: A Near Lethal Misunderstanding

Joshua 22:16 "'The whole assembly of the LORD says: 'How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the LORD and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now?'"

Since the promised land had been conquered, the Eastsiders (Reuben, Gad and 1/2 Manasseh) were "dismissed" by Joshua. They had fulfilled their vow to Moses that they would aid their brothers in conquering the promised land, and it was time for them to return to the land they deemed worthy enough to be theirs. Why would he have to send them off on their way? It reads as though they are sort of not with the group. Joshua's blessings read as though he won't see them again.

"You're now free to go back to your homes, the country of your inheritance that Moses the servant of God gave you on the other side of the Jordan. Only this: Be vigilant in keeping the Commandment and The Revelation that Moses the servant of God laid on you: Love God, your God, walk in all his ways, do what he's commanded, embrace him, serve him with everything you are and have."

Doesn't that sound like their interaction is done? The Eastsiders must have realized this, because they stopped short of crossing back over to their side of the Jordan River, and construct what the Bible calls an "imposing" altar. Their intention for this altar (so they say) was to be a witness to future generations that Reuben, Gad and i/2 Manasseh actually did help with the conquering and actually were a part of the family of God.

Of course, the Israelites hear about it, and react as they typically do, with a calm and rational response, and go about their business. No, just kidding, they lose their minds and assemble to go to war against them. But can you blame them? Citing incidents surrounding Peor and Achan, the Westsiders presume that the Eastsiders have made this monument to a foreign God, and therefore fear that God's wrath will be poured out on them. Deuteronomy 28 is probably still vivid in their collective consciousness. They do not want to suffer the curses that would be brought on by rebellion in their nation.

At least, instead of straight up attacking the Eastsiders, the Westsiders got the priests involved and confronted them, wanting to know what was going on. They wanted an explanation. If I had to decide, I'd say this was a much better policy all around rather than just launching arrows and spears. What's also very interesting here is that the Westsiders suggest offering their own land to the Eastsiders, if the Eastsiders think their land isn't holy...or promised enough.

Everyone is happy with the altar being a witness, and they go back to their tents and lavish homes with abundant wealth and gold and flocks and stuff.