Overview:

Joshua 22 recounts the return of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh to their lands east of the Jordan after faithfully serving alongside the other tribes in conquering Canaan. Before leaving, Joshua blesses them and commends their loyalty to God and their fellow Israelites. However, a conflict arises when the tribes on the western side of the Jordan hear that the eastern tribes have built an altar, sparking fears that it symbolizes rebellion against God. The western tribes prepare for war, but they first send a delegation to investigate. The eastern tribes explain that the altar is not for sacrifices but is a witness of their shared faith with Israel, symbolizing unity across the Jordan. Peace is restored when the western tribes accept their explanation. This chapter highlights themes of faithfulness, unity, and the importance of clear communication in preserving peace within the community.

Key themes include obedience to God, the importance of unity among believers, and the role of communication and understanding in resolving conflicts.

Historical and Literary Context:

Joshua 22 follows the completion of the land allotments and the Levites’ towns. The eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—were permitted by Moses to settle on the east side of the Jordan, provided they assisted their fellow Israelites in conquering Canaan (Numbers 32). With the conquest now complete, they return to their inheritance. The construction of the altar, which initially creates misunderstanding and tension, reveals cultural and theological concerns regarding worship practices and allegiance to God. This event underscores the importance of unity and loyalty in Israel’s covenant relationship with God, highlighting the risks of division.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

Faithfulness to God and Community:

The eastern tribes demonstrate faithfulness by fulfilling their commitment to help the other tribes conquer Canaan. Their loyalty is later questioned, but they clarify that the altar symbolizes unity, not rebellion.

For Christians, this theme reflects the importance of staying faithful to God and committed to supporting others in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers to “not grow weary in doing good,” reminding them of the blessing in serving faithfully.

The Importance of Unity in Worship:

The initial misunderstanding about the altar reflects a concern for unified worship of God. Israel fears that an altar outside the central place of worship could lead to division or idolatry, emphasizing their commitment to worship God as one people.

For Christians, this theme underscores the importance of unity in worship. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” promoting harmony in the body of Christ.

Communication and Reconciliation in Conflict:

The conflict over the altar is resolved through open dialogue and understanding. Rather than resorting to immediate judgment or action, the western tribes seek an explanation, allowing for reconciliation.

For Christians, this theme emphasizes the value of communication in resolving misunderstandings. James 1:19 reminds believers to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry,” fostering peace and understanding in the face of conflict.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Joshua 22:1-4:

“Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and said to them, ‘You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you. Now that the Lord your God has given them rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan.’”

Joshua commends the eastern tribes for their loyalty and faithfulness in supporting their fellow Israelites during the conquest. He sends them back to their lands with a blessing, recognizing their commitment to God’s mission.

For Christians, this passage emphasizes the value of faithfulness in fulfilling one’s commitments. Hebrews 6:10 assures believers that “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him,” encouraging them to stay faithful to their callings.

Joshua 22:5:

“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 reminds the tribes of their ongoing responsibility to remain obedient to God, even as they return to their own land. His words reinforce the importance of steadfast love and dedication to God’s commandments.

For Christians, this verse serves as a reminder to remain committed to God wholeheartedly. Matthew 22:37 calls believers to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” emphasizing complete devotion to God.

Joshua 22:10-12:

“When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.”

The construction of an altar by the eastern tribes is perceived as a potential act of rebellion. Concerned for Israel’s unity and faithfulness to God, the other tribes prepare for war, demonstrating their commitment to preventing idolatry.

For Christians, this passage highlights the need for vigilance in protecting the integrity of worship. 1 Corinthians 5:6 warns that “a little yeast leavens the whole batch,” reminding believers to guard against anything that may compromise their devotion to God.

Joshua 22:13-20:

“So the Israelites sent Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, to the land of Gilead—to Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh… ‘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?’”

Rather than immediately attacking, the Israelites send Phinehas and a delegation to question the eastern tribes. Phinehas’ question reflects concern for faithfulness to God and aims to understand the motives behind the altar.

For Christians, this approach emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding before passing judgment. Matthew 18:15 encourages believers to “go and point out their fault, just between the two of you,” promoting direct and compassionate conflict resolution.

Joshua 22:21-29:

“Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel: ‘The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day… On the contrary, it is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings.’”

The eastern tribes clarify their intentions, explaining that the altar is not for sacrifices but to serve as a witness of their shared commitment to God. Their response emphasizes unity with Israel and the desire to prevent future misunderstandings.

For Christians, this passage reflects the importance of maintaining unity in worship. Psalm 133:1 states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” reminding believers to pursue harmony in the faith.

Joshua 22:30-34:

“When Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the community—the heads of the clans of the Israelites—heard what Reuben, Gad and Manasseh had to say, they were pleased… And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the Lord is God.”

The western tribes accept the eastern tribes’ explanation, and peace is restored. The altar is named “A Witness Between Us,” symbolizing unity in worship and a shared commitment to God across both sides of the Jordan.

For Christians, this passage highlights the power of understanding and reconciliation in maintaining peace. Romans 12:18 encourages believers, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” underscoring the importance of peacemaking.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Joshua 22 emphasizes the importance of unity, faithfulness, and reconciliation, themes fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The altar built by the eastern tribes as a witness of shared faith foreshadows the unity of believers in Christ, who brings together people from all backgrounds into one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). Jesus, as the ultimate Peacemaker, reconciles us to God and to one another, ensuring that believers from diverse backgrounds can worship as one community. His teachings on reconciliation and peacemaking encourage believers to seek understanding and resolve conflicts with love and respect.

Through Jesus, believers are called to maintain unity within the church, working together to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to division. Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:20-23 reflects His desire for a united body of believers, bound together in love. The altar’s name, “A Witness Between Us,” serves as a reminder that Jesus is the ultimate witness to our faith, uniting us as His followers.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Unity in Worship and the Power of Reconciliation: Lessons from the Altar of Witness”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the themes of unity, faithfulness, and reconciliation, highlighting the misunderstanding over the altar in Joshua 22.
   • Emphasize the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining peace within the community of faith.
2. Faithfulness to God and One Another (Joshua 22:1-5)
   • Discuss the eastern tribes’ loyalty and Joshua’s reminder to remain faithful to God’s commandments.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, encouraging believers to stay committed to God and supportive of one another (Galatians 6:9).
3. Misunderstandings and the Importance of Vigilance (Joshua 22:10-12)
   • Examine the initial misunderstanding regarding the altar and Israel’s concern for faithfulness.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to protect the integrity of worship and to address potential issues with wisdom (1 Corinthians 5:6).
4. The Power of Communication and Reconciliation (Joshua 22:13-34)
   • Highlight the resolution of the conflict through dialogue, understanding, and a shared commitment to God.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, encouraging believers to seek peace and reconciliation, following Jesus’ example as the ultimate Peacemaker (Romans 12:18).
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the call to faithfulness, unity, and reconciliation in worship, trusting that Jesus unites us as one body and calls us to live in peace.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of a situation where communication resolved a misunderstanding, illustrating the power of peacemaking.
• Global Example: Many cultures emphasize reconciliation and unity within communities. Relate this to the importance of unity in the church and the call to resolve conflicts with understanding.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Joshua 22 calls today’s believers to:

• Remain Faithful in Worship and Community: The loyalty of the eastern tribes reflects the importance of staying committed to God and to each other. Believers are encouraged to be faithful to their calling and supportive of their fellow believers.
• Value Communication in Resolving Conflicts: The resolution of the altar misunderstanding demonstrates the value of open dialogue. Believers are called to address conflicts directly and with compassion, fostering unity in the body of Christ.
• Seek Unity in Worship and Witness: The altar of witness serves as a symbol of unity in worship. Believers are reminded of their shared faith in Christ and the importance of maintaining harmony within the church.

Connection to the Father in Joshua 22:

God the Father’s love for unity and faithfulness is reflected in Israel’s commitment to honoring His commandments and worshiping as one people. His desire for peace and reconciliation is fulfilled in Jesus, who brings believers into a relationship of unity and harmony.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Joshua 22:

The altar of witness foreshadows the unity that believers find in Jesus, who reconciles us to God and to one another. Jesus’ role as the Peacemaker encourages believers to resolve conflicts with love, understanding, and commitment to the unity of the church.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Joshua 22:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in unity and to communicate with love, guiding them toward reconciliation in times of misunderstanding. Just as the Spirit fosters unity within the body of Christ, He encourages believers to pursue peace and harmony.

Connection to God’s Love in Joshua 22:

God’s love is shown through the reconciliation achieved between the eastern and western tribes. His desire for unity reflects His love for His people, reminding them that they are called to worship and serve Him as one community, bound by love and faith.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the faithfulness of the eastern tribes inspire you to remain committed to God and the community of faith?
2. What steps can you take to ensure that you address misunderstandings with openness and compassion?
3. How can the resolution of the altar misunderstanding encourage you to pursue reconciliation in times of conflict?
4. What role does unity in worship play in your relationship with other believers?
5. How does understanding God’s desire for unity and peace influence your approach to relationships within the church?