Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10–34 such a big deal?
The altar that was built by the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Joshua 22:10-34 caused great concern for the rest of the Israelites. This incident provides insight into the importance of unity and proper worship among God’s people.
Background
After the Israelites had conquered much of the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were allotted land on the east side of the Jordan River (Joshua 13:8-33). Though their inheritance was outside of central Israel, these tribes had marched with their fellow Israelites and helped them secure the land west of the Jordan.
Before Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh departed to settle in their allotment, Joshua emphasized the need for them to continue obeying and serving the Lord wholeheartedly (Joshua 22:1-5). The tribes affirmed their commitment to the Lord and then returned home (Joshua 22:6-9).
The Building of the Altar (Joshua 22:10)
When the remaining western tribes heard that Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had built an imposing altar near the Jordan River, they were deeply disturbed. Based on the law, sacrifices and offerings were only to be made at the tabernacle, where the Lord had chosen to make his name dwell (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). By constructing their own altar east of the Jordan, it seemed that these tribes were setting up an alternative place of worship and breaking fellowship with the rest of Israel.
The Confrontation (Joshua 22:11-20)
The other tribes prepared to go to war against Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh in order to stop this rebellion against God. First, however, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas the priest to give these tribes a chance to explain themselves. Phinehas reminded them of the sin of Peor, when God punished Israel for worshipping the gods of Moab (Numbers 25). He questioned whether now Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh would turn away from the Lord by building their own altar. This showed serious concern that disobedience in worship would bring God’s judgment on the entire nation.
The Eastern Tribes’ Explanation (Joshua 22:21-29)
In response, Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh gave a speech emphatically denying that their intent was rebellion or idolatry. They explained that their altar was meant to be a witness between them and the western tribes, not for offerings and sacrifices. Since their land was on the far side of the Jordan, they were afraid that at some point their descendants would be cut off from fellowship with the rest of Israel. The altar would serve as a reminder for both sides to continue serving the Lord together.
The Resolution (Joshua 22:30-34)
Phinehas and the delegation were pleased and satisfied with this explanation. They could see that the eastern tribes had not intended to use the altar for offerings and sacrifices in place of the Lord’s tabernacle. It was meant as a symbolic reminder, not as a place of worship. Therefore, they commended Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh for their faithfulness and zeal. The confrontation was resolved peacefully, and fellowship between all the tribes continued.
Significance of this Incident
1. Importance of the Tabernacle Worship
This incident highlights the central role of the tabernacle in the nation’s worship. Sacrifices were to be offered in the one place where God had chosen to make his name dwell, not in unauthorized locations (Deuteronomy 12:5-7, 13-14). Even though it was large and impressive, Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh’s altar was not intended for offerings. It upheld the unique significance of tabernacle worship.
2. Dangers of Idolatry and False Worship
Phinehas’ rebuke shows the dangerous implications of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh’s actions. Building an altar could lead to idolatry, as in the case of Peor. Allowing false worship opened the nation to God’s judgment. The zeal to preserve holiness is admirable.
3. Misunderstandings Between Brothers
This incident also displays misunderstanding between members of God’s family. The western tribes rushed to judge Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, assuming the worst about their motives. Open communication and listening clarified the situation. Give brothers the benefit of the doubt.
4. Importance of Unity Among God’s People
Most significantly, this account highlights the importance of Israelite unity in worshipping Yahweh alone. Though spread across the Jordan, they were still one nation belonging to God. The altar was a reminder that all tribes must serve the Lord together, without division. Their oneness depended on rejecting idolatry and obeying God’s law.
The zeal to defend God’s holiness through warfare showed these tribes’ unity. Once the misunderstanding was clarified, they affirmed their fellowship rather than allowing conflict to tear them apart over a perceived offense.
Conclusion
The altar built by Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh appeared deeply troubling to the rest of Israel. However, their intent was actually to facilitate unity and remembrance among the tribes, not idolatry. This incident displays crucial lessons about the danger of false worship, the need for open communication, and the importance of guarding the oneness of God’s people across physical divides. Most of all, it highlights the centrality of the tabernacle as the ordained place of worship and sacrifice as stipulated in God’s law.
