Joshua 22:29

Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle."

Study Bible

Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of rebellion against God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament. Rebellion against God is seen as a grave sin, often leading to severe consequences, as seen in the stories of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) and the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 14). The phrase reflects a deep commitment to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

and turn away from Him today
Turning away from God is synonymous with apostasy, a recurring issue for the Israelites. The historical context here involves the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled east of the Jordan River. Their geographical separation from the rest of Israel raised concerns about their potential spiritual separation. This phrase underscores the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and the dangers of spiritual complacency.

by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices
The construction of altars was a significant aspect of worship in ancient Israel. However, unauthorized altars were forbidden, as they could lead to idolatry or false worship. The Law of Moses specified that sacrifices should be made only at the designated place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:13-14). This phrase highlights the importance of adhering to God's prescribed methods of worship and the potential for altars to become a source of division or false worship.

other than the altar of the LORD our God
This refers to the central altar located at the tabernacle, which was the only legitimate place for sacrifices. The tabernacle, and later the temple, was the focal point of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This phrase reinforces the unity of worship and the centralization of religious practices as commanded by God.

which stands before His tabernacle.
The tabernacle was the portable dwelling place for the divine presence during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their early years in the Promised Land. It was a type of Christ, foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity (John 1:14). This phrase emphasizes the importance of the tabernacle as the legitimate center of worship and the place where God chose to reveal His presence to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)
These tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River and were returning to their inheritance after helping the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

2. Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest
He was sent by the Israelites to confront the Eastern tribes about the altar they built, fearing it was an act of rebellion against God.

3. The Altar of Witness
The altar built by the Eastern tribes near the Jordan River, intended as a witness between them and the other Israelites that they all serve the same God.

4. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the altar of the LORD was located, signifying the proper place for sacrifices and offerings.

5. The Land of Canaan
The Promised Land west of the Jordan River, where the majority of the Israelite tribes settled.

Teaching Points

Unity in Worship
The altar was a symbol of unity among the tribes, reminding us of the importance of maintaining unity in our worship practices today.

Guarding Against Idolatry
The Israelites' concern over the altar reflects the need to guard against idolatry and ensure our worship aligns with God's commands.

Zeal for God's Honor
Phinehas' involvement shows the importance of being zealous for God's honor and purity in worship, a trait we should emulate.

Communication and Understanding
The resolution of the conflict through dialogue highlights the importance of communication and understanding in resolving disputes within the faith community.

Witness to Future Generations
The altar served as a witness to future generations, reminding us of the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the altar by the Eastern tribes serve as a reminder of the importance of unity in worship among believers today?

2. In what ways can we guard against idolatry in our personal and communal worship practices?

3. How can we demonstrate zeal for God's honor in our daily lives, similar to Phinehas' actions?

4. What lessons can we learn from the resolution of the conflict between the tribes about the importance of communication and understanding in the church?

5. How can we ensure that our faith and worship serve as a witness to future generations, as the altar was intended to be for the Israelites?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12
This chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the place He chooses, which connects to the concern over unauthorized altars.

Numbers 25
Phinehas is previously noted for his zeal in maintaining the purity of Israel's worship, which is relevant to his role in addressing the altar issue.

1 Kings 12
The account of Jeroboam setting up unauthorized altars in Bethel and Dan, illustrating the dangers of deviating from God's prescribed worship.