Joshua 22:31

Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, "Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this breach of faith against Him. Consequently, you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD."

Study Bible

Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest
Phinehas was the grandson of Aaron, the first high priest, and son of Eleazar. His zeal for God's holiness was previously demonstrated in Numbers 25 when he stopped a plague by taking decisive action against idolatry. His role as a priest underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and discernment in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

said to the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
These tribes had settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, separate from the other tribes of Israel. Their geographical separation often led to misunderstandings, as seen in this chapter. The unity of the tribes was crucial for the strength and identity of Israel as God's chosen people.

“Today we know that the LORD is among us
This acknowledgment reflects the belief that God's presence was contingent upon the faithfulness and obedience of His people. The assurance of God's presence was a central theme in Israel's history, as seen in the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, which symbolized God's dwelling among His people.

because you have not committed this breach of faith against Him
The potential breach of faith refers to the misunderstanding regarding the altar built by the eastern tribes. Initially perceived as an act of rebellion, it was clarified to be a witness to their shared faith with the western tribes. This highlights the importance of communication and understanding in preventing division within the community of believers.

Consequently, you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD.”
The "hand of the LORD" often signifies divine judgment or discipline. By clarifying their intentions, the eastern tribes averted potential divine wrath that could have resulted from perceived idolatry or rebellion. This incident underscores the theme of collective responsibility and the impact of individual actions on the community's relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar, the priest, and grandson of Aaron. Known for his zeal for God's holiness, Phinehas plays a crucial role in mediating between the tribes of Israel in this passage.

2. Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
These are the tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. They built an altar, which initially caused concern among the other tribes of Israel.

3. The Altar
Built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, this altar was intended as a witness between them and the other Israelites, not for sacrifices, which was misunderstood initially.

4. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose presence and favor are central to the unity and peace of the nation.

5. The Israelites
The collective people of God, who were concerned about maintaining faithfulness to the LORD and avoiding His wrath.

Teaching Points

Zeal for God's Holiness
Phinehas exemplifies a passion for God's holiness and the importance of addressing potential sin within the community. We should be vigilant in maintaining purity in our own lives and communities.

Misunderstandings and Reconciliation
The initial misunderstanding about the altar teaches us the importance of seeking clarity and reconciliation before jumping to conclusions. We should strive for unity and understanding in our relationships.

God's Presence as Assurance
Phinehas' declaration that the LORD is among them highlights the assurance and peace that come from God's presence. We should seek to live in a way that invites and honors God's presence in our lives.

Deliverance through Obedience
The tribes' obedience in clarifying their intentions delivered Israel from potential divine judgment. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for experiencing His deliverance and blessing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Phinehas' response to the altar built by the eastern tribes reflect his character and previous actions in Numbers 25?

2. What steps can we take to ensure that misunderstandings in our communities are resolved in a godly manner, as seen in Joshua 22?

3. How does the concept of God's presence among His people in Joshua 22:31 relate to the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit's indwelling?

4. In what ways can we demonstrate zeal for God's holiness in our daily lives, following the example of Phinehas?

5. How does the resolution of the conflict in Joshua 22 encourage us to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ, as instructed in Ephesians 4?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 25
Phinehas is previously noted for his zealous action against idolatry, which connects to his role in ensuring Israel's faithfulness in Joshua 22.

Deuteronomy 12
This passage outlines the proper place and manner of worship, which is relevant to the concern over the altar built by the eastern tribes.

1 Samuel 7
Samuel's leadership in calling Israel to faithfulness parallels Phinehas' role in maintaining covenant loyalty.