Joshua 22:1-34

Misunderstanding can be a very dangerous thing.  There are times in our relationships with one another that we misunderstand the actions and attitudes of each other.  We may look at a situation that seems so clear to us because we can only interpret actions through our own viewpoint.  Often times, the truth is not what we think it is when it comes to interpreting one another’s attitudes and actions.  This is why open and direct communication is so vitally important.  When we believe that a brother in Christ has sinned, it is our responsibility to quickly confront that person in order to either bring him to repentance or clarify our understanding or confirm disobedience that requires further steps of discipline.  Relationships are difficult enough without jumping to wrong conclusions about one another.  We must commit ourselves to open and honest communication as well as confrontation.

JOSHUA COMMENDS THE TRIBES ON THEIR FAITHFULNESS: The two and a half tribes who settled on the other side of the Jordan had been misunderstood from the beginning.  At first, when they requested to stay on the east side of the Jordan, Moses had thought that they were trying to avoid war.  They clarified that they would go to war until the rest of the tribes had found rest and the land was conquered.  They had been faithful to keep that promise and so now Joshua thanks them for their obedience and releases them to return to their homes and families.  This is a wonderful testimony to the obedience and cooperation that these two and a half tribes had demonstrated during a long battle.  It is important that we keep our promises and commitments to one another and that we recognize and bless one another in times of obedience.

ISRAEL CONFRONTS THE TRIBES FOR THEIR REBELLION: The good relationship does not seem to last very long.  The two and a half tribes erect a huge altar just before crossing the Jordan and this action is an abomination to the rest of the tribes of Israel.  They assume that the altar is built as an alternative to the altar in the tabernacle that was to be the only altar in Israel.  The rest of the tribes assume that they have already chosen to worship idols or to worship God in a way that goes against His clear instructions.  Israel is upset that their brothers would do this and they fear that their rebellion will bring the wrath of God on the entire nation.  The all gather and go forward to confront the sin that they have perceived.  This is a fundamental step that they make.  They assume that they know why the altar has been built, and it was a logical assumption.  This is why clear, honest and transparent communication is vital.

THE TRIBES CLARIFY THEIR INTENTIONS TO ISRAEL: Once the tribes are confronted, they do not take offense and begin to call names, they simply clarify their intentions and say that they were afraid that future generations might not recognize their citizenship in Israel.  Their intentions were to insure that they would be recognized in Israel not to rebel against Israel.  Once the communication is clear there is quick restoration and the relationships are free to continue to grow.  We must be willing to humbly clarify our intentions and motives to one another and not take offense when others misinterpret our actions and attitudes.  Humility is vital to the restoration process in our relationships.  We must remember these principles as we relate with one another.