Many particular things we have read concerning the two tribes
and a half, though nothing separated them from the rest of the tribes except the
river Jordan, and this chapter is wholly concerning them. I. Joshua's
dismission of the militia of those tribes from the camp of Israel, in which the
had served as auxiliaries, during all the wars of Canaan, and their return
thereupon to their own country (v. 1-9). II. The altar they built on the borders
of Jordan, in token of their communion with the land of Israel (v. 10). III. The
offence which the rest of the tribes took at this altar, and the message they
sent thereupon (v. 11-20). IV. The apology which the two tribes and a half
made for what they had done (v. 21-29). V. The satisfaction which their
apology gave to the rest of the tribes (v. 30-34). And (which is strange),
whereas in most differences that happen there is a fault on both sides, on this
there was fault on no side; none (for aught that appears) were to be blamed, but
all to be praised.
The war being ended, and ended gloriously, Joshua, as a prudent
general, disbands his army, who never designed to make war their trade, and
sends them home, to enjoy what they had conquered, and to beat their swords into
plough-shares and their spears into pruning-hooks; and particularly the forces
of these separate tribes, who had received their inheritance on the other side
Jordan from Moses upon this condition, that their men of war should assist the
other tribes in the conquest of Canaan, which they promised to do (Num. 32:32),
and renewed the promise to Joshua at the opening of the campaign, Jos. 1:16.
And, now that they had performed their bargain, Joshua publicly and solemnly in
Shiloh gives them their discharge. Whether this was done, as it was placed, not
till after the land was divided, as some think, or whether after the war was
ended, and before the division was made, as others think (because there was no
need of their assistance in dividing the land, but only in conquering it, nor
were there any of their tribes employed as commissioners in that affair, but
only of the other ten, Num. 34:18, etc.), this is certain, it was not done till
after Shiloh was made the head-quarters (v. 2), and the land was begun to be
divided before they removed from Gilgal, ch. 14:6.
It is probable that this army of Reubenites and Gadites, which
had led the van in all the wars of Canaan, had sometimes, in the intervals of
action, and when the rest of the army retired into winter-quarters, some of them
at least, made a step over Jordan, for it was not far, to visit their families,
and to look after their private affairs, and perhaps tarried at home, and sent
others in their room more serviceable; but still these two tribes and a half had
their quota of troops ready, 40,000 in all, which, whenever there was occasion,
presented themselves at their respective posts, and now attended in a body to
receive their discharge. Though their affection to their families, and concern
for their affairs, could not but make them, after so long an absence, very
desirous to return, yet, like good soldiers, they would not move till they had
orders from their general. So, though our heavenly Father's house above be
ever so desirable (it is bishop Hall's allusion), yet must we stay on earth
till our warfare be accomplished, wait for a due discharge, and not anticipate
the time of our removal.
I. Joshua dismisses them to the land of their possession,
v. 4. Those that were first in the assignment of their lot were last in the
enjoyment of it; they got the start of their brethren in title, but their
brethren were before them in full possession; so the last shall be first, and
the first last, that there may be something of equality.
II. He dismisses them with their pay; for who goes a warfare at
his own charge? Return with much riches unto your tents, v. 8. Though all
the land they had helped to conquer was to go to the other tribes, yet they
should have their share of the plunder, and had so, and this was all the pay
that any of the soldiers expected; for the wars of Canaan bore their own
charges. "Go," says Joshua, "go home to your tents," that
is, "your houses," which he calls tents, because they had been
so much used to tents in the wilderness; and indeed the strongest and stateliest
houses in this world are to be looked upon but as tents, mean and movable in
comparison with our house above. "Go home with much riches, not only
cattle, the spoil of the country, but silver and gold, the plunder of the
cities, and," 1. "Let your brethren whom you leave behind have your
good word, who have allowed you your share in full, though the land is entirely
theirs, and have not offered to make any drawback. Do not say that you are
losers by us." 2. "Let your brethren whom you go to, who abode by the
stuff, have some share of the spoil: Divide the spoil with your brethren,
as that was divided which was taken in the war with Midian, Num. 31:27. Let your
brethren that have wanted you all this while be the better for you when you come
home."
III. He dismisses them with a very honourable character. Though
their service was a due debt, and the performance of a promise, and they had
done no more than was their duty to do, yet he highly commends them; not only
gives them up their bonds, as it were, now that they had fulfilled the
condition, but applauds their good services. Though it was by the favour of God
and his power that Israel got possession of this land, and he must have all the
glory, yet Joshua thought there was a thankful acknowledgment due to their
brethren who assisted them, and whose sword and bow were employed for them. God
must be chiefly eyed in our praises, yet instruments must not be altogether
overlooked. He here commends them, 1. For the readiness of their obedience to
their commanders, v. 2. When Moses was gone, they remembered and observed the
charge he had given them; and all the orders which Joshua, as general of the
forces, had issued out, they had carefully obeyed, went, and came, and did, as
he appointed, Mt. 8:9. It is as much as any thing the soldier's praise to
observe the word of command. 2. For the constancy of their affection and
adherence to their brethren: You have not left them these many days. How
many days he does not say, nor can we gather it with certainty from any other
place. Calvisius and others of the best chronologers compute that the conquering
and dividing of the land was the work of about six or seven years, and so long
these separate tribes attended their camp, and did them the best service they
could. Note, It will be the honour of those that have espoused the cause of God's
Israel, and twisted interests with them, to adhere to them, and never to leave
them till God has given them rest, and then they shall rest with them. 3. For
the faithfulness of their obedience to the divine law. They had not only done
their duty to Joshua and Israel, but, which was best of all, they had made
conscience of their duty to God: You have kept the charge, or, as the
word is, You have kept the keeping, that is, "You have carefully and
circumspectly kept the commandment of the Lord your God, not only in this
particular instance of continuing in the service of Israel to the end of the
war, but, in general, you have kept up religion in your part of the camp, a rare
and excellent thing among soldiers, and where it is worthy to be praised."
IV. He dismisses them with good counsel, not to cultivate their
ground, fortify their cities, and, now that their hands were inured to war and
victory, to invade their neighbours, and so enlarge their own territories, but
to keep up serious godliness among them in the power of it. They were not
political but pious instructions that he gave them, v. 5. 1. In general, to take
diligent heed to do the commandment and the law. Those that have the
commandment have it in vain unless they do the commandment; and it will
not be done aright (so apt are we to turn aside, and so industrious are our
spiritual enemies to turn us aside) unless we take heed, diligent heed. 2. In
particular, to love the Lord our God, as the best of beings, and the best
of friends; and as far as this principle rules in the heart, and is the spring
of its pulses, there will be a constant care and sincere endeavour to walk in
his ways, in all his ways, even those that are narrow and up-hill, in every
particular instance, in all manner of conversation to keep his commandments,
at all times and in all conditions with purpose of heart to cleave unto him,
and to serve him and his honour, and the interest of his kingdom among men, with
all our heart and with all our soul. What good counsel was here given to
them is given to us all. God give us grace to take it!
V. He dismisses them with a blessing (v. 6), particularly the
half tribe of Manasseh, to which Joshua, as an Ephraimite, was somewhat nearer
akin than to the other two, and who perhaps were the more loth to depart because
they left one half of their own tribe behind them, and therefore, bidding often
farewell, and lingering behind, had a second dismission and blessing, v. 7.
Joshua not only prayed for them as a friend, but blessed them as a father in the
name of the Lord, recommending them, their families, and affairs, to the grace
of God. Some by the blessing Joshua gave them understand the presents he made
them, in recompence of their services; but Joshua being a prophet, and having
given them one part of a prophet's reward in the instructions he gave them (v.
5), no doubt we must understand this of the other, even the prayers he made for
them, as one having authority, and as God's vicegerent.
VI. Being thus dismissed, they returned to the land of their
possession in a body (v. 9), ferry-boats being, it is likely, provided for
their repassing Jordan. Though masters of families may sometimes have occasion
to be absent, long absent, from their families, yet, when their business abroad
is finished, they must remember home is their place, from which they ought not
to wander as a bird from her nest.
Here is, I. The pious care of the separated tribes to keep their
hold of Canaan's religion, even when they were leaving Canaan's land, that
they might not be as the sons of the stranger, utterly separated from God's
people, Isa. 56:3. In order to this, they built a great altar on the borders
of Jordan, to be a witness for them that they were Israelites, and as such partakers
of the altar of the Lord, 1 Co. 10:18. When they came to Jordan (v. 10) they
did not consult how to preserve the remembrance of their own exploits in the
wars of Canaan, and the services they had done their brethren, by erecting a
monument to the immortal honour of the two tribes and a half; but their relation
to the church of God, together with their interest in the communion of saints,
is that which they are solicitous to preserve and perpetuate the proofs and
evidences of; and therefore without delay, when the thing was first proposed by
some among them, who, though glad to think that they were going towards home,
were sorry to think that they were going from the altar of God, immediately they
erected this altar, which served as a bridge to keep up their fellowship with
the other tribes in the things of God. Some think they built this altar on the
Canaan-side of Jordan, in the lot of Benjamin, that, looking over the river,
they might see the figure of the altar at Shiloh, when they could not
conveniently go to it; but it is more likely that they built it on their own
side of the water, for what had they to do to build on another man's land
without his consent? And it is said to be over-against the land of
Canaan; nor would there have been any cause of suspecting it designed for
sacrifice if they had not built it among themselves. This altar was very
innocently and honestly designed, but it would have been well if, since it had
in it an appearance of evil, and might be an occasion of offence to their
brethren, they had consulted the oracle of God about it before they did it, or
at least acquainted their brethren with their purpose, and given them the same
explication of their altar before, to prevent their jealousy, which they did
afterwards, to remove it. Their zeal was commendable, but it ought to have been
guided with discretion. There was no need to hasten the building of an altar for
the purpose for which they intended this, but they might have taken time to
consider and take advice; yet, when their sincerity was made to appear, we do
not find that they were blamed for their rashness. God does, and men should,
overlook the weakness of an honest zeal.
II. The holy jealousy of the other tribes for the honour of God
and his altar at Shiloh. Notice was immediately brought to the princes of Israel
of the setting up of this altar, v. 11. And they, knowing how strict and severe
that law was which required them to offer all their sacrifices in the place
which God should choose, and not elsewhere (Deu. 12:5-7), were soon apprehensive
that the setting up of another altar was an affront to the choice which God had
lately made of a place to put his name in, and had a direct tendency to the
worship of some other God. Now,
1. Their suspicion was very excusable, for it must be confessed
the thing, prima facie—at first sight, looked ill, and seemed to imply
a design to set up and maintain a competitor with the altar at Shiloh. It was no
strained innuendo from the building of an altar to infer an intention to
offer sacrifice upon it, and that might introduce idolatry and end in a total
apostasy from the faith and worship of the God of Israel. So great a matter
might this fire kindle. God is jealous for his own institutions, and therefore
we should be so too, and afraid of every thing that looks like, or leads to,
idolatry.
2. Their zeal, upon this suspicion, was very commendable, v. 12.
When they apprehended that these tribes, which by the river Jordan were
separated from them, were separating themselves from God, they took it as the
greatest injury that could be done to themselves, and showed a readiness, if it
were necessary, to put their lives in their hands in defence of the altar of
God, and to take up arms for the chastising and reducing of these rebels, and to
prevent the spreading of the infection, if no gentler methods would serve, by
cutting off from their body the gangrened member. They all gathered together,
and Shiloh was the place of their rendezvous, because it was in defence of the
divine charter lately granted to that place that they now appeared; their
resolution was as became a kingdom of priests, who, being devoted to God and his
service, did not acknowledge their brethren nor know their own
children, Deu. 33:9. They would immediately go up to war against them
if it appeared they had revolted from God, and were in rebellion against him.
Though they were bone of their bone, had been companions with them in
tribulation in the wilderness, and serviceable to them in the wars of
Canaan, yet, if they turn to serve other gods, they will treat them as
enemies, not as sons of Israel, but as children of whoredoms, for so God
had appointed, Deu. 13:12, etc. They had but lately sheathed their swords, and
retired from the perils and fatigues of war to the rest God had given them, and
yet they are willing to begin a new war rather than be any way wanting in their
duty to restrain, repress, and revenge, idolatry, and every step towards it—a
brave resolution, and which shows them hearty for their religion, and, we hope,
careful and diligent in the practice of it themselves. Corruptions in religion
are best dealt with at first, before they get head and plead prescription.
3. Their prudence in the prosecution of this zealous resolution
is no less commendable. God had appointed them, in cases of this nature, to enquire
and make search (Deu. 13:14), that they might not wrong their brethren under
pretence of righting their religion; accordingly they resolve here not to send
forth their armies, to wage war, till they had first sent their ambassadors to
enquire into the merits of the cause, and these men of the first rank, one out
of each tribe, and Phinehas at the head of them to be their spokesman, v. 13,
14. Thus was their zeal for God tempered, guided, and governed by the meekness
of wisdom. He that knows all things, and hates all evil things, would not
punish the worst of criminals but he would first go down and see, Gen.
18:21. Many an unhappy strife would be prevented, or soon healed by an impartial
and favourable enquiry into that which is the matter of the offence. The
rectifying of mistakes and misunderstandings, and the setting of misconstrued
words and actions in a true light, would be the most effectual way to
accommodate both private and public quarrels, and bring them to a happy period.
4. The ambassadors' management of this matter came fully up to
the sense and spirit of the congregation concerning it, and bespeaks much both
of zeal and prudence.
(1.) The charge they draw up against their brethren is indeed
very high, and admits no other excuse than that it was in their zeal for the
honour of God, and was now intended to justify the resentments of the
congregation at Shiloh and to awaken the supposed delinquents to clear
themselves, otherwise they might have suspended their judgment, or mollified it
at least, and not have taken it for granted, as they do here (v. 16), that the
building of this altar was a trespass against the God of Israel, and a
trespass no less heinous than the revolt of soldiers from their captain (you
turn from following the Lord), and the rebellion of subjects against their
sovereign: that you might rebel this day against the Lord. Hard words. It
is well they were not able to make good their charge. Let not innocency think it
strange to be thus misrepresented and accused. They laid to my charge things
that I knew not.
(2.) The aggravation of the crime charged upon their brethren is
somewhat far-fetched: Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us? v. 17.
Probably that is mentioned because Phinehas, the first commissioner in this
treaty, had signalized himself in that matter (Num. 25:7), and because we may
suppose they were not about the very place in which that iniquity was committed
on the other side Jordan. It is good to recollect and improve those instances of
the wrath of God, revealed from heaven against the ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, which have fallen out in our own time, and which we
ourselves have been eye-witnesses of. He reminds them of the iniquity of Peor,
[1.] As a very great sin, and very provoking to God. The building of this altar
seemed but a small matter, but it might lead to an iniquity as bad as that of
Peor, and therefore must be crushed in its first rise. Note, The remembrance of
great sins committed formerly should engage us to stand upon our guard against
the least occasions and beginnings of sin; for the way of sin is down-hill. [2.]
As a sin that the whole congregation had smarted for: "There was a
plague in the congregation of the Lord, of which, in one day, there died no
fewer than 24,000; was not that enough for ever to warn you against idolatry?
What! will you bring upon yourselves another plague? Are you so mad upon an
idolatrous altar that you will run yourselves thus upon the sword's point of
God's judgments? Does not our camp still feel from that sin and the punishment
of it? We are not cleansed from it unto this day; there are remaining
sparks," First, "Of the infection of that sin; some among us so
inclined to idolatry that if you set up another altar they will soon take
occasion from that, whether you intend it or no, to worship another God." Secondly,
"Of the wrath of God against us for that sin. We have reason to fear that,
if we provoke God by another sin to visit, he will remember against us
the iniquity of Peor, as he threatened to do that of the golden calf, Ex. 32:34.
And dare you wake the sleeping lion of divine vengeance?" Note, It is a
foolish and dangerous thing for people to think their former sins little, too
little for them, as those do who add sin to sin, and so treasure up wrath
against the day of wrath. Let therefore the time past suffice, 1 Pt. 4:3.
(3.) The reason they give for their concerning themselves so
warmly in this matter is very sufficient. They were obliged to it, in their own
necessary defence, by the law of self-preservation: "For, if you revolt
from God to-day, who knows but to-morrow his judgments may break in upon the whole
congregation (v. 18), as in the case of Achan? v. 20. He sinned, and we all
smarted for it, by which we should receive instruction, and from what God did
then infer what he may do, and fear what he will do, if we do not witness
against your sin, who are so many, and punish it." Note, The conservators
of the public peace are obliged, in justice to the common safety, to use their
power for the restraining and suppressing of vice and profaneness, lest, if it
be connived at, the sin thereby become national, and bring God's judgments
upon the community. Nay, we are all concerned to reprove our neighbour when he
does amiss, lest we bear sin for him, Lev. 19:17.
(4.) The offer they make is very fair and kind (v. 19), that if
they thought the land of their possession unclean, for want of an altar, and
therefore could not be easy without one, rather than they should set up another
in competition with that at Shiloh they should be welcome to come back to the
land where the Lord's tabernacle was, and settle there, and they would
very willingly straiten themselves to make room for them. By this they showed a
sincere and truly pious zeal against schism, that rather than their brethren
should have any occasion to set up a separate altar, though their pretence for
it, as here supposed, was very weak and grounded upon a great mistake, yet they
were willing to part with a considerable share of the land which God himself had
by the lot assigned them, to comprehend them and take them in among them. This
was the spirit of Israelites indeed.
We may suppose there was a general convention called of the
princes and great men of the separate tribes, to give audience to these
ambassadors; or perhaps the army, as it came home, was still encamped in a body,
and not yet dispersed; however it was, there were enough to represent the two
tribes and a half, and to give their sense. Their reply to the warm remonstrance
of the ten tribes is very fair and ingenuous. They do not retort their charge,
upbraid them with the injustice and unkindness of their threatenings, nor
reproach them for their rash and hasty censures, but give them a soft answer
which turns away wrath, avoiding all those grievous words which stir up
anger; they demur not to their jurisdiction, nor plead that they were not
accountable to them for what they had done, nor bid them mind their own
business, but, by a free and open declaration of their sincere intention in what
they did, free themselves from the imputation they were under, and set
themselves right in the opinion of their brethren, to do which they only needed
to state the case and put the matter in a true light.
I. They solemnly protest against any design to use this altar
for sacrifice or offering, and therefore were far from setting it up in
competition with the altar at Shiloh, or from entertaining the least thought of
deserting that. They had indeed set up that which had the shape and fashion of
an altar, but they had not dedicated it to a religious use, had had no solemnity
of its consecration, and therefore ought not to be charged with a design to put
it to any such use. To gain credit to this protestation here is,
1. A solemn appeal to God concerning it, with which they begin
their defence, intending thereby to give glory to God first, and then to give
satisfaction to their brethren, v. 22. (1.) A profound awe and reverence of God
are expressed in the form of their appeal: The Lord God of gods, the Lord God
of gods, he knows. Or, as it might be read somewhat closer to the original, The
God of gods, Jehovah, the God of gods, Jehovah, he knows, which bespeaks his
self-existence and self-sufficiency; he is Jehovah, and has sovereignty and
supremacy over all beings and powers whatsoever, even those that are called gods,
or that are worshipped. This brief confession of their faith would help to
obviate and remove their brethren's suspicion of them, as if they intended to
desert the God of Israel, and worship other gods: how could those entertain such
a thought who believed him to be God over all? Let us learn hence always to
speak of God with reverence and seriousness, and to mention his name with a
solemn pause. Those who make their appeals to heaven with a slight, careless,
"God knows," have reason to fear lest they take his name in vain, for
it is very unlike this appeal. (2.) It is a great confidence of their own
integrity which they express in the matter of their appeal. They refer the
controversy to the God of gods, whose judgment, we are sure, is according to
truth, such as the guilty have reason to dread and the upright to rejoice
in. "If it be in rebellion or transgression that we have
built this altar, to confront the altar of the Lord at Shiloh, to make a party,
or to set up any new gods or worships," [1.] "He knows it (v.
22), for he is perfectly acquainted with the thoughts and intents of the heart,
and particularly with all inclinations to idolatry (Ps. 44:20, 21); this is in a
particular manner before him. We believe he knows it, and we cannot by any arts
conceal it from him." [2.] "Let him require it, as we know he
will, for he is a jealous God." Nothing but a clear conscience would have
thus imprecated divine justice to avenge the rebellion if there had been any.
Note, First, In every thing we do in religion, it highly concerns us to
approve ourselves to God in our integrity therein, remembering that he knows the
heart. Secondly, When we fall under the censures of men, it is very
comfortable to be able with a humble confidence to appeal to God concerning our
sincerity. See 1 Co. 4:3, 4.
2. A sober apology presented to their brethren: Israel, he
shall know. Though the record on high, and the witness in our bosoms, are
principally to be made sure for us, yet there is a satisfaction besides which we
owe to our brethren who doubt concerning our integrity, and which we should be
ready to give with meekness and fear. if our sincerity be known to God, we
should study likewise to let others know it by its fruits, especially those who,
though they mistake us, yet show a zeal for the glory of God, as the ten tribes
here did.
3. A serious abjuration or renunciation of the design which they
were suspected to be guilty of. With this they conclude their defence (v. 29): "God
forbid that we should rebel against the Lord, as we own we should if we had
set up this altar for burnt-offerings; no, we abhor the thought of it. We have
as great a value and veneration for the altar of the Lord at Shiloh as any of
the tribes of Israel have, and are as firmly resolved to adhere to it and
constantly to attend it; we have the same concern that you have for the purity
of God's worship and the unity of his church; far be it, far be it from us, to
think of turning away from following God."
II. They fully explain their true intent and meaning in building
this altar; and we have all the reason in the world to believe that it is a true
representation of their design, and not advanced now to palliate it afterwards,
as we have reason to think that these same persons meant very honestly when they
petitioned to have their lot on that side Jordan, though then also is was their
unhappiness to be misunderstood even by Moses himself. In their vindication,
they make it out that the building of this altar was so far from being a step
towards a separation from their brethren, and from the altar of the Lord at
Shiloh, that, on the contrary, it was really designed for a pledge and
preservative of their communion with their brethren and with the altar of God,
and a token of their resolution to do the service of the Lord before him
(v. 27), and to continue to do so.
1. They gave an account of the fears they had lest, in process
of time, their posterity, being seated at such a distance from the tabernacle,
should be looked upon and treated as strangers to the commonwealth of Israel (v.
24); it was for fear of this thing, and the word signifies a great perplexity
and solicitude of mind which they were in, until they eased themselves by this
expedient. As they were returning home (and we may suppose it was not thought of
before, else they would have made Joshua acquainted with their purpose), some of
them in discourse started this matter, and the rest took the hint, and
represented to themselves and one another a very melancholy prospect of what
might probably happen in after-ages, that their children would be looked upon by
the other tribes as having no interest in the altar of God and the sacrifices
there offered. Now indeed they were owned as brethren, and were as welcome at
the tabernacle as any other of the tribes; but what if their children after them
should be disowned? They, by reason of their distance, and the interposition of
Jordan, which it was not easy at all times to pass and repass, could not be so
numerous and constant in their attendance on the three yearly feasts as the
other tribes, to make a continual claim to the privileges of Israelites, and
would therefore be looked upon as inconsiderable members of their church, and by
degrees would be rejected as not members of it at all: So shall your children
(who in their pride will be apt to monopolize the privileges of the altar) make
our children (who perhaps will not be so careful as they ought to be to keep
hold of those privileges) cease from fearing the Lord. Note, (1.) Those
that are cut off from public ordinances are likely to lose all religion, and
will by degrees cease from fearing the Lord. Though the form and profession of
godliness are kept up by many without the life and power of it, yet the life and
power of it will not long be kept up without the form and profession. You take
away grace if you take away the means of grace. (2.) Those who have themselves
found the comfort and benefit of God's ordinances cannot but desire to
preserve and perpetuate the entail of them upon their seed, and use all possible
precautions that their children after them may not be made to cease from
following the Lord, or be looked upon as having no part in him.
2. The project they had to prevent this, v. 26-28.
"Therefore, to secure an interest in the altar of God to those who shall
come after us, and to prove their title to it, we said, Let us build an
altar, to be a witness between us and you," that, having this copy of
the altar in their custody, it might be produced as an evidence of their right
to the privilege of the original. Every one that saw this altar, and observed
that it was never used for sacrifice and offering, would enquire what was the
meaning of it, and this answer would be given to that enquiry, that it was built
by those separate tribes, in token of their communion with their brethren and
their joint-interest with them in the altar of the Lord. Christ is the great
altar that sanctifies every gift; the best evidence of our interest in him will
be the pattern of his Spirit in our hearts, and our conformity to him. If we can
produce this it will be a testimony for us that we have a part in the Lord,
and an earnest of our perseverance in following him.
We have here the good issue of this controversy, which, if there
had not been on both sides a disposition to peace, as there was on both sides a
zeal for God, might have been of ill consequence; for quarrels about religion,
for want of wisdom and love, often prove the most fierce and most difficult to
be accommodated. But these contending parties, when the matter was fairly stated
and argued, were so happy as to understand one another very well, and so the
difference was presently compromised.
I. The ambassadors were exceedingly pleased when the separate
tribes had given in a protestation of the innocency of their intentions in
building this altar. 1. The ambassadors did not call in question their sincerity
in that protestation, did not say, "You tell us you design it not for
sacrifice and offering, but who can believe you? What security will you give us
that it shall never be so used?" No. Charity believes all things, hopes
all things, believes and hopes the best, and is very loth to give the lie to
any. 2. They did not upbraid them with the rashness and unadvisedness of this
action, did not tell them, "If you would do such a thing, and with this
good intention, yet you might have had so much respect for Joshua and Eleazar as
to have advised with them, or at least have made them acquainted with it, and so
have saved the trouble and expense of this embassy." But a little want of
consideration and good manners should be excused and overlooked in those who, we
have reason to think, mean honestly. 3. Much less did they go about to fish for
evidence to make out their charge, because they had once exhibited it, but were
glad to have their mistake rectified, and were not at all ashamed to own it.
Proud and peevish spirits, when they have passed an unjust censure upon their
brethren, though ever so much convincing evidence be brought of the injustice of
it, will stand to it, and can by no means be persuaded to retract it. These
ambassadors were not so prejudiced; their brethren's vindication pleased them,
v. 30. They looked upon their innocency as a token of God's presence (v. 31),
especially when they found that what was done was so far from being an
indication of their growing cool to the altar of God that, one the contrary, it
was a fruit of their zealous affection to it: You have delivered the children
of Israel out of the hand of the Lord, that is, "You have not, as we
feared, delivered them into the hand of the Lord, or exposed them to his
judgments by the trespass we were jealous of."
II. The congregation was abundantly satisfied when their
ambassadors reported to them their brethren's apology for what they had done.
It should seem they staid together, at least by their representatives, until
they heard the issue (v. 32); and when they understood the truth of the matter
it pleased them (v. 33), and they blessed God. Note, Our brethren's
constancy in religion, their zeal for the power of godliness, and their keeping
the unity of the Spirit in faith and love, notwithstanding the jealousies
conceived of them as breaking the unity of the church, are things which we
should be very glad to be satisfied of, and should make the matter both of our
rejoicing and of our thanksgiving; let God have the glory of it, and let us take
the comfort of it. Being thus satisfied, they laid down their arms immediately,
and were so far from any thoughts of prosecuting the war they had been
meditating against their brethren that we may suppose them wishing for the next
feast, when they should meet them at Shiloh.
III. The separate tribes were gratified, and, since they had a
mind to preserve among them this pattern of the altar of God, though there was
not likely to be that occasion for it which they fancied, yet Joshua and the
princes let them have their humour, and did not give orders for the demolishing
of it, though there was as much reason to fear that it might in process of time
be an occasion of idolatry as there was to hope that ever it might be a
preservation from idolatry. Thus did the strong bear the infirmities of the
weak. Only care was taken that they having explained the meaning of their
altar, that it was intended for no more than a testimony of their communion with
the altar at Shiloh, this explanation should be recorded, which was done
according to the usage of those times by giving a name to it signifying so much
(v. 34); they called it Ed, a witness to that, and no more, a witness of
the relation they stood in to God and Israel, and of their concurrence with the
rest of the tribes in the same common faith, that Jehovah he is God, he
and no other. It was a witness to posterity of their care to transmit their
religion pure and entire to them, and would be a witness against them if ever
they should forsake God and turn from following after him.
Joshua 22 Bible Commentary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete)
Many particular things we have read concerning the two tribes and a half, though nothing separated them from the rest of the tribes except the river Jordan, and this chapter is wholly concerning them. I. Joshua's dismission of the militia of those tribes from the camp of Israel, in which the had served as auxiliaries, during all the wars of Canaan, and their return thereupon to their own country (v. 1-9). II. The altar they built on the borders of Jordan, in token of their communion with the land of Israel (v. 10). III. The offence which the rest of the tribes took at this altar, and the message they sent thereupon (v. 11-20). IV. The apology which the two tribes and a half made for what they had done (v. 21-29). V. The satisfaction which their apology gave to the rest of the tribes (v. 30-34). And (which is strange), whereas in most differences that happen there is a fault on both sides, on this there was fault on no side; none (for aught that appears) were to be blamed, but all to be praised.
Verses 1-9
The war being ended, and ended gloriously, Joshua, as a prudent general, disbands his army, who never designed to make war their trade, and sends them home, to enjoy what they had conquered, and to beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning-hooks; and particularly the forces of these separate tribes, who had received their inheritance on the other side Jordan from Moses upon this condition, that their men of war should assist the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan, which they promised to do (Num. 32:32), and renewed the promise to Joshua at the opening of the campaign, Jos. 1:16. And, now that they had performed their bargain, Joshua publicly and solemnly in Shiloh gives them their discharge. Whether this was done, as it was placed, not till after the land was divided, as some think, or whether after the war was ended, and before the division was made, as others think (because there was no need of their assistance in dividing the land, but only in conquering it, nor were there any of their tribes employed as commissioners in that affair, but only of the other ten, Num. 34:18, etc.), this is certain, it was not done till after Shiloh was made the head-quarters (v. 2), and the land was begun to be divided before they removed from Gilgal, ch. 14:6.
It is probable that this army of Reubenites and Gadites, which had led the van in all the wars of Canaan, had sometimes, in the intervals of action, and when the rest of the army retired into winter-quarters, some of them at least, made a step over Jordan, for it was not far, to visit their families, and to look after their private affairs, and perhaps tarried at home, and sent others in their room more serviceable; but still these two tribes and a half had their quota of troops ready, 40,000 in all, which, whenever there was occasion, presented themselves at their respective posts, and now attended in a body to receive their discharge. Though their affection to their families, and concern for their affairs, could not but make them, after so long an absence, very desirous to return, yet, like good soldiers, they would not move till they had orders from their general. So, though our heavenly Father's house above be ever so desirable (it is bishop Hall's allusion), yet must we stay on earth till our warfare be accomplished, wait for a due discharge, and not anticipate the time of our removal.
I. Joshua dismisses them to the land of their possession, v. 4. Those that were first in the assignment of their lot were last in the enjoyment of it; they got the start of their brethren in title, but their brethren were before them in full possession; so the last shall be first, and the first last, that there may be something of equality.
II. He dismisses them with their pay; for who goes a warfare at his own charge? Return with much riches unto your tents, v. 8. Though all the land they had helped to conquer was to go to the other tribes, yet they should have their share of the plunder, and had so, and this was all the pay that any of the soldiers expected; for the wars of Canaan bore their own charges. "Go," says Joshua, "go home to your tents," that is, "your houses," which he calls tents, because they had been so much used to tents in the wilderness; and indeed the strongest and stateliest houses in this world are to be looked upon but as tents, mean and movable in comparison with our house above. "Go home with much riches, not only cattle, the spoil of the country, but silver and gold, the plunder of the cities, and," 1. "Let your brethren whom you leave behind have your good word, who have allowed you your share in full, though the land is entirely theirs, and have not offered to make any drawback. Do not say that you are losers by us." 2. "Let your brethren whom you go to, who abode by the stuff, have some share of the spoil: Divide the spoil with your brethren, as that was divided which was taken in the war with Midian, Num. 31:27. Let your brethren that have wanted you all this while be the better for you when you come home."
III. He dismisses them with a very honourable character. Though their service was a due debt, and the performance of a promise, and they had done no more than was their duty to do, yet he highly commends them; not only gives them up their bonds, as it were, now that they had fulfilled the condition, but applauds their good services. Though it was by the favour of God and his power that Israel got possession of this land, and he must have all the glory, yet Joshua thought there was a thankful acknowledgment due to their brethren who assisted them, and whose sword and bow were employed for them. God must be chiefly eyed in our praises, yet instruments must not be altogether overlooked. He here commends them, 1. For the readiness of their obedience to their commanders, v. 2. When Moses was gone, they remembered and observed the charge he had given them; and all the orders which Joshua, as general of the forces, had issued out, they had carefully obeyed, went, and came, and did, as he appointed, Mt. 8:9. It is as much as any thing the soldier's praise to observe the word of command. 2. For the constancy of their affection and adherence to their brethren: You have not left them these many days. How many days he does not say, nor can we gather it with certainty from any other place. Calvisius and others of the best chronologers compute that the conquering and dividing of the land was the work of about six or seven years, and so long these separate tribes attended their camp, and did them the best service they could. Note, It will be the honour of those that have espoused the cause of God's Israel, and twisted interests with them, to adhere to them, and never to leave them till God has given them rest, and then they shall rest with them. 3. For the faithfulness of their obedience to the divine law. They had not only done their duty to Joshua and Israel, but, which was best of all, they had made conscience of their duty to God: You have kept the charge, or, as the word is, You have kept the keeping, that is, "You have carefully and circumspectly kept the commandment of the Lord your God, not only in this particular instance of continuing in the service of Israel to the end of the war, but, in general, you have kept up religion in your part of the camp, a rare and excellent thing among soldiers, and where it is worthy to be praised."
IV. He dismisses them with good counsel, not to cultivate their ground, fortify their cities, and, now that their hands were inured to war and victory, to invade their neighbours, and so enlarge their own territories, but to keep up serious godliness among them in the power of it. They were not political but pious instructions that he gave them, v. 5. 1. In general, to take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law. Those that have the commandment have it in vain unless they do the commandment; and it will not be done aright (so apt are we to turn aside, and so industrious are our spiritual enemies to turn us aside) unless we take heed, diligent heed. 2. In particular, to love the Lord our God, as the best of beings, and the best of friends; and as far as this principle rules in the heart, and is the spring of its pulses, there will be a constant care and sincere endeavour to walk in his ways, in all his ways, even those that are narrow and up-hill, in every particular instance, in all manner of conversation to keep his commandments, at all times and in all conditions with purpose of heart to cleave unto him, and to serve him and his honour, and the interest of his kingdom among men, with all our heart and with all our soul. What good counsel was here given to them is given to us all. God give us grace to take it!
V. He dismisses them with a blessing (v. 6), particularly the half tribe of Manasseh, to which Joshua, as an Ephraimite, was somewhat nearer akin than to the other two, and who perhaps were the more loth to depart because they left one half of their own tribe behind them, and therefore, bidding often farewell, and lingering behind, had a second dismission and blessing, v. 7. Joshua not only prayed for them as a friend, but blessed them as a father in the name of the Lord, recommending them, their families, and affairs, to the grace of God. Some by the blessing Joshua gave them understand the presents he made them, in recompence of their services; but Joshua being a prophet, and having given them one part of a prophet's reward in the instructions he gave them (v. 5), no doubt we must understand this of the other, even the prayers he made for them, as one having authority, and as God's vicegerent.
VI. Being thus dismissed, they returned to the land of their possession in a body (v. 9), ferry-boats being, it is likely, provided for their repassing Jordan. Though masters of families may sometimes have occasion to be absent, long absent, from their families, yet, when their business abroad is finished, they must remember home is their place, from which they ought not to wander as a bird from her nest.
Verses 10-20
Here is, I. The pious care of the separated tribes to keep their hold of Canaan's religion, even when they were leaving Canaan's land, that they might not be as the sons of the stranger, utterly separated from God's people, Isa. 56:3. In order to this, they built a great altar on the borders of Jordan, to be a witness for them that they were Israelites, and as such partakers of the altar of the Lord, 1 Co. 10:18. When they came to Jordan (v. 10) they did not consult how to preserve the remembrance of their own exploits in the wars of Canaan, and the services they had done their brethren, by erecting a monument to the immortal honour of the two tribes and a half; but their relation to the church of God, together with their interest in the communion of saints, is that which they are solicitous to preserve and perpetuate the proofs and evidences of; and therefore without delay, when the thing was first proposed by some among them, who, though glad to think that they were going towards home, were sorry to think that they were going from the altar of God, immediately they erected this altar, which served as a bridge to keep up their fellowship with the other tribes in the things of God. Some think they built this altar on the Canaan-side of Jordan, in the lot of Benjamin, that, looking over the river, they might see the figure of the altar at Shiloh, when they could not conveniently go to it; but it is more likely that they built it on their own side of the water, for what had they to do to build on another man's land without his consent? And it is said to be over-against the land of Canaan; nor would there have been any cause of suspecting it designed for sacrifice if they had not built it among themselves. This altar was very innocently and honestly designed, but it would have been well if, since it had in it an appearance of evil, and might be an occasion of offence to their brethren, they had consulted the oracle of God about it before they did it, or at least acquainted their brethren with their purpose, and given them the same explication of their altar before, to prevent their jealousy, which they did afterwards, to remove it. Their zeal was commendable, but it ought to have been guided with discretion. There was no need to hasten the building of an altar for the purpose for which they intended this, but they might have taken time to consider and take advice; yet, when their sincerity was made to appear, we do not find that they were blamed for their rashness. God does, and men should, overlook the weakness of an honest zeal.
II. The holy jealousy of the other tribes for the honour of God and his altar at Shiloh. Notice was immediately brought to the princes of Israel of the setting up of this altar, v. 11. And they, knowing how strict and severe that law was which required them to offer all their sacrifices in the place which God should choose, and not elsewhere (Deu. 12:5-7), were soon apprehensive that the setting up of another altar was an affront to the choice which God had lately made of a place to put his name in, and had a direct tendency to the worship of some other God. Now,
1. Their suspicion was very excusable, for it must be confessed the thing, prima facie—at first sight, looked ill, and seemed to imply a design to set up and maintain a competitor with the altar at Shiloh. It was no strained innuendo from the building of an altar to infer an intention to offer sacrifice upon it, and that might introduce idolatry and end in a total apostasy from the faith and worship of the God of Israel. So great a matter might this fire kindle. God is jealous for his own institutions, and therefore we should be so too, and afraid of every thing that looks like, or leads to, idolatry.
2. Their zeal, upon this suspicion, was very commendable, v. 12. When they apprehended that these tribes, which by the river Jordan were separated from them, were separating themselves from God, they took it as the greatest injury that could be done to themselves, and showed a readiness, if it were necessary, to put their lives in their hands in defence of the altar of God, and to take up arms for the chastising and reducing of these rebels, and to prevent the spreading of the infection, if no gentler methods would serve, by cutting off from their body the gangrened member. They all gathered together, and Shiloh was the place of their rendezvous, because it was in defence of the divine charter lately granted to that place that they now appeared; their resolution was as became a kingdom of priests, who, being devoted to God and his service, did not acknowledge their brethren nor know their own children, Deu. 33:9. They would immediately go up to war against them if it appeared they had revolted from God, and were in rebellion against him. Though they were bone of their bone, had been companions with them in tribulation in the wilderness, and serviceable to them in the wars of Canaan, yet, if they turn to serve other gods, they will treat them as enemies, not as sons of Israel, but as children of whoredoms, for so God had appointed, Deu. 13:12, etc. They had but lately sheathed their swords, and retired from the perils and fatigues of war to the rest God had given them, and yet they are willing to begin a new war rather than be any way wanting in their duty to restrain, repress, and revenge, idolatry, and every step towards it—a brave resolution, and which shows them hearty for their religion, and, we hope, careful and diligent in the practice of it themselves. Corruptions in religion are best dealt with at first, before they get head and plead prescription.
3. Their prudence in the prosecution of this zealous resolution is no less commendable. God had appointed them, in cases of this nature, to enquire and make search (Deu. 13:14), that they might not wrong their brethren under pretence of righting their religion; accordingly they resolve here not to send forth their armies, to wage war, till they had first sent their ambassadors to enquire into the merits of the cause, and these men of the first rank, one out of each tribe, and Phinehas at the head of them to be their spokesman, v. 13, 14. Thus was their zeal for God tempered, guided, and governed by the meekness of wisdom. He that knows all things, and hates all evil things, would not punish the worst of criminals but he would first go down and see, Gen. 18:21. Many an unhappy strife would be prevented, or soon healed by an impartial and favourable enquiry into that which is the matter of the offence. The rectifying of mistakes and misunderstandings, and the setting of misconstrued words and actions in a true light, would be the most effectual way to accommodate both private and public quarrels, and bring them to a happy period.
4. The ambassadors' management of this matter came fully up to the sense and spirit of the congregation concerning it, and bespeaks much both of zeal and prudence.
(1.) The charge they draw up against their brethren is indeed very high, and admits no other excuse than that it was in their zeal for the honour of God, and was now intended to justify the resentments of the congregation at Shiloh and to awaken the supposed delinquents to clear themselves, otherwise they might have suspended their judgment, or mollified it at least, and not have taken it for granted, as they do here (v. 16), that the building of this altar was a trespass against the God of Israel, and a trespass no less heinous than the revolt of soldiers from their captain (you turn from following the Lord), and the rebellion of subjects against their sovereign: that you might rebel this day against the Lord. Hard words. It is well they were not able to make good their charge. Let not innocency think it strange to be thus misrepresented and accused. They laid to my charge things that I knew not.
(2.) The aggravation of the crime charged upon their brethren is somewhat far-fetched: Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us? v. 17. Probably that is mentioned because Phinehas, the first commissioner in this treaty, had signalized himself in that matter (Num. 25:7), and because we may suppose they were not about the very place in which that iniquity was committed on the other side Jordan. It is good to recollect and improve those instances of the wrath of God, revealed from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, which have fallen out in our own time, and which we ourselves have been eye-witnesses of. He reminds them of the iniquity of Peor, [1.] As a very great sin, and very provoking to God. The building of this altar seemed but a small matter, but it might lead to an iniquity as bad as that of Peor, and therefore must be crushed in its first rise. Note, The remembrance of great sins committed formerly should engage us to stand upon our guard against the least occasions and beginnings of sin; for the way of sin is down-hill. [2.] As a sin that the whole congregation had smarted for: "There was a plague in the congregation of the Lord, of which, in one day, there died no fewer than 24,000; was not that enough for ever to warn you against idolatry? What! will you bring upon yourselves another plague? Are you so mad upon an idolatrous altar that you will run yourselves thus upon the sword's point of God's judgments? Does not our camp still feel from that sin and the punishment of it? We are not cleansed from it unto this day; there are remaining sparks," First, "Of the infection of that sin; some among us so inclined to idolatry that if you set up another altar they will soon take occasion from that, whether you intend it or no, to worship another God." Secondly, "Of the wrath of God against us for that sin. We have reason to fear that, if we provoke God by another sin to visit, he will remember against us the iniquity of Peor, as he threatened to do that of the golden calf, Ex. 32:34. And dare you wake the sleeping lion of divine vengeance?" Note, It is a foolish and dangerous thing for people to think their former sins little, too little for them, as those do who add sin to sin, and so treasure up wrath against the day of wrath. Let therefore the time past suffice, 1 Pt. 4:3.
(3.) The reason they give for their concerning themselves so warmly in this matter is very sufficient. They were obliged to it, in their own necessary defence, by the law of self-preservation: "For, if you revolt from God to-day, who knows but to-morrow his judgments may break in upon the whole congregation (v. 18), as in the case of Achan? v. 20. He sinned, and we all smarted for it, by which we should receive instruction, and from what God did then infer what he may do, and fear what he will do, if we do not witness against your sin, who are so many, and punish it." Note, The conservators of the public peace are obliged, in justice to the common safety, to use their power for the restraining and suppressing of vice and profaneness, lest, if it be connived at, the sin thereby become national, and bring God's judgments upon the community. Nay, we are all concerned to reprove our neighbour when he does amiss, lest we bear sin for him, Lev. 19:17.
(4.) The offer they make is very fair and kind (v. 19), that if they thought the land of their possession unclean, for want of an altar, and therefore could not be easy without one, rather than they should set up another in competition with that at Shiloh they should be welcome to come back to the land where the Lord's tabernacle was, and settle there, and they would very willingly straiten themselves to make room for them. By this they showed a sincere and truly pious zeal against schism, that rather than their brethren should have any occasion to set up a separate altar, though their pretence for it, as here supposed, was very weak and grounded upon a great mistake, yet they were willing to part with a considerable share of the land which God himself had by the lot assigned them, to comprehend them and take them in among them. This was the spirit of Israelites indeed.
Verses 21-29
We may suppose there was a general convention called of the princes and great men of the separate tribes, to give audience to these ambassadors; or perhaps the army, as it came home, was still encamped in a body, and not yet dispersed; however it was, there were enough to represent the two tribes and a half, and to give their sense. Their reply to the warm remonstrance of the ten tribes is very fair and ingenuous. They do not retort their charge, upbraid them with the injustice and unkindness of their threatenings, nor reproach them for their rash and hasty censures, but give them a soft answer which turns away wrath, avoiding all those grievous words which stir up anger; they demur not to their jurisdiction, nor plead that they were not accountable to them for what they had done, nor bid them mind their own business, but, by a free and open declaration of their sincere intention in what they did, free themselves from the imputation they were under, and set themselves right in the opinion of their brethren, to do which they only needed to state the case and put the matter in a true light.
I. They solemnly protest against any design to use this altar for sacrifice or offering, and therefore were far from setting it up in competition with the altar at Shiloh, or from entertaining the least thought of deserting that. They had indeed set up that which had the shape and fashion of an altar, but they had not dedicated it to a religious use, had had no solemnity of its consecration, and therefore ought not to be charged with a design to put it to any such use. To gain credit to this protestation here is,
1. A solemn appeal to God concerning it, with which they begin their defence, intending thereby to give glory to God first, and then to give satisfaction to their brethren, v. 22. (1.) A profound awe and reverence of God are expressed in the form of their appeal: The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knows. Or, as it might be read somewhat closer to the original, The God of gods, Jehovah, the God of gods, Jehovah, he knows, which bespeaks his self-existence and self-sufficiency; he is Jehovah, and has sovereignty and supremacy over all beings and powers whatsoever, even those that are called gods, or that are worshipped. This brief confession of their faith would help to obviate and remove their brethren's suspicion of them, as if they intended to desert the God of Israel, and worship other gods: how could those entertain such a thought who believed him to be God over all? Let us learn hence always to speak of God with reverence and seriousness, and to mention his name with a solemn pause. Those who make their appeals to heaven with a slight, careless, "God knows," have reason to fear lest they take his name in vain, for it is very unlike this appeal. (2.) It is a great confidence of their own integrity which they express in the matter of their appeal. They refer the controversy to the God of gods, whose judgment, we are sure, is according to truth, such as the guilty have reason to dread and the upright to rejoice in. "If it be in rebellion or transgression that we have built this altar, to confront the altar of the Lord at Shiloh, to make a party, or to set up any new gods or worships," [1.] "He knows it (v. 22), for he is perfectly acquainted with the thoughts and intents of the heart, and particularly with all inclinations to idolatry (Ps. 44:20, 21); this is in a particular manner before him. We believe he knows it, and we cannot by any arts conceal it from him." [2.] "Let him require it, as we know he will, for he is a jealous God." Nothing but a clear conscience would have thus imprecated divine justice to avenge the rebellion if there had been any. Note, First, In every thing we do in religion, it highly concerns us to approve ourselves to God in our integrity therein, remembering that he knows the heart. Secondly, When we fall under the censures of men, it is very comfortable to be able with a humble confidence to appeal to God concerning our sincerity. See 1 Co. 4:3, 4.
2. A sober apology presented to their brethren: Israel, he shall know. Though the record on high, and the witness in our bosoms, are principally to be made sure for us, yet there is a satisfaction besides which we owe to our brethren who doubt concerning our integrity, and which we should be ready to give with meekness and fear. if our sincerity be known to God, we should study likewise to let others know it by its fruits, especially those who, though they mistake us, yet show a zeal for the glory of God, as the ten tribes here did.
3. A serious abjuration or renunciation of the design which they were suspected to be guilty of. With this they conclude their defence (v. 29): "God forbid that we should rebel against the Lord, as we own we should if we had set up this altar for burnt-offerings; no, we abhor the thought of it. We have as great a value and veneration for the altar of the Lord at Shiloh as any of the tribes of Israel have, and are as firmly resolved to adhere to it and constantly to attend it; we have the same concern that you have for the purity of God's worship and the unity of his church; far be it, far be it from us, to think of turning away from following God."
II. They fully explain their true intent and meaning in building this altar; and we have all the reason in the world to believe that it is a true representation of their design, and not advanced now to palliate it afterwards, as we have reason to think that these same persons meant very honestly when they petitioned to have their lot on that side Jordan, though then also is was their unhappiness to be misunderstood even by Moses himself. In their vindication, they make it out that the building of this altar was so far from being a step towards a separation from their brethren, and from the altar of the Lord at Shiloh, that, on the contrary, it was really designed for a pledge and preservative of their communion with their brethren and with the altar of God, and a token of their resolution to do the service of the Lord before him (v. 27), and to continue to do so.
1. They gave an account of the fears they had lest, in process of time, their posterity, being seated at such a distance from the tabernacle, should be looked upon and treated as strangers to the commonwealth of Israel (v. 24); it was for fear of this thing, and the word signifies a great perplexity and solicitude of mind which they were in, until they eased themselves by this expedient. As they were returning home (and we may suppose it was not thought of before, else they would have made Joshua acquainted with their purpose), some of them in discourse started this matter, and the rest took the hint, and represented to themselves and one another a very melancholy prospect of what might probably happen in after-ages, that their children would be looked upon by the other tribes as having no interest in the altar of God and the sacrifices there offered. Now indeed they were owned as brethren, and were as welcome at the tabernacle as any other of the tribes; but what if their children after them should be disowned? They, by reason of their distance, and the interposition of Jordan, which it was not easy at all times to pass and repass, could not be so numerous and constant in their attendance on the three yearly feasts as the other tribes, to make a continual claim to the privileges of Israelites, and would therefore be looked upon as inconsiderable members of their church, and by degrees would be rejected as not members of it at all: So shall your children (who in their pride will be apt to monopolize the privileges of the altar) make our children (who perhaps will not be so careful as they ought to be to keep hold of those privileges) cease from fearing the Lord. Note, (1.) Those that are cut off from public ordinances are likely to lose all religion, and will by degrees cease from fearing the Lord. Though the form and profession of godliness are kept up by many without the life and power of it, yet the life and power of it will not long be kept up without the form and profession. You take away grace if you take away the means of grace. (2.) Those who have themselves found the comfort and benefit of God's ordinances cannot but desire to preserve and perpetuate the entail of them upon their seed, and use all possible precautions that their children after them may not be made to cease from following the Lord, or be looked upon as having no part in him.
2. The project they had to prevent this, v. 26-28. "Therefore, to secure an interest in the altar of God to those who shall come after us, and to prove their title to it, we said, Let us build an altar, to be a witness between us and you," that, having this copy of the altar in their custody, it might be produced as an evidence of their right to the privilege of the original. Every one that saw this altar, and observed that it was never used for sacrifice and offering, would enquire what was the meaning of it, and this answer would be given to that enquiry, that it was built by those separate tribes, in token of their communion with their brethren and their joint-interest with them in the altar of the Lord. Christ is the great altar that sanctifies every gift; the best evidence of our interest in him will be the pattern of his Spirit in our hearts, and our conformity to him. If we can produce this it will be a testimony for us that we have a part in the Lord, and an earnest of our perseverance in following him.
Verses 30-34
We have here the good issue of this controversy, which, if there had not been on both sides a disposition to peace, as there was on both sides a zeal for God, might have been of ill consequence; for quarrels about religion, for want of wisdom and love, often prove the most fierce and most difficult to be accommodated. But these contending parties, when the matter was fairly stated and argued, were so happy as to understand one another very well, and so the difference was presently compromised.
I. The ambassadors were exceedingly pleased when the separate tribes had given in a protestation of the innocency of their intentions in building this altar. 1. The ambassadors did not call in question their sincerity in that protestation, did not say, "You tell us you design it not for sacrifice and offering, but who can believe you? What security will you give us that it shall never be so used?" No. Charity believes all things, hopes all things, believes and hopes the best, and is very loth to give the lie to any. 2. They did not upbraid them with the rashness and unadvisedness of this action, did not tell them, "If you would do such a thing, and with this good intention, yet you might have had so much respect for Joshua and Eleazar as to have advised with them, or at least have made them acquainted with it, and so have saved the trouble and expense of this embassy." But a little want of consideration and good manners should be excused and overlooked in those who, we have reason to think, mean honestly. 3. Much less did they go about to fish for evidence to make out their charge, because they had once exhibited it, but were glad to have their mistake rectified, and were not at all ashamed to own it. Proud and peevish spirits, when they have passed an unjust censure upon their brethren, though ever so much convincing evidence be brought of the injustice of it, will stand to it, and can by no means be persuaded to retract it. These ambassadors were not so prejudiced; their brethren's vindication pleased them, v. 30. They looked upon their innocency as a token of God's presence (v. 31), especially when they found that what was done was so far from being an indication of their growing cool to the altar of God that, one the contrary, it was a fruit of their zealous affection to it: You have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord, that is, "You have not, as we feared, delivered them into the hand of the Lord, or exposed them to his judgments by the trespass we were jealous of."
II. The congregation was abundantly satisfied when their ambassadors reported to them their brethren's apology for what they had done. It should seem they staid together, at least by their representatives, until they heard the issue (v. 32); and when they understood the truth of the matter it pleased them (v. 33), and they blessed God. Note, Our brethren's constancy in religion, their zeal for the power of godliness, and their keeping the unity of the Spirit in faith and love, notwithstanding the jealousies conceived of them as breaking the unity of the church, are things which we should be very glad to be satisfied of, and should make the matter both of our rejoicing and of our thanksgiving; let God have the glory of it, and let us take the comfort of it. Being thus satisfied, they laid down their arms immediately, and were so far from any thoughts of prosecuting the war they had been meditating against their brethren that we may suppose them wishing for the next feast, when they should meet them at Shiloh.
III. The separate tribes were gratified, and, since they had a mind to preserve among them this pattern of the altar of God, though there was not likely to be that occasion for it which they fancied, yet Joshua and the princes let them have their humour, and did not give orders for the demolishing of it, though there was as much reason to fear that it might in process of time be an occasion of idolatry as there was to hope that ever it might be a preservation from idolatry. Thus did the strong bear the infirmities of the weak. Only care was taken that they having explained the meaning of their altar, that it was intended for no more than a testimony of their communion with the altar at Shiloh, this explanation should be recorded, which was done according to the usage of those times by giving a name to it signifying so much (v. 34); they called it Ed, a witness to that, and no more, a witness of the relation they stood in to God and Israel, and of their concurrence with the rest of the tribes in the same common faith, that Jehovah he is God, he and no other. It was a witness to posterity of their care to transmit their religion pure and entire to them, and would be a witness against them if ever they should forsake God and turn from following after him.