Josue 22 - Understanding One Another

"And when they were come to the banks of the Jordan, in the land of Chanaan, they built an altar immensely great near the Jordan." (Josue 22:10)

So goes the verse at the center of the controversy found in Josue 22.  Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasses have returned to their homeland on the east side of the Jordan, which is technically outside of the Promised Land.  In a lot of ways their sacrifice in helping to rid the land of the pagans was the greatest since it wasn't even their proper land they were defending, but instead it was the idea, or the Covenant with God, they were defending.  After the battles ended, they were allowed to return to their true homes, which happen to be, as divinely decreed, outside the bounds of the Promised Land.  It therefore seems reasonable that they would feel a bit isolated, separated from their brethren, who enjoyed now the land promised to them, a land flowing with milk and honey.  So they erected a large altar so they could still feel a part of the holy religion that united the Israelites.  This of course triggers worry and anger among the "west siders," as they see it as their east side brethren falling back into idolatry.  To the Israelites living in the Promised Land, it was probably a legitimate concern that the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasses would fall prey to the pagan world to which they lived closer.  All of these things added up to a giant misunderstanding, which leads to the lesson that can really be learned in this chapter.  Instead of acting on their suspicions and attacking their east side brethren, the other tribes send Phinees (the zealous priest we met before in Numbers) along with a coalition of representatives, to peacefully talk with the east side tribes, to try to understand their reasoning for building the great altar.  Through discussion they realize that the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasses have not reverted to paganism but have simply built the altar to remind themselves to always stay loyal to the One True God and also as a reminder that they are connected to the other tribes who live west of the Jordan.  All parties leave with an understanding of one another and with much love and respect.  It shows what can be achieved when we make an effort to see where someone is coming from.  Their reasons may surprise us, and we might often see our anger and suspicions are unjustified.