Joshua 22:13, commentary and pictures

The eastern tribes of Reuben and Gad with half of Manasseh had received their inheritance before crossing the Jordan, in the wide upland plains and rich forests of Gilead and Bashan. They had chosen that country because as a pastoral people they desired extensive grazing land for their flocks and herds, such as was not found in Canaan itself. They had taken it on pledge to furnish their proportion of armed men to accompany their brethren across the Jordan and share their battles until they also had entered upon their inheritance. That obligation was faithfully discharged when forty thousand prepared for war passed over to the plains of Jericho, fought bravely for years by the side of their brethren, uniting in the conflicts and sharing the spoils. They then returned with much riches, with very much cattle and with silver and with gold and with brass and with iron and with very much raiment, to share with those who had remained with the families and flocks. They were now to dwell at a distance from the sanctuary, and their isolated and wandering life exposed them to strong temptation to fall into the customs of the heathen tribes dwelling upon their borders, causing anxious foreboding over their departure.

The sending of Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest into Gilead was prompted when the western tribes heard of a large altar built near the Jordan. They supposed it was designed to take the place of the tabernacle at Shiloh, would lead away from the true faith, and would bring the wrath of God upon the whole nation. Its builders meant it only as a witness that although separated by the river they were of the same faith and entitled to equal privileges in the tabernacle and its services. The congregation was excited and indignant and determined to make war, but on the counsel of men of caution Israel turned from immediate war to inquiry. A delegation was therefore sent into Gilead to the children of Reuben and Gad and half Manasseh to require an explanation of their motive.

The delegation consisted of Phinehas acting as high priest with ten princes, one from each tribe, sent with other representatives to address what was feared as a turning from true worship. The delegates went already convinced of guilt and met their brethren with sharp rebuke and accusation of rebellion against the Lord. Their zeal to guard against sin was prompted by the lesson of Achan, but they went too far by acting on suspicion before learning the facts. They should first have made a courteous inquiry rather than so acting on suspicion. Zeal to defend true religion can in this way lead to misjudgment and grave consequences when facts are misunderstood.

The calm explanation and forbearance of the accused tribes offer an example of meekness rather than anger or retaliation.