Joshua 22:16, commentary and pictures

The verse concerns the tribes of Gad and Reuben and half Manasseh, who received their inheritance east of the Jordan before the crossing because the upland plains and forests of Gilead and Bashan provided grazing for their flocks and herds not found in Canaan. On that condition they pledged armed men to fight with their brethren until Canaan was won, faithfully kept that pledge and fought bravely for years, then returned with much riches, cattle, silver, gold, brass, iron and raiment to share with those who had stayed with the families and flocks. They were then to dwell at a distance from the sanctuary in an isolated and wandering life beside heathen tribes, where there was strong temptation to fall into heathen customs, which made Joshua anxious at their departure and made a separate altar look like turning away from following the Lord.

The charge was spoken for the whole congregation by Phinehas the high priest and ten princes, one from each tribe, against the eastern tribes for building a large altar near the Jordan where Israel had crossed. The verse accuses the builders of trespass and rebellion in turning that day from following the Lord, supposing the altar was designed to take the place of the tabernacle at Shiloh and meant turning from God and dividing in worship.

The accusers acted from sincere zeal to defend true religion and oppose sin, but in excitement and indignation they first moved toward war and then toward demanding an explanation, treating guilt as already proved. They feared such unfaithfulness would divide worship, lead away from the true faith, and bring the wrath of God upon the whole nation, remembering when Israel joined themselves to Baal-Peor and when Achan and his family perished and all Israel suffered for one man's transgression, and remembering God's positive command that no sacrifice be offered except at the door of the tabernacle.

The builders meant the altar only as a witness that though separated by the river they were of the same faith and entitled to equal privileges in the tabernacle at Shiloh, with no sacrifice or worship intended on it. The rebuke arose from mistaken suspicion because the western tribes judged before learning all the facts, so they should first have made a courteous inquiry rather than sharply rebuking on an unproved charge. The episode shows that people honestly seeking to serve God may be misjudged, that the misunderstanding could have led to grave and even fatal consequences, and that meekness and forbearance in response to accusation can avert serious conflict.