Joshua 22:23, commentary and pictures

The verse is the solemn denial of the eastern tribes, calling on God himself to judge and require it of them if they had built the altar by the Jordan to turn from following the Lord or to offer burnt offering, meat offering, or peace offerings upon it. They appealed to the Lord who knows hearts to testify against them if they were at fault, agreeing that if they were guilty in this purpose their lives would justly be forfeited. The altar was not intended for worship or sacrifice, but as a witness that the tribes separated by the Jordan shared the same faith, worshiped the living God, and had part in Israel.

It was built after the pattern of the altar of the Lord at Shiloh. Its motive was fear that in future years their children might be excluded from the tabernacle by their brethren across the river. The accusation brought against them was driven by zeal to prevent apostasy and to defend true worship, recalling God's rebuke over the hidden sin of Achan.

That zeal went too far in suspecting guilt before learning the facts, so that fear of religious defection and sincere effort to defend true worship led to severe accusations based on a misunderstanding, with potentially disastrous results. The accused tribes courteously let Phinehas finish his sharp rebuke before defending themselves, showing no anger or resentment at the ungrounded suspicion. Their honest explanation and measured response show the value of Christian forbearance and meekness when wrongly suspected. Vigilance against sin must not become harsh judgment or groundless suspicion, and courteous inquiry should come before censure.