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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 17 June 2025:
Joshua 22:1–4 — At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you. You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the LORD your God. And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan.”
This chapter begins with a commendation. Joshua blesses the two and a half eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) for honoring their oath. They had left their own families behind for years to help their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land west of the Jordan. Their faithfulness to their brothers mirrors Christlike servant-leadership—putting others’ needs first (Phil. 2:3–4). Joshua’s words affirm that they had not only obeyed military commands but had “kept the charge of the Lord your God.” Christian maturity shows not only in what we accomplish, but in how we love and serve alongside others. These tribes are released not in rebuke, but in blessing.
Joshua 22:5 — Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
All relationships are based upon trust. Joshua explained to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh that the foundation of their relationship of trust would be each party’s obedience to God. You can trust the godly neighbor.
This key verse becomes the spiritual center of the chapter. Joshua transitions from celebrating past obedience to charging them for the future. His counsel is deeply personal and holistic: “love… walk… keep… cling… serve… with all your heart and soul.” True obedience flows from deep affection for God, not external compulsion. Joshua knew the danger of returning to material comfort without spiritual vigilance. It is possible to be victorious in battle yet careless in rest. Christians today must heed this: victories in one season are not guarantees of faithfulness in the next. We must cling to God even when the fighting is over.
In Joshua 22:6–9, Joshua blesses them and sends them off with great wealth—livestock, silver, gold, bronze, and clothing. He instructs them to share the spoils with their brothers back home. This is not only an act of justice but a recognition that the victories won were not for personal gain, but for the collective inheritance of God’s people. For Christians, spiritual blessing is never meant to terminate on the individual. We are to return from the front lines and build up the body (Eph. 4:12–16).
Joshua 22:10–12 — And when they came to the region of the Jordan… the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar… a large altar in appearance. And the people of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the people of Reuben… have built the altar… on the side that belongs to the people of Israel.” … And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly… gathered at Shiloh to make war against them.
Here tension arises. The rest of Israel, hearing that an altar has been built east of the Jordan, assumes rebellion and prepares for civil war. They feared this altar signaled a break from true worship at the tabernacle, violating Deuteronomy 12:13–14. While their zeal for covenant faithfulness is commendable, their assumptions are dangerous. They gathered for war without first verifying the facts. This is a warning: even righteous people can commit unrighteous acts when they judge hastily.
Joshua 22:12 — And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them.
The Israelites feared that the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh would drift into rebellion due to their geographical separation, so the Israelites looked for evidence to validate their fears. They viewed these tribes with undeserved mistrust and started a fight based upon false assumptions. Have you ever done that with someone, assumed the worst from them and treated them unfairly as a result? Love demands that we assume the best from others and treat them accordingly.
In Joshua 22:13–20, before attacking, the other tribes wisely send Phinehas and tribal leaders to investigate and confront. Phinehas recalls the sins of Peor and Achan to highlight the gravity of unfaithfulness. Their approach is passionate but not violent—offering dialogue and even reconciliation: “If your land is unclean, come over to the LORD’s land… but do not rebel” (v. 19). This exemplifies how to confront sin: seriously, biblically, but redemptively. Galatians 6:1 calls us to restore those caught in sin gently, watching ourselves lest we too be tempted.
Joshua 22:20 — “Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.”
This is an important reminder that sin always hurts others, whether intentional or not, whether hidden or not.
Joshua 22:21–29 — “The Mighty One, God the LORD! … He knows!” (v. 22).
The eastern tribes declare their innocence with passion and humility. The altar, they explain, was not for sacrifice but for remembrance—a “witness” between them and their western brothers to prevent future division. It was a symbol of unity, not rebellion. What had appeared divisive was actually a faithful attempt to remain connected. This exchange reveals the importance of listening fully before passing judgment. Unity is fragile and must be preserved with clarity, charity, mercy, and grace.
Misjudgment and prejudgment can be very destructive. For example, 2 Samuel 10, tells the story of how king Hanun misjudged David, misinterpreted his motives and actions, assumed David’s acts of kindness were preparations for an attack, and therefore decided to preemptively strike Israel, causing a needless battle which led to the death of over 40,000 people. Again, we must humbly and gracefully give others the benefit of the doubt, which is often risky, but not as costly as approaching others skeptically and defensively. From Matthew 7:12 we get the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” but when we misjudge others we tend to “do unto others as we think to will do unto us,” and we promote mistrust, divisiveness, and destruction. Better to suffer occasionally the cost of trusting too much than too little.
- 1 Corinthians 2:11 — For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
- Proverbs 17:13-14 — If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
Joshua 22:24 — We did it from fear that in time to come your children might say to our children, “What have you to do with the Lord.”
Parents must have a plan to ensure that their children’s children don’t forget the Lord.
Joshua 22:30–34 — When Phinehas… heard the words… it was good in their eyes… and Phinehas said… “Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith….”
The misunderstanding is resolved. The leaders rejoice, violence is averted, and Israel is unified again. The altar is named “Witness”—a visible reminder that “the LORD is God.”
This conclusion is a beautiful model of graceful confrontation, humble clarification, and covenantal reconciliation. Instead of harboring bitterness or resorting to violence, both sides sought understanding and preserved the unity of God’s people. For the Church today, this is an urgent lesson. Jesus prayed that we would be one (John 17:21), and Satan often seeks to divide through misunderstanding. Spiritual maturity is measured not by our ability to argue but by our commitment to restore.
Joshua 22:31 — “Today we know that the Lord is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the Lord. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the Lord.”
In summary, the Israelites had misjudged the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and almost acted rashly which would have been a great sin. Fortunately, they communicated their concerns and resolved the matter, discovering that what they once viewed as sin was actually an act of good faith. We too, acting from fear or envy, might view the actions of others as sinful when in actuality their behavior is reasonable. Best to give others the benefit of the doubt and communicate gracefully any concerns you might have. Open, honest, humble, communication is key. Christians should be masters at resolving conflict or potential conflict. We are all about peace.
- Romans 12:18 — If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11 — Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 17 June 2025: Joshua 22 teaches that misunderstanding—even among God’s people—can lead to devastating division unless confronted with humility and truth. Today, Christlike character is forged by a double-edged practice: 1) Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), and 2) Listen with humility before you assume the worst (James 1:19). Whether you’re on the side being confronted or doing the confronting, follow the way of Phinehas and the eastern tribes: make room for dialogue, clarity, and peace. When we build “altars” in our own lives—symbols, habits, or safeguards—make sure they are witnesses to God’s truth, not substitutes for His worship. Before confronting someone, pray and verify facts. Before reacting defensively, listen and clarify intent. Build visible reminders of your commitment to God’s unity—this could be a note, verse, or message of reconciliation to a brother or sister. Pray: “Lord, give me the humility to listen, the wisdom to discern, and the courage to speak truth with love. Keep me from assuming the worst about others, and help me preserve the unity of Your people with grace and peace. May I cling to You and serve You with all my heart and soul, even in times of misunderstanding or tension. Let my life be a witness that the Lord is God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 