Joshua 22:1-20

Averting War between Brethren

Joshua 22:1

There was generous appreciation of services rendered as Joshua dismissed the warriors. Something like “Well-done, good and faithful servant,” rings through His words. But he takes care to remind them that the tenure of their lands depends wholly on their obedience. This will explain the brief and transient existence of the trans-Jordanic tribes.

The altar was probably erected on the east of the Jordan. It was “over against” the land of Canaan, and was perhaps a facsimile of that at Shiloh. The prompting motive was to cement the union between themselves and the other tribes. But that end would have been better served had they obeyed the divine command in assembling annually with them. You can secure unity, not by external symbols, but by spiritual affinity and fellowship.