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THE EASTERN TRIBES BUILT AN ALTAR BY JORDAN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26
Joshua 22:10-34

Deuteronomy 28:8-14

 

“And thou shalt not go aside
from any of the words which

I command thee this day….”

 

THE EASTERN TRIBES BUILT AN ALTAR BY JORDAN
 
The eastern tribes had good intentions in building the altar, a great monument. They conferred among themselves and agreed to erect it as a memorial because they were one with all the tribes of Israel. This altar was not for sacrifices or burnt offerings.
 
Their work was reported to the other tribes and, without making further inquiry, those other tribes concluded that the act was a rebellion against God. As such, they considered the eastern tribes worthy of punishment by death. They cited the previous incidents where some of Israel had rebelled and were punished. They needed to obey God. If indeed the act of the eastern tribes was a rebellion, the other tribes would have been justified in their action.
 
The eastern tribes explained the purpose of the altar. They told the other tribes that their altar was not for any offering or any form of worship. They asserted that it was a memorial for the future generations, so that their children might not say to them that they had no part in God. It was thus a symbol of their relationship, since their heritage was to the east of Jordan. They affirmed that they were not rebelling against God. The other tribes were pleased with the explanation of the purpose of the altar. Phinehas the priest certified that they had not committed a trespass. He told them that he perceived that God was among them. They returned to their tents fully satisfied. They called the altar Ed (Josh 22:34), i.e. a witness between them and God. The peace of God ruled among them so that they lived in harmony.
 
The episode revealed how careful Israel was at that time to obey God and to remember all that He had done for them. They stressed the need of separation from sin. This is still a lesson for us believers today. We must not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Let us watch and pray.
 
THOUGHT: All the commandments of God have superlative expressions.
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the grace to recognise and resist the temptation of sin.

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