Joshua 22: Will the Nation Survive?
THE TRIBES WHICH had been given land on the east side of the Jordan had fulfilled their commitment to the rest of Israel. They had entered the Promised Land with the others and had helped them to fight. Now it was time for them to return to their own homes. But since the Israelites would be living on both sides of the river, the Jordan Rift Valley became a natural barrier which hindered the unity of the twelve tribes. Could Israel still remain unified? Their response to a national crisis illustrates principles for maintaining Christian unity.
Warming Up to God
God is glorified by your praise and worship. Spend some time offering your thanks for who he is.
Read Joshua 22. »
Discovering the Word
- Why does Joshua commend the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh (vv. 1-4)?
- What blessings had these tribes received from God because of their faithful service (vv. 6-9)?
- Why were the western tribes prepared to do battle over the issue of the altar (vv. 10-20; see also Deut 12:1-14)?
- What reasons did the eastern tribes have for building the altar (vv. 21-29)?
- How did both sides in this dispute show that they were honoring God (vv. 30-34)?
Applying the Word
- What can we learn from this story about confronting those whose actions seem offensive?
- What should our attitude be toward those who have misunderstood our actions?
- What principles do you find in this chapter for restoring and maintaining unity in your church or fellowship group?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that God would bring unity to his church around the world.
For Further Study
10 Great Ideas from Church History by Mark Shaw