Joshua 22:31

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD [is] among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.

And Phinehas {H6372} the son {H1121} of Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548} said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}, and to the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410}, and to the children {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, This day {H3117} we perceive {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} is among {H8432} us, because ye have not committed {H4603} this trespass {H4604} against the LORD {H3068}: now {H227} ye have delivered {H5337} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} out of the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068}.

Pinchas the son of El'azar the cohen said to the descendants of Re'uven, the descendants of Gad and the descendants of M'nasheh, "Today we know that ADONAI is here with us, because you have not committed this treasonous act against ADONAI. Now you have saved the people of Isra'el from the anger of ADONAI."

Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, โ€œToday we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this breach of faith against Him. Consequently, you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD.โ€

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we know that Jehovah is in the midst of us, because ye have not committed this trespass against Jehovah: now have ye delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of Jehovah.

Commentary

Joshua 22:31 records Phinehas the priest's declaration of relief and confirmation of God's presence among the Israelites, following a significant misunderstanding with the Transjordanian tribes.

Context

This verse is the climax of a tense and potentially catastrophic situation. After the successful conquest of Canaan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had their inheritance east of the Jordan River, built a large altar upon their return home. The other Israelite tribes, residing west of the Jordan, immediately interpreted this as an act of rebellion against the LORD and a departure from the central sanctuary at Shiloh, where sacrifices were to be offered (Deuteronomy 12:5). Fearing divine wrath upon all Israel, similar to past corporate sins like the incident at Peor (Numbers 25:3), they prepared for war. Phinehas, known for his zeal for the LORD, led a delegation to confront the Transjordanian tribes. In this verse, Phinehas expresses profound relief and joy after the eastern tribes explained that their altar was not for illicit sacrifice but as a "witness" (Hebrew: 'ed) to their shared identity and loyalty to the God of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Blessing: Phinehas's statement, "we perceive that the LORD is among us," signifies the profound relief that God's covenant presence had not been withdrawn due to perceived sin. God's presence was the ultimate sign of His favor and blessing upon Israel.
  • The Importance of Communication: The entire narrative underscores the critical need for clear communication to prevent misunderstanding and conflict within a community. Hasty judgment almost led to civil war among God's people.
  • Unity and Fidelity to the Covenant: The resolution affirms the unity of all twelve tribes under the one God, Yahweh. The Transjordanian tribes' explanation demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the Mosaic covenant and their desire to maintain their connection to the central worship of Israel.
  • Deliverance from Corporate Judgment: Phinehas's acknowledgment that the tribes "delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD" highlights the severe consequences of corporate sin. Had their actions been idolatrous, divine judgment would have fallen upon the entire nation, as seen in the account of Achan's sin (Joshua 7:1).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "out of the hand of the LORD" (ืžึดื™ึผึทื“ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” - miy-yad Yahweh) is a powerful idiom. The "hand of the LORD" frequently denotes God's active power, whether in judgment or deliverance. In this context, it specifically refers to being spared from the potential divine wrath or punishment that would have been unleashed upon Israel if the Transjordanian tribes had indeed committed idolatry. Phinehas's words convey the gravity of the situation and the immense relief at averting God's judgment.

Practical Application

Joshua 22:31 offers valuable lessons for believers and communities today:

  • Seek Understanding Before Judgment: This passage serves as a powerful reminder to always seek clarification and understanding before making assumptions or passing judgment on others, especially within the body of Christ.
  • Value Unity in Faith: Maintaining unity based on core biblical truths and loyalty to God is paramount. While differences may exist, a shared commitment to God's Word should bind believers together.
  • Recognize God's Presence: The ongoing presence of the LORD among His people is a source of immense comfort and assurance. Living in obedience and sincerity ensures His continued favor and avoids actions that could grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
  • Learn from History: The biblical accounts of corporate sin and its consequences serve as vital warnings, urging us to learn from the past to avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives and communities.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:11 (4 votes)

    And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

  • Leviticus 26:12 (4 votes)

    And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:2 (4 votes)

    And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

  • Zechariah 8:23 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Joshua 3:10 (2 votes)

    And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

  • Matthew 1:23 (2 votes)

    Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

  • Isaiah 12:6 (2 votes)

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.