You might remember from our reading in Numbers how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and a portion of Manasseh requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan River (Num. 32:1-42). Moses granted their request as long as they fought with the others tribes during the Canaan conquest. After the death of Moses, they promised Joshua to remain loyal to their initial commitment (Josh. 1:12-13).
Having completed their mission, Joshua allowed them to return to the land east of the Jordan (Josh. 22:1-3). Joshua reminded them to keep the Lord’s commandments despite not dwelling with the rest of the tribes of Israel (Josh. 22:5). Upon their arrival to their homeland, these tribes built an altar they called “Ed,” which means “witness.” Word reached the western tribes that an altar had been built, and they were immediately outraged. The western tribes journeyed to confront the eastern tribes. In essence they asked, “Don’t you remember what happened because of Balaam’s advice and Achan’s sin?” (Josh. 22:11-20). The majority of Israel was concerned that these three tribes were in rebellion for building an alternative altar.
Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh claimed that they had built the altar as a memorial for future generations. In other words, these two and half tribes wanted the altar to be a witness that they were in fact God’s people too. There wouldn’t have been any need for a memorial had they settled with all the other tribes in the western side of the Jordan River. Bible commentator, Warren Wiersbe notes, “The stones may have been a witness, but the people certainly were not. Surrounded by heathen nations and separated from their brothers and sisters across the river, these tribes quickly fell into idolatry and were eventually taken by Assyria (1 Chr. 5:25, 26).”
Beloved, stay committed to God and to His people.