JOSHUA 22:9-34 – DISASTER AVOIDED
#18 – MOVING FORWARD – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
- How do misunderstandings cause disaster? How do the words “I thought” cause trouble?
- Why is it good to talk to others when something they have said or done troubles us?
- Why do we tend to talk about people instead of to them? James 4:10-11, Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-17
The two-and-one-half tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordon River were given their “honorary discharge” and sent home with Joshua’s blessing (Joshua 22:1-8). On the way home they did something that rightly concerned the other tribes. The way this was handled cleared up a misunderstanding and avoided disaster.
ALTAR BUILT – REPLICA – Vss. 9-10
- Although we know from reading the rest of the story that this huge altar was a replica of the altar in Shiloh, what were the dangers of building this?
ALARM SOUNDED – REBELLION? – Vss. 11-12
- We might think this is an extreme reaction, but as we progress in the story, we’ll see why the reaction was so adamant.
ADVANCE TEAM SENT – REBUKE AND REQUEST TO RECONSIDER – Vss. 13-20
- 14-15 – A high-level committee was sent.
- 16 – Based on the evidence, a serious accusation was made. Leviticus 17:8-9, Deuteronomy 13:12-15
- 17-18 – Israel’s sin at Peor is sited as an example of disobedience that led to discipline.
- 19 – A gracious offer was made. “If your land isn’t good enough, we’ll share ours.”
- 20 – Achan is given as another example of sin that hurt the whole congregation.
ASSURANCE GIVEN – REMINDER – Vss. 21-31
- 21-23 – The offending Tribes did not take offense, but agreed if the accusation was true, they should be punished.
- 24-29 – The actual purpose of this altar was given as a memorial and reminder (witness) that their Tribes on the other side of the Jordan were part of Israel.
- 30-31 – A confrontation was avoided by the explanation that was given.
ANSWER CONVEYED – REJOICING – Vss. 32-34
- A report was made that caused joy instead of bloodshed.
