BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: ISRAELITES 2
Biblical Critique: Israelites
The book of Joshua explains how the homeland of the Israelites was invaded and how the
country was distributed to tribes as inheritance. After victory in chapter 22, Joshua was assigned
to conclude the war by dividing the country and any remaining goods. The Reubinites, Gadites,
and half the tribe of Manasseh were given encouraging words by Joshua before they returned
home. This was after the wars had been fought and the land had been divided. The tribes were
thanked for their loyalty and released from their duties. They were reminded to follow and
worship God as well as share His blessings with others. The tribes built an altar and the Israelites
drew the conclusion that the altar was for the tribes not God. This assumption nearly caused
conflict between the Israelis and the tribes. The altar was a memorial to show future generations
that the tribes were members of Israel.
Fact Verses
1. Joshua called the Reubenites, Gadites,
and the half tribe of Manasseh.
Joshua 22:1
2. The tribes were told they had followed
all the instructions from Moses and
Joshua.
Joshua 22:2
3. Joshua told the tribes they had
followed the instructions and
remained loyal to their brothers.
Joshua 22:3
4. The tribes were told their military job
was complete and they could go back
to their homes.
Joshua 22:4
5. Joshua reminds the tribes to adhere to Joshua 22:5
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: ISRAELITES 3
the laws Moses gave them.
6. The tribes were sent after Joshua
blessed them.
Joshua 22:6
7. The tribes were instructed to return
home with the wealth bestowed upon
them by God.
Joshua 22:8
8. The tribes separated from the Israelites
and went back home.
Joshua 22:9
9. The tribes built an altar along the
Jordan.
Joshua 22:10
10. The Israelites found out about the
altar.
Joshua 22:11
11. The Israelites prepared for battle
against the tribes.
Joshua 22:12
12. Phinehas and one warrior from each of
the ten tribes were sent to meet the
two and a half tribes.
Joshua 22:14
13. The tribes were advised not to defy
God and build an altar for themselves.
Joshua 22:19
14. The two and a half tribes explained the
altar was built for future generations
and to glorify God.
Joshua 22:27
15. The Israelis were please to learn the
altar was built for the glory of God
Joshua 22:33
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: ISRAELITES 4
and thanked Him for stopping the idea
of war.
Reflect
What do you see in the passage that relates
to God’s character, man’s character, or
Jesus?
Verses
God’s character Those that obey God find rest in Him. God
is with us and directs us to make the right
choice.
Joshua 22:4
Joshua 22:31
Man’s character People are upset by what the hear and
presume the worst. People make quick
assumptions before investigating.
Joshua 22:11
Joshua 22:15-18
Jesus Jesus submitted to God totally just as the
two and a half tribes did. Jesus is the
reason the saved shall triumph.
Joshua 22:5
Joshua 22:32-34
Respond
Joshua demonstrated his leadership by praising the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of
Manasseh for their works and encouraged them to always uphold God’s commands to be
successful. Joshua sent them back to their families to share the blessing of God. The two and a
half tribes built an altar on the banks of the Jordan River after arriving at Geliloth (King James
Bible). The tribes were obedient and Joshua continues his leadership responsibilities. After the
altar is built, things begin to change. The Israelis heard about the altar, made assumptions, and
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: ISRAELITES 5
started fighting. Conflict often originates from personal assumption or a breakdown in
communication (Barsky, 2017). God understands the motivation of people, and it is important
not to make assumptions without investigating. Confrontation can be prevented by avoiding
quick assumptions or judgements. Often people think the worst about others without
investigating the motivation behind the behavior.
When the Israelites heard about the altar, they believed the two and a half tribes had
turned away from God and were celebrating themselves. This infuriated them and they wanted to
start war against the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. The armed tribes of
Israel sent Phinehas and ten men to question the altar. Their questions resulted in assurance and
sincerity that the altar was indeed for God. The Bible explains that the altar was built as a sign of
unity between the tribes and their worship of God. War almost started because of rumors and
assumptions among the people. The initial acts of the Israelites did not glorify God; however,
they made an effort to rectify the situation. The group of leaders were sent out to investigate the
details on the new altar. Barsky states that fact-finding is a tactical method for gathering
trustworthy information about a dispute and is essential to the resolution (2017). The Israelites
could have fought, but they collected information that led to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The chosen 11 men went back to the Israelis to provide the details on the newly built
altar. The Israelites received the details favorably and ended the hostility among the tribes. The
two and a half tribes were now safe from the threats of invasion in their homeland. The leaders
of Israel along with the tribes of the Reubenites, Gadites, and Manasseh were able to end the
conflict by communicating and explaining the reasoning behind the altar. This communication
among the people prevented war and more conflict. God was honored by the people coming
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: ISRAELITES 6
together and resolving the conflict peacefully. The ability to listen and communicate effectively
are essential for conflict resolution (Barsky, 2017).
Conclusion
Before jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, it is important to investigate the
situation. Instead of making accusations or spreading rumors, we should gather details and truth
in order to resolve conflict. Putting and end to strife, rumors, and false accusations demonstrates
that we care about others. Christians should be involved in the solution and not the problem. All
details must be considered before taking action in order to ensure appropriate procedures are
followed. This can be challenging and time consuming; however, we must consider all involved
and the reason behind their actions. The Israelites conducted an investigation instead of acting on
the rumors and assumptions. After the investigation, all parties were happy with the details and
the conflict was resolved peacefully.
References
Barsky, A. E. (2017). Conflict resolution for the helping professions: Negotiation, Mediation,
Advocacy, Facilitation, and Restorative Justice. Oxford University Press.
God-Breathed. (2009). Holy Bible: King James Version.
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL3575478M/Holy_Bible
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