Overview
The tribe of Reuben received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River (Joshua 22:10). When they constructed an altar there, the other Israelite tribes initially feared this represented unfaithfulness to God and threatened conflict. However, the Reubenites explained their altar was a witness to their continued covenant commitment, not a place for sacrifice, and peace was restored (Joshua 22:21-29).
Key Scriptures
"When they came to the region of the Jordan that is in the land of Canaan, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar there by the Jordan, an altar of great size" (Joshua 22:10, ESV).
"And the people of Israel heard of it. And the whole congregation of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them" (Joshua 22:12, ESV).
"And the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh said to the heads of the clans of Israel: 'The Mighty One, God, the LORD!'" (Joshua 22:22, ESV).
Application
We must clarify our motives and commitments to the faith community when our actions are misunderstood, seeking reconciliation rather than division.