Question 1

Why did Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh build a great altar by the Jordan?

Accepted Answer

These eastern tribes were going back to their homes across the Jordan after helping their brothers take the land. They feared that, in the future, the river might make later generations think they were not part of Israel and had no share in the Lord. So they built a large altar as a copy of the true altar, not to offer sacrifices, but as a visible witness. It was meant to remind everyone that they served the same God and shared in the same covenant worship at the Lord’s tabernacle.

Question 2

Why were the other tribes ready to go to war over this altar?

Accepted Answer

The tribes in Canaan had heard only that an altar was built near the Jordan. God had commanded that sacrifices be brought to the one altar by His dwelling place, so they feared this new altar meant rebellion or idol worship. They remembered past sins like Peor and Achan, where one group’s sin brought trouble on all Israel. Out of zeal for God’s honor and concern for the whole nation, they gathered at Shiloh prepared to fight if their brothers had turned from the Lord.

Question 3

Who is Phinehas in this passage and what did he do?

Accepted Answer

Phinehas is the son of Eleazar the priest. He leads the delegation of ten chiefs from the western tribes to speak with Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh. Instead of attacking at once, he comes with strong warnings, reminding them of past judgments, and he even offers that they can move into the land where the tabernacle is if their own land seems unclean. After hearing their explanation, he recognizes they have not rebelled, blesses God, and brings back a good report that prevents war.

Question 4

What does it mean that the altar was a “witness” and not for sacrifice?

Accepted Answer

The eastern tribes are clear that they did not build this altar to replace the Lord’s altar or to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings on it. Instead, they call it a witness between them and the other tribes. This means it was like a standing sign or proof. When anyone questioned whether they belonged to the Lord, they could point to this altar as a pattern of the true one and say, “See, we serve the same God and share the same worship, even though the Jordan lies between us.”

Question 5

Why do Phinehas and the leaders mention Peor and Achan’s sin?

Accepted Answer

They bring up Peor and Achan to show how serious unfaithfulness is and how one group’s sin affects everyone. At Peor, many in Israel joined in idol worship and a plague struck the people. Achan took what was under the curse and all Israel suffered defeat. By recalling these events, they warn the eastern tribes that turning from the Lord in worship would not only harm them, but bring God’s anger on the whole congregation. It shows the strong sense of shared responsibility among God’s people.

Question 6

How did this conflict over the altar get resolved peacefully?

Accepted Answer

Peace came because, even though the western tribes were ready for war, they first sent trusted leaders to talk and listen. The eastern tribes gave a clear, humble answer, calling God as witness and explaining their fear for future generations. They firmly denied any plan to offer sacrifices there. When Phinehas and the chiefs heard this, they accepted it, saw that the Lord was among them, and returned with this good news. Both sides then blessed God and gave up any plan to fight.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about unity and division among believers?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God’s people can be very zealous for right worship, yet still fall into deep misunderstanding. The western tribes loved God’s honor and feared false worship. The eastern tribes also loved God and wanted to guard their children’s place in His people. When each side opened their mouths, it first sounded like a split, but honest talk revealed they shared the same faith. It teaches that zeal should go together with careful listening, and that open, truthful talks can turn away division.

Question 8

How can this story of the altar by Jordan apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

Today, believers can face misunderstandings over actions that look wrong from a distance. This story encourages us not to jump straight to attack, but to ask questions and listen first. It also warns us to be wise about how our actions might be seen, especially in sensitive matters of worship and faith. At the same time, it reminds us to care deeply about staying faithful to God and to think about our children’s faith. Working toward peace without giving up truth is a clear lesson here.

Question 9

What does this passage show about God’s character and His people’s worship?

Accepted Answer

In this passage we see that God cares about how He is worshiped, and His people know He is jealous for His own ways. They fear that turning from His commands brings His anger on the whole community. But we also see God’s mercy, because when the truth is brought into the light and there is no real rebellion, His hand of judgment is turned away. The people end up blessing God for keeping them from war and for keeping their worship united around His appointed altar.

Joshua 22:10

¶ And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.

The Altar of Witness

The Offensive Altar

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Joshua 22:10

¶ And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.

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The Altar of Witness

The Offensive Altar

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