Unity in Faith: The Blessing of Faithfulness

In Joshua 22:31, we find an important moment of affirmation and acknowledgment, spoken by Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest. The verse states: "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD."

This moment occurs after the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had established their homes on the eastern side of the Jordan River. They were seriously scrutinized for their separation from the rest of Israel. The other tribes feared that their departure would bring about a spiritual divide and lead to disobedience against God. They were concerned that the unity of Israel was at stake. However, through earnest questioning and dialogue, it was revealed that these tribes had no intention of abandoning their kin or forsaking their commitment to Yahweh. Instead of moving in rebellion, they designed an altar as a witness and a symbol of their loyalty to God and to their fellow Israelites.

Phinehas' declaration bears profound implications about the nature of faithfulness and communal living among God’s people. Firstly, it emphasizes that God is among those who uphold righteousness. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh demonstrated true unity not through physical proximity but through a shared commitment to their covenant with God. Phinehas recognized this and spoke with the authority of a priest, affirming the truth that God’s presence hinges upon obedience and faithfulness.

When Phinehas says, "We perceive that the LORD is among us," he acknowledges the active role of God in their community based on the faithfulness exhibited by these tribes. It serves as a reminder of God’s omnipresence and His continual pursuit of relationship with His people. Unity among believers is not merely about absence from conflict; it is about a shared pursuit of holiness and adherence to God’s commands.

Moreover, Phinehas’ words remind us that our faithfulness as individuals impacts the wider community. Reflect on your own life and the ways your actions, whether positive or negative, shape those around you. You are part of a larger body, and your choices can either draw others closer to God or create a chasm of distrust and treachery. The faithfulness of one can indeed save many.

Additionally, Phinehas recognizes that their faithfulness had divine consequences: "...now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD." This statement underscores the gravity of sin and the real consequences it can have on a community. Their commitment to God abated the anger of the Lord and reinforced a sense of security for the entire nation of Israel.

As believers, we must consider whether we are walking in faithfulness and encouraging the same in those around us. The act of one can lead to the salvation or deliverance of many. How are we living out our faith in front of others? Are we a source of blessing and assurance that God is indeed among us?

Finally, Phinehas serves as a bridge between the factions of Israel, a model for what it means to stand for unity while affirming righteousness. This is a charge for every believer to be spokespeople for peace, to advocate for understanding, and to remain vigilant against the divide the enemy often seeks to sow among us. In reflecting on the loyalty of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, may we be inspired to pursue faithfulness that draws us nearer to God and strengthens our unity as the body of Christ. Let us remember, our actions today echo into the lives of those around us, potentially changing the course of many for His glory.

Artwork for Joshua 22:31

Joshua 22:31 - "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD."

"And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD." - Joshua 22:31

Joshua 15:31 - "And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,"

Joshua 10:31 - "¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:"

Joshua 24:31 - "And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel."

Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"

Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."

"And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah," - Joshua 15:31

Joshua 21:31 - "Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities."

Joshua 19:31 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages."

Sirach 31:22

Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."

Joshua 15:22 - "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"

Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."

Proverbs 8:22-31

Joshua 24: 29-31 An image including old Jushua

Joshua 18:22 - "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,"

Rubenites buyilding alter in Joshua 22

"Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh," - Joshua 22:1

Joshua 24:22 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses."

Genesis 31:22 - "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled."

Joshua 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"

Deuteronomy 31:14 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation."

"¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:" - Joshua 10:31

"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22

Luke 22:31-32 - "Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Numbers 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"

Proverbs 8:22-31 – Wisdom’s role in creation.

Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."

Joshua 22:22 - "The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)"