The eastern tribes go to their inheritance, but they recognize that their distance from the other tribes and the tabernacle may pull them and their children into idolatry over time. That’s why they build the altar: as a witness to their relationship with God (and to the rest of the tribes). The other tribes are concerned and send representatives to challenge them. Will this be war!?!?!? The eastern tribes explain their intent, and all is well. That’s the official story anyway. Could it be that their motives weren’t so pure, but they realized their mistake once they were challenged? Perhaps that’s too much supposition, but building an altar as a monument seems very specific (and possibly suspicious)!
Thought for the day: We can find ourselves distanced from God in many ways. Being in an ungodly relationship. Experiencing difficult circumstances. Or literally being away from our home and our home church. Staying close to Jesus is the key to avoiding sin, trusting God, and growing in our faith.
John 15:5 (WEB) “I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Amen!