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From Eternity Past
life to fall into the customs of the heathen tribes that dwelt upon their
borders.
While Joshua and other leaders were still oppressed with anxious
forebodings, strange tidings reached them. Beside the Jordan, the two
and a half tribes had erected a great altar similar to the altar of burnt
offering at Shiloh. The law of God prohibited on pain of death the
establishment of another worship than that at the sanctuary; it would
lead the people away from the true faith.
It was decided to send a delegation to obtain from the two and a
half tribes an explanation of their conduct. Ten princes, one from each
tribe, were chosen. At their head was Phinehas, who had distinguished
himself by his zeal in the matter of Peor.
The ambassadors, taking it for granted that their brethren were
guilty, met them with sharp rebuke. They bade them remember how
judgments had been visited upon Israel for joining themselves to Baal-
peor. Phinehas stated to the children of Gad and Reuben that if they
were unwilling to abide in that land without an altar for sacrifice, they
would be welcome to share in the possessions and privileges of their
brethren on the other side.
In reply, the accused explained that their altar was not intended
for sacrifice, but simply as a witness that, although separated by the
river, they were of the same faith as their brethren in Canaan. They
had feared that in future years their children might be excluded as
having no part in Israel. This altar, erected after the pattern of the altar
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of the Lord at Shiloh, would be a witness that its builders were also
worshipers of the living God.
With great joy the ambassadors accepted this explanation, and the
people united in rejoicing and praise to God.
The children of Gad and Reuben now placed upon their altar an
inscription pointing out the purpose for which it was erected. They
said, “It shall be a witness between us that Jehovah is God.” Thus they
endeavored to prevent future misapprehension and remove what might
be a cause of temptation.
How to Avoid Useless Strife
Often difficulties arise from a simple misunderstanding, and with-
out courtesy and forbearance, serious results may follow. The ten