Today’s Lesson might be an example of Bible hermeneutics, the study and practice of “interpretation.” From Joshua 22, next in line in our short journey through this key Old Testament Book of history.
I’d like to ask each of you to read the entire chapter (all 34 verses) when you can. It tells a story. I just can’t decide (yet) if it’s a good story or a bad story!
Truthfully I have mixed feelings, conflicting ideas, about the event being described here.
I have for years been suspicious of the 2 1/2 tribes of Israel who would NOT claim their inheritance on the west side of Jordan, in the actual “Promised Land!” (Those being Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh.)
Looks to me like they “fell short” or did not want the “inconvenience” of following God fully!
And even though God allowed them this concession, it was NOT His Idea, not originally, not by a long shot!
Even now I am thinking of Psalm 106:15. “And he (the Lord) gave them (Israel) their request; but sent leanness (a wasting away) into their soul.“ Wow, keep “pestering” God and He may just “give” you want you’re wanting (lusting after) … but in the process send “leaness” to you very soul!
Yes, the soldiers of the 2 1/2 tribes were required to accompany their brethren across Jordan and help fight to expel the enemies, in the REAL Promised Land. But these folk’s families and possessions stayed behind!
And now in Joshua chapter 22 (our text again tomorrow) we see (I sense) another problem caused by these Tribes’ lethargy, by their “short-cut” mentality.
(It is just I can’t find a commentator or scholar yet to agree with what I “sense” in my heart and soul.)
Our verse today: “Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar.” Joshua 22:26, they wanted to build themselves an altar, far away from Jerusalem!
An altar just like (patterned after) the One in front of the Tabernacle!
It just sounds suspicious to me.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH GOD’S MODE OF WORSHIP!
If I am right, all this “extra-Mosaic legislation” (man-made doing) stems from not being willing to go all the way to Jerusalem to worship as God had clearly prescribed.
More tomorrow, but in the mean time … today please obey God fully!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell