Joshua 22:15-34 - A witness between us

22:15-20

The delegation arrived in Transjordania and had harsh words for the tribes there. They thought they had broken faith with the Lord, and so exposed the whole of Israel, not just themselves, to the wrath of God. They cited the sin of Peor (Num 25), and Achan’s sin as evidence of the danger. Achan was just one man, yet the whole community suffered.

22:21-34

The Transjordanians declare that they built the altar not as a place of worship, but as a reminder, or a witness, to future generations of what God had done for them. The altars were often reminders of God’s work, rather than a thing to worship (i.e. an idol). It was also to remind future generations that they were part of the whole nation of Israel. The explanation seemed to satisfy Phinehas and the tribal leaders. They reported their findings to Israel, and everyone was happy!