There is an example of a conflict within the nation of Israel that shows the tendency of human nature to react wrongly in a situation brings about potentially serious situations. The warriors from the East side of the Jordan are released to head back home in the beginning of chapter 22. Before the soldiers went to their own homes they built a super-sized altar. Someone in the western tribes saw it and thought the worst; these tribes have set up their own altar on which to offer sacrifices. The news spread like wild-fire and a reactionary army was formed to punish those “rebels.” When confronted with the accusation the trans-Jordan tribes could have responded like their brothers with anger and threats, but calmer and wiser heads prevailed. A simple explanation of the purpose of the altar calmed all fears of insubordination against God. The matter was defused and a war was averted. But why did it come so close to begin with? Why wasn’t a messenger sent to ask the question before an army was assembled and the threats were made? I think that it is the same lesson that James shared in 1:19 of his letter; “…be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…”
It took me about 19 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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