MPV Commentary

11-29. When the Israelites heard about what the tribes east of the Jordan had done, news spread quickly. The act was suspected of being idolatrous, so the other tribes rose up as one and went to the tabernacle at Shiloh, determined to declare war against the two and a half tribes for their supposed rebellion against God.

However, after considering the situation more calmly, they decided not to go to war immediately. Instead, they chose to send a delegation consisting of the high priest's son and ten prominent men from each tribe to investigate this alleged rebellion (Deuteronomy 13:13-15). The quality of these deputies showed how deeply concerned everyone was about maintaining pure worship throughout Israel.

Assuming that the two and a half tribes had indeed built an altar, the delegation expressed their astonishment at such a serious crime, which would have violated the unity of divine worship (Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 17:8-9; Deuteronomy 12:5-13). They reminded their eastern brethren about the disastrous consequences that had befallen the nation due to the sin at Peor and Achan's disobedience, and they urged them to reconsider their decision if they felt a lack of the tabernacle and altar. If they repented of their choice and preferred religious privileges over worldly advantages, they should move to the western side of the Jordan, where all the tribes could come together as one united community of worshippers.

21. Then the Reubenites responded strongly, denying the alleged crime and stating that their intention was not to rebel against God but to honor their alliance with Israel (Joshua 22:24-25) and continue worshiping the God of Israel (Joshua 22:26-27).