This is a fine example of jumping to conclusions. Here we see the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh traveling, at Joshua's command, to possess the land that God promised to them through Moses. But the way, they started to fear that their fellow tribes would become selfish and not allow them to worship God alongside the western tribes on the other side of the Jordan. So, they built an alter as a memorial.

The western tribes, however, only knew that they were building an alter, which if they were going to use it as a place of worship, would have been against the commandments of the LORD. So, instead of being patient and inquiring, they were prepared to go to war to defend God's honor. (Sounds like what Jesus was mentioning in Matthew 13:15.) However, thanks to Phinehas, son of the priest Eleazar, who decided to act as the liaison between the tribes, they were finally able to learn the truth of the matter.

We should take a lesson from this passage of Scripture. As human beings, we tend to automatically assume the worst of people. However, through the Holy Spirit and prayer, we should see the best in people. We should, as Paul prays for us to do in Ephesians 1:17-19, see what God sees. This could save a lot of head and heart ache in the future. Wouldn't you agree?

Joshua 22:10-26