Joshua 22:1-4 (ESV)
At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you. You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the LORD your God. And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan.
To fully understand the above text we need to go back to when the tribe of Ruben, Gad and Manasseh, requested from Moses permission to settle on the east side of the Jordon river. During the wilderness wanders and just before the nation crossed the river to take possession of the promise land, these 2 1/2 tribes desired the rich land on the east side of the river. Moses granted their request, with on stipulation. They had to help their brothers fight for and obtain their portion of the promised land. This called for extreme faith by these tribes, assuming they left their women and children on the east side, as they fought for years on the west side, along side their brothers. In the above text Joshua is now releasing them from their obligation to Moses’ demands. They have fulfilled their promise. This is a great testimony to them and to Joshua. He honored a promise from his predecessor. They also kept their promise to a predecessor, who had died years earlier. This shows the obligation of a community to honor past landmarks and decisions. As new situations arise it is still important to honor past obligations and promises. Leadership does not change that. These tribes may have liked Moses’ leadership style and not Joshua’s. However, it was about keeping a commitment. They were now honored for keeping that commitment.
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