* Reuben and Gad, with the half tribe of Manasseh, dismissed to their
homes. (1-9) They build an altar of testimony, The congregation
offended thereat. (10-20) The answer of the Reubenites. (21-29) The
children of Israel satisfied. (30-34)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-9 Joshua dismisses the tribes with good counsel. Those who have the
commandment have it in vain, unless they do the commandment; and it
will not be done aright unless we take diligent heed. In particular to
love the Lord our God, as the best of beings, and the best of friends;
and as far as that p... [ Continue Reading ]
10-20 Here is the care of the separated tribes to keep their hold of
Canaan's religion. At first sight it seemed a design to set up an
altar against the altar at Shiloh. God is jealous for his own
institutions; we should be so too, and afraid of every thing that
looks like, or leads to idolatry. Co... [ Continue Reading ]
21-29 The tribes took the reproofs of their brethren in good part.
With solemnity and meekness they proceeded to give all the
satisfaction in their power. Reverence of God is expressed in the form
of their appeal. This brief confession of faith would remove their
brethren's suspicion that they inte... [ Continue Reading ]
30-34 It is well that there was on both sides a disposition to peace,
as there was a zeal for God; for quarrels about religion, for want of
wisdom and love, often prove the most fierce and difficult to be made
up. Proud and peevish spirits, when they have passed any unjust blame
on their brethren,... [ Continue Reading ]