Jumping To Conclusions

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Category: General | Jun 1977

Startling, is one way to describe a scriptural incident in which some of Israel's tribes almost went to war with each other because of a sad case of misunderstanding. Wrong decisions and bad judgements, with their resultant grief and sorrow, are often the outcome of assumptions and jumping to conclusions. These two barriers to good communication have always been with us. Obviously, God's people are not exempt from them.

After Joshua's triumphs, the land of Canaan became the inheritance of Israel. The tribes were allocated their territories, and Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were given their possession in Gilead, on the other side of Jordan. Before they left Shiloh to possess their land, Joshua commended them for keeping the commandments of the Lord. Sending them on their journey with great wealth of gold, silver, and cattle, and a blessing, Joshua encouraged them to "take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law... to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all His ways... to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Josh. 22:5,6).

The spirit among all the tribes seemed to be exceedingly good at this time, but it was not long before a rift looked like developing because someone had jumped to a wrong conclusion. A rumour was started, and the resulting consequences were almost disastrous. Observe carefully the following words recorded by the Spirit: "And the children of Israel heard say ..." (Josh. 22:11). What had they heard? That the two and a half tribes had built an altar "in the region about Jordan, on the side that pertaineth to the children of Israel". Without apparent further enquiry, "the whole congregation... gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up against them to war" (v.12). What a frightening decision! Made, no doubt, with the best intentions in the world of guarding God's honour. But how contrary to the instruction given by Moses to the nation! He had incorporated in Israel's constitution the wise advice that when "thou shalt hear tell concerning one of thy cities", going to serve other gods, for instance, "Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently..." (Deut. 13:12-18). Then comes the qualification before action is taken: "and, behold, if it be truth ... thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city..." (vv.14,15). Not until the truth was known, after search and diligent enquiry, was a' conclusion to be reached. Decisions cannot be reached on unconfirmed stories. Einstein said on one occasion: "Never determine anything as a matter of opinion that can be determined as a matter of fact".

Led by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, ten princes of Israel confronted the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, and alleged, "What trespass is this that ye have committed... in that ye have builded you an altar, to rebel this day against the LORD?" (Josh. 22:16). To charges of trespass, rebellion, were added those of iniquity like unto Peor, and turning away from following the LORD (vv. 18,19). What a sad situation had now developed! How explosive it had all become! We cannot but admire the gracious response from those who were accused. No hostility, just a straightforward, truthful answer. The Lord knew, they said, that they had not built the altar out of trespass or rebellion, or to offer sacrifices; but as a safeguard for their children. "It shall be a witness between us and you... that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no portion in the LORD.... It shall be, when they so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we shall say, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you. God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD" (vv.27-29). Their explanation, with its additional assurance that the only altar for sacrifice and service they acknowledged was the one before His tabernacle, was accepted by Phinehas and the princes, and in turn by Israel (v.33). And so was avoided unnecessary bloodshed, which otherwise might have torn Israel apart for generations.

It might be said that the two and a half tribes were wrong in building the altar without consulting the other tribes. On the other hand it seems quite clear that the tribes with the majority had over-reacted; instead of thoughts of war; instead of an emotional prejudgement; they would have done better to follow out peacefully the wisdom of Moses in carrying out quiet, diligent search and enquiry.

How true, "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). Perhaps there is a lesson for us to learn from Israel's experience, that we might be sure before we act. Then the scripture will be fulfilled that "wisdom is justified of all her children" (Luke 7:35).

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Jun 1977
General