Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 22:30
And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which [were] with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them.
30. it pleased them ] Or, it was good in their eyes. Comp. Gen 34:18, “And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor’s son;” Gen 41:37, “And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh;” Gen 45:16, “And it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants” (where see Margin); and see 2Sa 3:36; 1Ki 3:10.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
They were fully satisfied with this answer.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And when Phinehas the priest,…. For he was, being the son of Eleazar the high priest, so the word “priest”, Jos 22:13; is to be joined, not to Eleazar but to Phinehas:
and the princes of the congregation; the ten princes, who were sent by the congregation of Israel, one out of each tribe:
and heads out of the thousands of Israel; these are the same with the princes, and this belongs to their title, who were heads of the Chiliarchs, or those who were rulers of thousands in Israel:
which [were] with him; with Phinehas, who were joined with him in the embassy, and now present with him:
heard the words that the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad,
and the children of Manasseh; spake; in defence of themselves, explaining the meaning and design of the altar they had built:
it pleased them; they were not only satisfied with their answer, but highly delighted with what they had done, as tending to preserve the common faith and fellowship of Israel.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
This explanation pleased the delegates of the congregation, so that Phinehas bore this testimony to the tribes on the east of the Jordan: “ Now (to-day) we perceive that Jehovah is in the midst of us; because ( , quod, as in Gen 31:49, etc.) ye have not committed this unfaithfulness towards Jehovah, since ( , then, if ye had only this intention) ye have saved the children of Israel out of the hand of Jehovah,” i.e., preserved them from His judgments.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them. 31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD. 32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 33 And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. 34 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.
We have here the good issue of this controversy, which, if there had not been on both sides a disposition to peace, as there was on both sides a zeal for God, might have been of ill consequence; for quarrels about religion, for want of wisdom and love, often prove the most fierce and most difficult to be accommodated. But these contending parties, when the matter was fairly stated and argued, were so happy as to understand one another very well, and so the difference was presently compromised.
I. The ambassadors were exceedingly pleased when the separate tribes had given in a protestation of the innocency of their intentions in building this altar. 1. The ambassadors did not call in question their sincerity in that protestation, did not say, “You tell us you design it not for sacrifice and offering, but who can believe you? What security will you give us that it shall never be so used?” No. Charity believes all things, hopes all things, believes and hopes the best, and is very loth to give the lie to any. 2. They did not upbraid them with the rashness and unadvisedness of this action, did not tell them, “If you would do such a thing, and with this good intention, yet you might have had so much respect for Joshua and Eleazar as to have advised with them, or at least have made them acquainted with it, and so have saved the trouble and expense of this embassy.” But a little want of consideration and good manners should be excused and overlooked in those who, we have reason to think, mean honestly. 3. Much less did they go about to fish for evidence to make out their charge, because they had once exhibited it, but were glad to have their mistake rectified, and were not at all ashamed to own it. Proud and peevish spirits, when they have passed an unjust censure upon their brethren, though ever so much convincing evidence be brought of the injustice of it, will stand to it, and can by no means be persuaded to retract it. These ambassadors were not so prejudiced; their brethren’s vindication pleased them, v. 30. They looked upon their innocency as a token of God’s presence (v. 31), especially when they found that what was done was so far from being an indication of their growing cool to the altar of God that, one the contrary, it was a fruit of their zealous affection to it: You have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord, that is, “You have not, as we feared, delivered them into the hand of the Lord, or exposed them to his judgments by the trespass we were jealous of.”
II. The congregation was abundantly satisfied when their ambassadors reported to them their brethren’s apology for what they had done. It should seem they staid together, at least by their representatives, until they heard the issue (v. 32); and when they understood the truth of the matter it pleased them (v. 33), and they blessed God. Note, Our brethren’s constancy in religion, their zeal for the power of godliness, and their keeping the unity of the Spirit in faith and love, notwithstanding the jealousies conceived of them as breaking the unity of the church, are things which we should be very glad to be satisfied of, and should make the matter both of our rejoicing and of our thanksgiving; let God have the glory of it, and let us take the comfort of it. Being thus satisfied, they laid down their arms immediately, and were so far from any thoughts of prosecuting the war they had been meditating against their brethren that we may suppose them wishing for the next feast, when they should meet them at Shiloh.
III. The separate tribes were gratified, and, since they had a mind to preserve among them this pattern of the altar of God, though there was not likely to be that occasion for it which they fancied, yet Joshua and the princes let them have their humour, and did not give orders for the demolishing of it, though there was as much reason to fear that it might in process of time be an occasion of idolatry as there was to hope that ever it might be a preservation from idolatry. Thus did the strong bear the infirmities of the weak. Only care was taken that they having explained the meaning of their altar, that it was intended for no more than a testimony of their communion with the altar at Shiloh, this explanation should be recorded, which was done according to the usage of those times by giving a name to it signifying so much (v. 34); they called it Ed, a witness to that, and no more, a witness of the relation they stood in to God and Israel, and of their concurrence with the rest of the tribes in the same common faith, that Jehovah he is God, he and no other. It was a witness to posterity of their care to transmit their religion pure and entire to them, and would be a witness against them if ever they should forsake God and turn from following after him.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Reconciliation, vs. 30-34
Trouble was averted because cool heads sought out reason before resorting to war, and because God’s man took the initiative. The delegation was pleased, Phinehas was satisfied as to their innocence of the charges, and when they returned to Canaan the rest of the people were satisfied.
Thus they ceased all preparations to war against their brethren. It goes without having been said that the Lord was satisfied too. Everyone was satisfied that no rebellion or transgression had ever been intended or even suggested. Someone with a rumor had almost caused civil war in Israel when they had but shortly finished their conquest of their enemies. (Pro 26:20-22).
The altar came to be called Ed. The Hebrew word is edh, and means “a witness,” “for it shall be a witness between us that the Lord is God.” So the lesson of this newest heap of stones erected by the Israelites shows the need for unity and understanding among God’s people, (Php_2:2).
Some lessons to be stressed from this chapter include 1) There comes a time for rewarding to God’s faithful warriors; 2) it is dangerous to commit things which might be questionable in the minds of brethren; 3) before reaching a conclusion concerning the acts of brethren one should seek out the facts; 4) cool heads to seek the will of the Lord should be allowed to overrule the hasty hotheads; 5) understanding, carefully arrived at, brings much peace and satisfaction to the soul.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
30. And when Phinehas the priest, etc Phinehas and the ambassadors rightly temper their zeal, when, instead of harshly insisting and urging the prejudice which they had conceived, they blandly and willingly admit the excuse. Many persons, if once offended and exasperated by any matter, cannot be appeased by any defense, and always find something maliciously and unjustly to carp at, rather than seem to yield to reason. The example here is worthy of observation. It teaches us that if at any time we conceive offence in regard to a matter not sufficiently known, we must beware of obstinacy, and be ready instantly to take an equitable view. Moreover, when the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh are found free from crime, Phinehas and the ambassadors ascribe it to the grace of God. For by the words, We know that Jehovah is in the midst of us, they intimate that God was propitious to them, and had taken care of their safety.
This is to be carefully observed; for we are able to infer from it that we never revolt from God, or fall off to impiety unless he abandon us, and give us up when thus abandoned to a reprobate mind. All idolatry, therefore, shows that God has previously been alienated, and is about to punish us by inflicting judicial blindness. Meanwhile, we must hold that we persevere in piety only in so far as God is present to sustain us by his hand, and confirm us in perseverance by the agency of his Spirit. Phinehas and the ambassadors speak as if they had been delivered by the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, because there was no longer any ground to fear the divine vengeance, when all suspicion of criminality had been removed. At last similar equity and humanity are displayed by the whole people, when accepting the defense of their brethren they gave thanks to God for having kept his people free from criminality.
Though they had been suddenly inflamed, they depart with calm minds. In like manner the two tribes and the half tribe carefully exert themselves to perform their duty by giving a name to the altar, which, by explaining its proper use, might draw off the people from all superstition.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
‘ And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation, even the heads of the families (thousands) of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the children of Manasseh, spoke, it pleased them well.’
Phinehas and the princes considered the words spoken by the Transjordan tribal representatives and were satisfied as to their rightness and their genuineness as is demonstrated by the fact that ‘it pleased them well’. Now they knew for certain the commitment of the Transjordan tribes to the tribal covenant. Because Phinehas was acting as his father’s representative, and in his father’s name, he is called ‘the priest’. It seems probable that at his great age Eleazar was in fact unable to make the journey, and it may indeed be that this also prevented him from functioning at the Tabernacle so that Phinehas had been appointed to act for him there as well. Such deputation of authority is assumed in Exodus 28 where not only Aaron is set apart but also his sons, and was, of course, necessary in case of infirmity or indisposition.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
This is certainly an interesting relation, and the Holy Ghost hath been pleased to have it stated to the church at large. We cannot but take a part in the pleasing view of the harmony of brethren. What an happy issue is brought to pass in this alarming business, as it at first appeared, by the overruling grace of the Holy Spirit on the minds of both parties.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jos 22:30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which [were] with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.
Ver. 30. It pleased them. ] Heb., It was good in their eyes; they showed themselves free from malignity and morosity: Rom 1:29 they were well satisfied, and well apaid that all was so well.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED TEXT): Jos 22:30-31
30So when Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the congregation, even the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words which the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the sons of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them. 31And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Manasseh, Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this unfaithful act against the LORD; now you have delivered the sons of Israel from the hand of the LORD.
Jos 22:30 it pleased them This VERB (BDB 405, KB 408, Qal imperfect) is used in this sense several times (cf. Jos 22:33; Lev 10:19-20; Deu 1:23; 1Sa 18:5; 1Sa 24:4; 2Sa 3:36; 2Sa 18:4; 1Ki 3:10).
Jos 22:31 Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this unfaithful act against the LORD Notice that the presence of God was related to the sin or lack of sin on the part of the believing community. In the Old Testament the holiness of God requires holiness in His people.
you have delivered the sons of Israel from the hand of the LORD This VERB (BDB 664, KB 717) in the Hiphil means rescue, save, or snatch away (cf. Jos 2:13; Jos 9:26; Jdg 9:17; 1Sa 14:48).
If these tribes would have acted unfaithfully, then YHWH’s judgment would have fallen on all Israel (cf. Jos 22:17; Jos 22:20). Since the eastern tribes had not rebelled, then all of Israel was delivered!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
it pleased them. Hebrew “was good in their eyes”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
it pleased them: Heb. it was good in their eyes, It is remarkable, that Joshua is not once named in this transaction; but this only shews, that he did not in his old age assume any regal authority, but left the elders and magistrates to conduct the general business, only acting himself when great occasions made it necessary. Yet we cannot doubt, that his wisdom and piety influenced the counsels of the elders and people at this time. Jos 22:33, Gen 28:8, Jdg 8:3, 1Sa 25:32, 1Sa 25:33, 1Sa 29:6, 2Ch 30:4, Est 1:21, *marg. Pro 15:1, Act 11:18
Reciprocal: Gen 41:37 – good Num 25:7 – Phinehas Jdg 20:28 – Phinehas 1Ch 6:4 – Phinehas Jer 47:4 – country
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jos 22:30-31. It pleased them They were fully satisfied with this answer. We perceive that the Lord is among us By his gracious presence and preventing goodness, in keeping you from so great an offence, and all of us from those calamities that would have followed it. Out of the hand of the Lord That is, from the wrath and dreadful judgments of God. By avoiding that sin which would have involved both you and us in a most bloody war, you have delivered us from the evils we feared. He that prevents an approaching disease or mischief, doth as truly deliver a man from it, as he that cures or removes it after it hath been inflicted.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Gileadites’ explanation relieved and satisfied Phinehas and his companions. They were glad to discover that their brethren were not apostatizing and that the nation would not therefore fall under God’s discipline. They allowed this altar to remain in place and apparently felt its presence would do more good than harm.
Probably the Israelites should not have allowed this altar to stand. God had not ordained it. In the future, other people would misunderstand its existence as some had already done. Though there is no record in Scripture that this particular altar became a snare to the Israelites, the practice of building altars continued in Israel. It resulted in the weakening of tribal ties and allegiance to Yahweh rather than strengthening them (e.g., Jdg 17:5).
This incident illustrates the fact that sometimes, action taken with the best of motives and for worthy purposes, can result in worse rather than better conditions. This can be the outcome if people do not clearly understand and carefully obey the whole revealed will of God. This kind of mistake often results from enthusiasm over a previous blessing, as was true here.
Nevertheless, the major lessons of this chapter are positive. The zeal of the two and one-half tribes for the unity of their nation and the purity of their faith was commendable. The other Israelites’ unwillingness to judge their brethren’s motive on the basis of circumstantial evidence is also admirable. Furthermore, we learn that gentle confrontation and candid discussion of problems can often result in the resolution of misunderstandings (cf. Pro 15:1). [Note: Campbell, No Time . . ., p. 131.] The Israelites dealt wisely with a situation that could have split the people of God. Instead they were able to continue to follow God faithfully in unity.