In the book of Joshua, we learned how Eleazar’s son Phinehas and ten princes asked the tribe of Reuben, Gad and one-half the tribe of Manasseh, “What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD” … and they answered among other words, “the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD””, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-six of Joshua we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, “said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar” where we read,
Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar,
not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:
The verse reads, “Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “therefore we said” which means “wherefore, then and on this account we, the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh, uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “let us now prepare” or “allow and permit us, the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh, at this time fashion, accomplish, make and produce” “to build us an altar” which means “to erect and construct a sacrificial place of slaughter”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh said they decided to construct a sacrificial place of slaughter in response to the idea that the future people of Israel might reject them.
The verse goes on to say, “… not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “not for burnt offering” which means “no and not in any way on behalf of ascending burning sacrifices”, “nor for sacrifice” or “no and not in any way on behalf of passover, annual or covenant thank offerings”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh said the purpose of the “altar” was not to be for substituting the “burnt offerings or sacrifices”.
When we consider the words in this verse, we discover more of the reason the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh constructed the “altar” which brought about this entire story. They were not building it to make sacred “offerings or sacrifices” upon, but for the reason given in our next verse. It is interesting to note how quickly the people of Israel judged the motive and purpose for this sacrificial location being built. God knew, and He allowed this event to occur. He also knows us and others and is well aware of our and their motives for what is done. He knows sin exists within our lives that leads to death, and for this reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23) When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us live with clean and pure motives toward Him and others. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)
Next time we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh proposed that the altar, “may be a witness between us”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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