Joshua 22:7-20
"Divide the spoil . . . with your brethren" was the command made by Joshua to those who were going away (v. 8). Whether it be biblical truths of Christian experiences, the Lord calls us to share with others the spiritual wealth amassed in the promised land. In the same way as these men were able to tell their families of the memorable crossing of the Jordan and of Joshua’s glorious victories, so too a young believer will be able to tell of the "wonders" performed for him by the Lord or discovered in His Word (Joshua 3:5).
As they separated, the warriors from Reuben, Gad and Manasseh built "a great altar" on the banks of the Jordan. Their brethren from the other tribes were immediately worried and were ready to intervene. What did it signify, this building of an altar? An act of defiance against the LORD? A proclamation of independence? Whatever the explanation, here was the first difficulty which would not have arisen if these tribes had remained in Canaan. The inquest was conducted by Phinehas, a priest who had already proved his zeal at a former critical hour in the history of God’s people. Jealous with jealousy for the sake of the LORD (Numbers 25:11) he combines love for God with love for his brethren, two ever-inseparable virtues! (1 John 4:20-21).