An Altar by The Jordan River

Joshua 22:10–20
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Leaving Shiloh, the armies of the eastern tribes headed excitedly for home. On the way a bright idea occurred to them. Why not construct a large monument or altar by the Jordan River, on its western side, to symbolize the unity between the people on both sides of the river. So, an altar was erected. When the western tribes heard of this altar, they assumed this was an altar for offerings and sacrifices and concluded that it had been set up as a second altar, contrary to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 17:8-9). The true Hebrew center of worship for all the tribes was at Shiloh.

The western tribes gathered at Shiloh and threatened to go to war with the eastern tribes, because they knew God would punish all Israel for rebellion, even on the part of a few. Fortunately, some of the wiser leaders persuaded the others not to go to war until they had gotten some explanation from the departing tribes as to their strange conduct. The noblest men available, Phinehas, son of the high priest, and a prince from each tribe were selected to go and talk to the leaders of the eastern tribes. They went with strong words of warning and at the same time a generous offering. If these eastern tribes wanted to be nearer the central place of worship, they would share their land with them.

Application

I need to be careful in yielding to suspicion without proof. Assuming the worst about the intentions of others only brings trouble. It is wrong for me to judge people’s motives simply based on circumstantial evidence.