Joshua 22:17

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Ons het voorheen by die stad Peor groot sonde gedoen en die Here het die volk swaar gestraf, maar tot nou toe het ons nog nie weer rein geword nie.

What Does This Mean?

In Joshua 22:17, the tribes of Reuben and Gad are criticized by the other Israelites for building an altar. The speaker refers to the sin at Peor, where many Israelites were punished for worshiping false gods, suggesting that another act of worshiping incorrectly could harm the community.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends are playing a game. Suddenly, one of your friends starts playing with different rules. Everyone gets upset because it might ruin the game for everyone. That's what's happening here. The Israelites are worried that building an altar might be like playing by different rules and could upset God.

Historical Background

Joshua was written around 1400-1300 BC by the prophet Joshua. It details the conquest of Canaan and the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. The Israelites were dealing with past mistakes and trying to ensure they did not repeat them as they settled in the Promised Land.

Living It Out Today

Consider a situation where a team member is not following the agreed-upon process, leading to doubts about their loyalty and commitment. Like the Israelites, the team needs to address this issue to maintain unity and avoid potential problems.

Topics

• worship
• community
• unity
• sin
• leadership
• repentance

Related Verses

• Numbers 25:1-9
• Deuteronomy 29:18-19
• 2 Kings 17:34-41
• 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
• Hebrews 3:12-14

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the sin at Peor?

The sin at Peor involved the Israelites engaging in idolatrous worship and sexual immorality with Moabite women, leading to divine judgment.

Why is the altar a concern?

The altar is a concern because it may imply that the tribes are creating their own form of worship, which could lead to division and conflict within the Israelite community.

How does this verse relate to unity?

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining unity in worship and actions, emphasizing that division can lead to spiritual harm and punishment.

What can we learn from this about leadership?

Leaders should be vigilant about maintaining community standards and addressing potential issues that could lead to division and sin within the group.