See NAC for the reflection of ch 13-21
Observations and Interpretations:
Although they misunderstood the 2.5 tribes who built the altar near Jordan v.10, how the 9.5 tribes sent the priest and the leaders to attack the "rebels" deserved some attention v.12.
Application: Are we serious about sin and ready to fight? Or do we conveniently sweep sins under the carpet and just let them grow in our hearts? Why the Israelites were so serious is because they learned from history. Do we? We know how anger destroys our relationship, but are we serious in fighting against the sin of anger in God's way?
a. point out their rebellion was against God v.16, 19b
16 “The entire community of the LORD says, ‘Why have you disobeyed the God of Israel by turning back today from following the LORD? You built an altar for yourselves and have rebelled today against the LORD.
Application: The 2.5 tribes built an altar to God, and they were not building a pagan altar. Even in that condition, they were considered as rebellion against God, because the Law did not allow a second altar for sacrifice (Lev 17:8-9). How about us? Do we assume as long as we do something to God, that will be ok, and we can do whatever we want? God has a very specific way of how we worship Him.
When they sinned they were not careless, or failed to do something. They were against God. Do we see our relationship with God as something important?
b. Give evidence from history that sin has serious consequences v.17, 20b
17 The sin we committed at Peor was bad enough. To this very day we have not purified ourselves; it even brought a plague on the community of the LORD.
c. Point out that an individual's sin will affect the whole community v.18, 19
You are rebelling today against the LORD; tomorrow he may break out in anger against the entire community of Israel.
d. Give them an alternative to alleviate them from what might be the reason that causes them to sin.
19 But if your own land is impure, cross over to the LORD’s own land, where the LORD himself lives, and settle down among us.
(NAC) The “land of your possession” east of the Jordan is contrasted with “the land of the LORD’S possession” west of the Jordan in this verse. Implied is the idea that perhaps the land east of the Jordan was not actually to be considered the Lord’s possession, certainly not so if its Israelite inhabitants were to succumb to pagan worship.
(NAC) The “land of your possession” east of the Jordan is contrasted with “the land of the LORD’S possession” west of the Jordan in this verse. Implied is the idea that perhaps the land east of the Jordan was not actually to be considered the Lord’s possession, certainly not so if its Israelite inhabitants were to succumb to pagan worship.
(BKC) This was a generous, loving offer potentially involving great cost.
Application: Long time ago, when we were counselors to the campus fellowship we counselled students who lived together before marriage. Sometimes they did that out of convenience, not for immoral reasons. When we counsel, we need to give them alternatives, that is, another place to live, very often our own home.
Are we ready to counsel others with a cost to ourselves?
Audrey
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