Resisting Rash Decisionmaking

Synopsis     Joshua 22:26-34     5/25/2018

Phinehas, the son of Eleazer, and the leaders of Israel questioned the construction of the altar east of the Jordan. The leaders of the tribes of Reuben and Gad insisted that they had made the altar only as a replica and memorial of the original.

Their motive was to create a legacy witness that would remind future generations from both Israel and the eastern tribes that they all sacrificed and served the one true God.

Phinehas the Questioner

Building an alternative place to worship God would have been a real threat to the existence of Israel. It would have stressed the community’s relationship with God by breaking the covenant. It would have also stressed the unity the tribes of Israel had enjoyed throughout the time of the conquest.

So the Israelite tribes massed their military forces near the Jordan river, in anticipation of a military strike on the errant tribes. However, before initiating the fight, Joshua and the leaders had the wisdom to assure they fully understood their circumstances. This prevented an unnecessary and destructive war.

Resisting Rash Decisionmaking

As human beings, we act on what we know (believe) but our motive is generated by what we value.

Is the thing I’m dealing with an existential threat or just the reminder of a bygone battle. The value of the thing kind of falls out from what it is. I don’t find myself saying, “should I be concerned about this existential threat?” I don’t find myself saying, “Should I move away from this rattlesnake?” No, the disvalue is visceral once I know that I’m dealing with a rattlesnake. I will move.

But the question, “Is this thing a rattlesnake?” – now that’s a question I better resolve before making my next move.

“Be not hasty in your utterance and let not your heart be quick to utter a promise in God’s presence. God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few.” Eccl 5:1