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A SPECIAL BLESSING

Text: Joshua 22
30 August 2010

A SPECIAL BLESSING

1. Pronouncement of blessing from Joshua

a) Reuben

b) Gad

c) Half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua 22:1

2. Reason for this special blessing

a) They had kept the command of Moses Joshua 22:2a (Cf. Numbers 32)

b) They had obeyed the voice of Joshua Joshua 22:2b

c) They had not forsaken their brethren in the conquering of Canaan Joshua 22:3a

d) They had kept the commandment of the Lord Joshua 22:3b

e) They had fought alongside their brothers till the land had rest Joshua 22:4

3. Admonition from Joshua

a) They may now return to their inheritance Joshua 22:4b

b) They must continue to take heed to the commandments of Moses Joshua 22:5a

i) To love the Lord Joshua 22:5b

ii) To walk in all His ways Joshua 22:5c

iii) To keep His commandments Joshua 22:5d

iv) To hold fast to Him Joshua 22:5e

v) To serve Him with all their heart and soul Joshua 22:5f

“Return with much riches to your tents, with very much livestock, with silver, with gold, with bronze, with iron, and with very much clothing. Divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.” Joshua 22:8

A NEAR DISASTER

1. The building of “a great and impressive altar” Joshua 22:10

a) Reuben

b) Gad

c) Half tribe of Manasseh

2. Misunderstanding of the reason behind the building of this altar

The other tribes were prepared to go to war against those who built this altar Joshua 22:22

3. Delegation sent out to investigate

a) Phinehas

b) Ten rulers of the tribes of the people Joshua 22:13-14

c) Query as to why the Altar was built Joshua 22:15-20

i) Was there treachery?

ii) Was there rebellion?

iii) Was there idolatry?

iv) Remembering Baal of Peor and Achan

4. The answer given Joshua 22:21-29, 34

a) The altar was not meant for burnt offering or sacrifice

b) Denial of any wrong doing

c) The altar was simply to bear witness that the Lord is God Joshua 22:34

5. Acceptance of the answer Joshua 22:30-33

a) No treachery was intended

b) War averted