Altar-ations

Joshua Chapter 22, the Strange and the Spectacular

Verses: 34

Is It Read At Synagogue?: No.

Famous Quotes/Phrases: The response of the two and a half tribes accused of treachery is notable in its absolute exasperation. They exclaim twice, “אֵל אֱלֹהִים ה׳” (El Elohim Adonai), “God, Adonai God!”. Apparently, it wasn’t enough for them to yell “Oh my God!” or “Oh God!” — they had to yell every Divine name they could think of. Quite impressive, if you ask me.

But the Minchat Shai comments that by mentioning all of these names in rapid succession, they include the names of God mentioned in reference to the Creation and the Revelation at Mount Sinai — in other words, they are embracing God both as Creator and Law-Giver. It’s meant to be a thorough expression of faith.

Basic Plot: We’ve talked about the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, who are granted their wish to settle east of the Jordan River in exchange for helping the Israelites conquer the Promised Land. Joshua informs the tribes that they lived up to their end of the bargain and sends them to their new homes with blessings. He had no idea what would happen next: these tribes build a conspicuously large altar next to the river.

A cadre of Israelite leadership (including the zealous priest Pinhas) marches to these tribes, enraged that they would do such a thing, and fearful that God would punish the whole nation because of this. The tribes respond that God approves the altar’s construction, and they had built it so that their descendants would maintain their spiritual connection and know that they had a share in Israel’s destiny.

Everyone seems fine with this explanation.

What’s Strange: Excuse me, but huh? Why would Pinhas, of all people, have no problem with some of the tribes building a non-centralized worship center? And why would the Israelite leadership just take the eastern tribes’ word that this construction is Divinely-endorsed? Are the Israelites so desirous of communal tranquility that they’re willing to just say “Okay”?

Something doesn’t seem to add up.

What’s Spectacular: Maybe their trust in the eastern tribes is incredibly generous, even naive. After all, this is far from the last time the Israelites will engage in non-sanctioned worship. But perhaps the national leadership is trying to take an aspirational approach to their tribal neighbors. Maybe they don’t necessarily believe Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh … but they want to. It might not be the most prudent strategy, but there’s something to be said about believing in the people who had faithfully aided their conquest of the Promised Land.

Giving the benefit of the doubt might not always work out, but we sometimes need to try it to maintain important relationships.

Shabbat Shalom!