Daily Lesson for Monday 8th of December 2025

In contrast with verse 1, where the tribes on the east side are called by their usual form (Reubenites, Gadites, etc.), here a different expression is used: “sons of Reuben,” “sons of Gad,” and “the half-tribe of Manasseh,” which is in contrast to the “sons of Israel” (Joshua 22:11, NASB), thus representing a different entity.

Image © Bible Adventure Collection at Goodsalt.com

In the narrative, the expression “the whole congregation of Israel” refers only to the nine and a half West Jordan tribes, underlining the rift that developed between the two groups. Indeed, the underlying question of the ensuing story is whether the tribes on the east side of the river can be seen as Israelites.

We would expect a smooth conclusion to the story; however, tension arises as the tribes from the east are reported to have erected an altar at the Jordan. The text here does not offer any reason for the act, nor does it describe the function of the altar or specific activity related to it. The ambiguity concerning the meaning of this altar is increased even more if we observe the flashbacks to the first crossing of the Jordan, in chapters 3 and 4, where all Israel entered the edge of the Jordan to cross the river into mainland Canaan. Here a part of Israel comes to the region of the Jordan, but now to cross the river in the opposite direction.

In both cases, a structure of stones is erected. The first served as a memorial, while the second is perceived to be an impressive altar. The question that inevitably comes to mind is: “What do these stones mean?” (compare with Joshua 4:6,22). Is this altar built for sacrifices, or is it only a memorial? Are these other tribes already starting to fall into apostasy?

Lack of consultation with Joshua, Eleazar, or the tribal leaders creates room for a misunderstanding that potentially can lead to terrible conflict.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25d-11-accusations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=25d-11-accusations

As we work our way through the book of Joshua this quarter, we will see that he is ready to 
Fight The Good Fight – Hymn 613 and to move forward into the Promised Land. We may still use last quarter’s theme hymn as this will pop up throughout this quarter as well: 
Hymn 620 – On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand. These two hymns will resound throughout the quarter.

This week we learn many ways of how to 
Fight The Good Fight – Hymn 613 as the people of Israel are taught “not to serve their fellow Israelites but Yahweh Himself”. This way Christians are to “render their service as if they were working with God”:  
Working O Christ, With Thee – Hymn 582.

With “Conflict Resolution” we are taught that 
The Church Has One Foundation – Hymn 348 which instructs that we are to follow “Jesus Christ her Lord”.

Our dear Sister Ellen White tells us in Patriarchs and Prophets that we are to put ‘trust in Him” (Friday): 
Hymn 279 – Only Trust Him.

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/11-living-in-the-land-singing-with-inspiration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=11-living-in-the-land-singing-with-inspiration