Daily Lesson for Wednesday 10th of December 2025

The answer of the accused, as straightforward and powerful as the accusation, constitutes both thematically and structurally the heart of the chapter. So far, the tribes have not replied to the accusations but instead have quietly listened to the allegations against them. Given the seriousness of the charges, their patience is exemplary as they display the true meaning of the proverb: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV).

Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com

The opening sentence of the defense is a string of divine names attributed to Israel’s God: El, Elohim, Yahweh (Joshua 22:22). It is repeated twice with a growing force, as it becomes a solemn oath in order to dispel the doubts and false accusations that almost lead to a civil war in Israel. They are strongly convinced that God fully knows and understands the situation, and they hope that the present delegation will arrive at the same conclusion. The two-and-a-half tribes also recognize their accountability before the Lord by calling Him to take vengeance (compare with Deuteronomy 18:19, 1 Samuel 20:16) if they are indeed guilty.

A surprising revelation follows, which on the one hand proves the basis of the indictment void (an altar cannot serve only as a place of sacrifice) and on the other hand discloses their true motivation. Fear of separation from Israel, rather than apostasy, was the true ground for their action. Thus, the building of the altar is not evidence of apostasy, as had been supposed. Actually, the contrary is true: they have acted out of fear of the Lord, just as the western tribes did. The true basis of Israel’s unity is not geography or the physical extent of the inheritance but their spiritual allegiance to the requirements of the Lord.

The genuine concern of the tribes on the west side of the river also is revealed in their authentic joy as the innocence of the tribes on the east is ascertained. Instead of feeling defeated by the arguments of their brothers, they show sincere happiness that their suspicions turned out to be wrong. Civil war in Israel was avoided and the unity of the nation preserved.

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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

I really enjoyed studying this week’s Sabbath School lesson, as it shows us how to appropriately handle situations where we suspect sin and apostasy. At the beginning of Joshua 22, Israel was concerned about their brothers’ actions, and they had every right to be. But after a proper investigation, there was understanding and reconciliation amongst the tribes. War was averted when they asked questions rather than issuing threats. Many of them were afraid the rebellion in Numbers 25 was about to repeat itself. Instead, wisdom and discernment helped them see the difference between what happened in Moab and what was actually happening on the other side of Jordan. 

When suspecting sin and apostasy, it is so much better to ask questions instead of making accusations. Consider how God handled sin and rebellion in Genesis 3. Instead of telling Adam, “I know where you are!” God asked, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9. Instead of telling Adam, “I know what you did!” He asked him, “Have you eaten from the tree I told you not to?” Instead of telling Adam, “The reason you are naked is that you disobeyed!” He asked Adam, “Who told you that you were naked?” Genesis 3:11. If an all-knowing God asked questions instead of making accusations, how much more should we be asking questions (If it is even any of our business) instead of making accusations. 

Even when King Nebuchadnezzar got angry at the three Hebrews for not bowing to his image, even in his pagan fury, he was wise enough to ask questions rather than make an accusation when he asked the young Hebrew men if it was true that they had refused to bow. Daniel 3:14, 

In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus gives us three steps to follow when seeking reconciliation with a brother. 1. Go to the brother we have the issue with and try to settle it just between the two of you. 2. If that does not work, find a mediator to hear the matter and help reconcile. It is important to note that Jesus did not say to give your side of the story to the mediator before meeting with the other brother. The mediator should hear both sides of the story at the meeting; otherwise, he will naturally be biased. Then, if that does not work, take the issue to the entire church. However, before even beginning this process, consider this proverb.

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11 NLT

If it is worth pursuing, remember that the counsel of Matthew 18 works best as an inquiry, where questions are asked first, instead of beginning with accusations. 

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/asking-questions-instead-of-making-accusations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asking-questions-instead-of-making-accusations