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주석[매튜 헨리] — 여호수아 22장 · 동편 지파의 제단

요약
매튜 헨리 주석 · 섹션 5개 · 한국어 번역 있음(한국어 우선) · 본문 보기
아래 주석은 원문(및 번역문) 그대로입니다.

1~9절 카드 ↗

The Reubenites, Gadites, and Half Tribe of Manasseh Dismissed. . 1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 2 And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: 3 Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. 4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan. 5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. 6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents. 7 Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them, 8 And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. 9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses. The war being ended, and ended gloriously, Joshua, as a prudent general, disbands his army, who never designed to make war their trade, and sends them home, to enjoy what they had conquered, and to beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning-hooks; and particularly the forces of these separate tribes, who had received their inheritance on the other side Jordan from Moses upon this condition, that their men of war should assist the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan, which they promised to do ( Numbers 32:32 ), and renewed the promise to Joshua at the opening of the campaign, Joshua 1:16 . And, now that they had performed their bargain, Joshua publicly and solemnly in Shiloh gives them their discharge. Whether this was done, as it was placed, not till after the land was divided, as some think, or whether after the war was ended, and before the division was made, as others think (because there was no need of their assistance in dividing the land, but only in conquering it, nor were there any of their tribes employed as commissioners in that affair, but only of the other ten, Numbers 34:18-28 , c.), this is certain, it was not done till after Shiloh was made the head-quarters ( Joshua 21:2 ; Joshua 21:2 ), and the land was begun to be divided before they removed from Gilgal, Joshua 14:6 ; Joshua 14:6 . It is probable that this army of Reubenites and Gadites, which had led the van in all the wars of Canaan, had sometimes, in the intervals of action, and when the rest of the army retired into winter-quarters, some of them at least, made a step over Jordan, for it was not far, to visit their families, and to look after their private affairs, and perhaps tarried at home, and sent others in their room more serviceable; but still these two tribes and a half had their quota of troops ready, 40,000 in all, which, whenever there was occasion, presented themselves at their respective posts, and now attended in a body to receive their discharge. Though their affection to their families, and concern for their affairs, could not but make them, after so long an absence, very desirous to return, yet, like good soldiers, they would not move till they had orders from their general. So, though our heavenly Father's house above be ever so desirable (it is bishop Hall's allusion), yet must we stay on earth till our warfare be accomplished, wait for a due discharge, and not anticipate the time of our removal. I. Joshua dismisses them to the land of their possession, Joshua 21:4 ; Joshua 21:4 . Those that were first in the assignment of their lot were last in the enjoyment of it; they got the start of their brethren in title, but their brethren were before them in full possession; so the last shall be first, and the first last, that there may be something of equality. II. He dismisses them with their pay; for who goes a warfare at his own charge? Return with much riches unto your tents, Joshua 21:8 ; Joshua 21:8 . Though all the land they had helped to conquer was to go to the other tribes, yet they should have their share of the plunder, and had so, and this was all the pay that any of the soldiers expected; for the wars of Canaan bore their own charges. "Go," says Joshua, "go home to your tents," that is, "your houses," which he calls tents, because they had been so much used to tents in the wilderness; and indeed the strongest and stateliest houses in this world are to be looked upon but as tents, mean and movable in comparison with our house above. "Go home with much riches, not only cattle, the spoil of the country, but silver and gold, the plunder of the cities, and," 1. "Let your brethren whom you leave behind have your good word, who have allowed you your share in full, though the land is entirely theirs, and have not offered to make any drawback. Do not say that you are losers by us." 2. "Let your brethren whom you go to, who abode by the stuff, have some share of the spoil: Divide the spoil with your brethren, as that was divided which was taken in the war with Midian, Numbers 31:27 . Let your brethren that have wanted you all this while be the better for you when you come home." III. He dismisses them with a very honourable character. Though their service was a due debt, and the performance of a promise, and they had done no more than was their duty to do, yet he highly commends them; not only gives them up their bonds, as it were, now that they had fulfilled the condition, but applauds their good services. Though it was by the favour of God and his power that Israel got possession of this land, and he must have all the glory, yet Joshua thought there was a thankful acknowledgment due to their brethren who assisted them, and whose sword and bow were employed for them. God must be chiefly eyed in our praises, yet instruments must not be altogether overlooked. He here commends them, 1. For the readiness of their obedience to their commanders, Joshua 21:2 ; Joshua 21:2 . When Moses was gone, they remembered and observed the charge he had given them; and all the orders which Joshua, as general of the forces, had issued out, they had carefully obeyed, went, and came, and did, as he appointed, Matthew 8:9 . It is as much as any thing the soldier's praise to observe the word of command. 2. For the constancy of their affection and adherence to their brethren: You have not left them these many days. How many days he does not say, nor can we gather it with certainty from any other place. Calvisius and others of the best chronologers compute that the conquering and dividing of the land was the work of about six or seven years, and so long these separate tribes attended their camp, and did them the best service they could. Note, It will be the honour of those that have espoused the cause of God's Israel, and twisted interests with them, to adhere to them, and never to leave them till God has given them rest, and then they shall rest with them. 3. For the faithfulness of their obedience to the divine law. They had not only done their duty to Joshua and Israel, but, which was best of all, they had made conscience of their duty to God: You have kept the charge, or, as the word is, You have kept the keeping, that is, "You have carefully and circumspectly kept the commandment of the Lord your God, not only in this particular instance of continuing in the service of Israel to the end of the war, but, in general, you have kept up religion in your part of the camp, a rare and excellent thing among soldiers, and where it is worthy to be praised." IV. He dismisses them with good counsel, not to cultivate their ground, fortify their cities, and, now that their hands were inured to war and victory, to invade their neighbours, and so enlarge their own territories, but to keep up serious godliness among them in the power of it. They were not political but pious instructions that he gave them, Joshua 21:5 ; Joshua 21:5 . 1. In general, to take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law. Those that have the commandment have it in vain unless they do the commandment; and it will not be done aright (so apt are we to turn aside, and so industrious are our spiritual enemies to turn us aside) unless we take heed, diligent heed. 2. In particular, to love the Lord our God, as the best of beings, and the best of friends; and as far as this principle rules in the heart, and is the spring of its pulses, there will be a constant care and sincere endeavour to walk in his ways, in all his ways, even those that are narrow and up-hill, in every particular instance, in all manner of conversation to keep his commandments, at all times and in all conditions with purpose of heart to cleave unto him, and to serve him and his honour, and the interest of his kingdom among men, with all our heart and with all our soul. What good counsel was here given to them is given to us all. God give us grace to take it! V. He dismisses them with a blessing ( Joshua 21:6 ; Joshua 21:6 ), particularly the half tribe of Manasseh, to which Joshua, as an Ephraimite, was somewhat nearer akin than to the other two, and who perhaps were the more loth to depart because they left one half of their own tribe behind them, and therefore, bidding often farewell, and lingering behind, had a second dismission and blessing, Joshua 21:7 ; Joshua 21:7 . Joshua not only prayed for them as a friend, but blessed them as a father in the name of the Lord, recommending them, their families, and affairs, to the grace of God. Some by the blessing Joshua gave them understand the presents he made them, in recompence of their services; but Joshua being a prophet, and having given them one part of a prophet's reward in the instructions he gave them ( Joshua 21:5 ; Joshua 21:5 ), no doubt we must understand this of the other, even the prayers he made for them, as one having authority, and as God's vicegerent. VI. Being thus dismissed, they returned to the land of their possession in a body ( Joshua 21:9 ; Joshua 21:9 ), ferry-boats being, it is likely, provided for their repassing Jordan. Though masters of families may sometimes have occasion to be absent, long absent, from their families, yet, when their business abroad is finished, they must remember home is their place, from which they ought not to wander as a bird from her nest. return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-10-20" class="com-number"

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bible-text/jos-22-1, bible-text/jos-22-2, bible-text/jos-22-3, bible-text/jos-22-4, bible-text/jos-22-5, bible-text/jos-22-6, bible-text/jos-22-7, bible-text/jos-22-8, bible-text/jos-22-9

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전쟁이 영광스럽게 끝나자, 현명한 장군인 여호수아는 군대를 해산시킨다. 이 군인들은 처음부터 전쟁을 생업으로 삼을 생각이 없었기에 각자 집으로 돌아가, 자신들이 정복한 것을 누리고 칼을 보습으로, 창을 낫으로 바꾸게 되었다. 특히 이 분리된 지파들의 군대는 모세로부터 요단 강 동편에 기업을 받을 때, 자기 지파의 전사들이 가나안 정복에서 다른 지파들을 돕겠다는 조건 아래 그 땅을 받았다(민수기 32:32). 그들은 여호수아에게도 이 약속을 새롭게 확인하였다(여호수아 1:16). 그 약속을 이행한 지금, 여호수아는 실로에서 공개적이고 엄숙하게 이들에게 제대 명령을 내린다.

이 해산이 — 어떤 이들의 주장처럼 — 땅이 분배된 후에 이루어진 것인지, 아니면 — 다른 이들의 주장처럼 — 전쟁이 끝난 후 분배가 이루어지기 전에 이루어진 것인지는 확실하지 않다. 어쨌든 실로가 본거지가 된 후(여호수아 21:2)에 이루어진 것이 분명하며, 땅의 분배는 그들이 길갈을 떠나기 전에 시작되었다(여호수아 14:6). 아마도 르우벤과 갓 자손으로 이루어진 이 군대는 가나안 전쟁의 모든 전투에서 선두를 맡아 싸우면서도, 전투의 막간이나 나머지 군대가 동영지로 물러나는 시간에는 요단 강이 그리 멀지 않으니 잠시 집으로 건너가 가족을 만나거나 자기 일을 돌보기도 하였을 것이다. 그러나 이 두 지파 반은 언제나 4만 명의 병력을 유지하였고, 필요할 때마다 각자 맡은 자리에 나타났으며, 이제 제대 명령을 받기 위해 한 몸처럼 모여 있다.

가족에 대한 애정과 집안일에 대한 걱정이 오랜 부재 끝에 귀환을 간절히 원하게 만들었겠지만, 그들은 훌륭한 군인처럼 장군의 명령이 있기 전까지는 움직이지 않았다. 이처럼 위에 계신 하나님 아버지의 집이 아무리 사모할 만해도, 우리는 우리의 싸움이 끝날 때까지 땅에 머물러야 하며, 때에 맞는 제대 명령을 기다려야 하고, 그 시간을 앞당겨서는 안 된다.

**I. 여호수아가 그들을 기업의 땅으로 해산시키다(여호수아 21:4).** 기업 분배에서 먼저였던 자들이 그 온전한 누림에서는 마지막이 되었다. 그들은 지분에서는 형제들보다 앞섰지만, 완전한 소유에서는 형제들이 그들보다 앞서 있었다. 이처럼 나중 된 자가 먼저 되고 먼저 된 자가 나중 될 수 있으니, 그 안에 어떤 균등함이 있다.

**II. 여호수아가 그들에게 급여를 주어 해산시키다(여호수아 21:8).** 누가 자비량으로 전쟁에 나가겠는가? 여호수아는 말한다. "많은 재물을 가지고 장막으로 돌아가라." 정복을 도운 모든 땅은 다른 지파들에게 돌아가지만, 그들은 전리품에서 자기 몫을 받을 것이다. 이것이 군인들이 기대할 수 있는 유일한 급여였다. 가나안 전쟁은 스스로 비용을 감당하였다.

"집으로 돌아가라" — 그는 집을 "장막"이라 부르는데, 이는 그들이 광야에서 장막 생활에 익숙해져 있었기 때문이다. 실제로 이 세상의 가장 튼튼하고 웅장한 집도 위에 있는 집에 비하면 장막에 불과하다. 비천하고 언제든 옮겨질 수 있는 것이다.

"많은 재물을 가지고 집으로 돌아가라 — 단지 가축뿐 아니라, 도시에서 약탈한 은과 금도 함께." 또한 이렇게 말한다.

1. "뒤에 남겨두는 형제들이 잘 말해주도록 하라. 그들은 땅이 전적으로 자기들의 것임에도 불구하고 너희에게 몫 전체를 허락하였다. '우리 때문에 손해를 봤다'고 말하지 못하게 하라."

2. "함께 돌아가는 형제들, 집에 남아 있던 자들도 전리품에서 몫을 나누어 갖도록 하라(민수기 31:27). 너희가 없는 동안 내내 너희를 기다리던 형제들이, 네가 돌아올 때 덕을 보게 하라."

**III. 여호수아가 그들을 높이 칭찬하며 해산시키다.** 그들의 복무는 마땅히 해야 할 빚이었고 약속의 이행이었으며, 의무 이상을 한 것이 아님에도, 여호수아는 그들을 극구 칭찬한다. 단순히 그 조건에서 그들을 풀어주는 것뿐 아니라, 그들의 훌륭한 봉사를 높이 평가한다. 이스라엘이 이 땅을 차지한 것은 하나님의 은혜와 권능으로 말미암은 것이므로 영광은 마땅히 하나님께 돌아가야 하지만, 여호수아는 그들을 도운 형제들에게도 감사한 인정이 마땅하다고 생각한다. 하나님을 주되이 바라봐야 하되, 도구들도 완전히 외면해서는 안 된다.

그가 칭찬하는 내용은 다음과 같다.

1. **지휘관에 대한 순종의 자발성(여호수아 21:2).** 모세가 세상을 떠난 후에도 그들은 모세의 명령을 기억하고 지켰으며, 여호수아가 총사령관으로 내린 모든 명령에 신중히 복종하여 그가 지시한 대로 가고 오고 행하였다(마태복음 8:9). 명령어를 지키는 것이 무엇보다 군인의 영광이다.

2. **형제들을 향한 한결같은 애정과 헌신.** "너희가 지금까지 여러 날 동안 그들을 떠나지 아니하였다." 몇 날인지 정확히 말하지 않으나, 다른 기록들로 볼 때 가나안 정복과 분배가 약 6~7년에 걸쳐 이루어졌다고 추정된다. 이 긴 세월 동안 이 분리된 지파들은 진영을 지키며 최선의 봉사를 다하였다. 하나님의 이스라엘 편에 서서 그들과 이해관계를 함께한 자들은 하나님이 그들에게 안식을 주실 때까지 그들을 떠나지 않고 지키는 것이 영광이 될 것이며, 그때 그들도 함께 안식을 누릴 것이다.

3. **하나님의 율법에 대한 신실한 순종.** 그들은 여호수아와 이스라엘에 대한 의무만 다한 것이 아니라, 무엇보다 중요하게 하나님께 대한 의무를 다하였다. "너희가 여호와 너희 하나님의 명령을 지켰다 — 단지 전쟁이 끝날 때까지 이스라엘을 섬긴다는 이 특정한 사례에서만이 아니라, 일반적으로 진영 안에서 종교를 유지하였으니, 이는 군인들 사이에서 드문 일이며 있을 때 칭찬받을 만하다."

**IV. 여호수아가 선한 권면을 주며 해산시키다.** 그가 준 권면은 정치적인 것이 아니라 경건에 관한 것이었다(여호수아 21:5).

1. 일반적으로, 계명과 율법을 부지런히 행하는 것. 계명을 가진 자들도 계명을 행하지 않으면 헛된 것이다. 이를 올바르게 행하기 위해서는 — 우리가 얼마나 쉽게 벗어나며, 우리의 영적 원수들이 얼마나 부지런히 우리를 벗어나게 하는지를 볼 때 — 조심해야 하고 부지런히 조심해야 한다.

2. 구체적으로, 여호와 우리 하나님을 사랑하는 것. 가장 선하신 존재이시며 가장 선하신 친구이신 하나님을 사랑하는 것. 이 원리가 마음을 다스리고 그 맥박의 근원이 되는 한, 그분의 모든 길, 심지어 좁고 오르막인 길에서도, 모든 경우에 그분의 계명을 지키려는 지속적인 관심과 진실한 노력이 있을 것이다. 어떤 상황에서도 마음을 다하고 목숨을 다하여 그분께 붙어서 그분을 섬기려는 결심이 있을 것이다. 여기서 그들에게 주어진 선한 권면은 우리 모두에게도 주어진 것이다. 하나님께서 우리에게 은혜를 주사 이를 받아들이게 하시기를!

**V. 여호수아가 복을 빌어 그들을 해산시키다(여호수아 21:6).** 특히 므낫세 반 지파에게는 따로 복을 빈다. 여호수아는 에브라임 사람이었으므로 다른 두 지파보다 이들과 더 가까운 친족이었으며, 이들은 아마도 자기 지파의 절반이 저쪽에 남아 있어 더욱 섭섭해하며 자주 작별 인사를 반복하고 뒤에 처지다가 두 번째 해산 명령과 축복을 받은 것 같다(여호수아 21:7). 여호수아는 친구로서 기도만 한 것이 아니라 아버지로서, 하나님의 이름으로, 그분의 대리인으로서 그들을 축복하였다. 어떤 이들은 여호수아가 준 축복을 그들의 봉사에 대한 대가로 준 선물이라고 해석하지만, 여호수아가 먼저 교훈을 통해 선지자의 상급 한 부분을 주었으므로(여호수아 21:5), 다른 부분인 기도도 분명히 이해해야 한다.

**VI. 해산된 후 그들은 한 몸으로 기업의 땅으로 돌아가다(여호수아 21:9).** 요단 강을 다시 건너기 위한 나룻배들이 아마 마련되었을 것이다. 가장의 주인들이 때로 집을 오랫동안 떠나야 할 경우가 있더라도, 밖에서의 일이 끝나면 집이 자기 자리임을 기억해야 하며, 둥지를 떠나 방황하는 새처럼 집을 떠나 방황해서는 안 된다.

원주석

1~34절 카드 ↗

J O S H U A CHAP. XXII. Many particular things we have read concerning the two tribes and a half, though nothing separated them from the rest of the tribes except the river Jordan, and this chapter is wholly concerning them. I. Joshua's dismission of the militia of those tribes from the camp of Israel, in which the had served as auxiliaries, during all the wars of Canaan, and their return thereupon to their own country, Joshua 22:1-9 . II. The altar they built on the borders of Jordan, in token of their communion with the land of Israel, Joshua 22:10 . III. The offence which the rest of the tribes took at this altar, and the message they sent thereupon, Joshua 22:11-20 . IV. The apology which the two tribes and a half made for what they had done, Joshua 22:21-29 . V. The satisfaction which their apology gave to the rest of the tribes, Joshua 22:30-34 . And (which is strange), whereas in most differences that happen there is a fault on both sides, on this there was fault on no side; none (for aught that appears) were to be blamed, but all to be praised. return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-1-9" class="com-number"

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여호수아서 22장에서는 줄곧 두 지파 반에 관한 내용이 다루어진다. 요단 강 하나가 이들을 나머지 지파들과 갈라놓을 뿐, 그 외에는 어떤 것도 이들을 이스라엘의 나머지 지파들과 분리시키지 않았다. 이 장 전체는 이들에 대한 기록이다.

I. 여호수아가 가나안 전쟁 내내 이스라엘 군대에서 보조군으로 복무한 이 지파들의 군대를 해산하고, 이들이 자기 땅으로 돌아가는 내용 (여호수아 22:1-9).

II. 이들이 이스라엘 땅과의 교통을 나타내는 표시로 요단 강 변에 제단을 쌓는 내용 (여호수아 22:10).

III. 나머지 지파들이 이 제단으로 인해 분노하고, 이에 전갈을 보내는 내용 (여호수아 22:11-20).

IV. 두 지파 반이 자신들의 행동을 변호하는 내용 (여호수아 22:21-29).

V. 그들의 변호가 나머지 지파들을 만족시키는 내용 (여호수아 22:30-34).

주목할 만한 점은 — 대개 어떤 불화에서든 양쪽 모두에 잘못이 있는 법인데 — 이 일에서는 어느 쪽에도 잘못이 없었다는 것이다. 비난받을 자는 아무도 없었고, 오히려 모두가 칭찬받을 만하였다.

원주석

10~20절 카드 ↗

The Altar of the Reubenites. . 10 And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. 11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel. 12 And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them. 13 And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 14 And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one was a head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel. 15 And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying, 16 Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD , What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD , in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD ? 17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD , 18 But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD ? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD , that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel. 19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD , wherein the LORD 's tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD , nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God. 20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity. Here is, I. The pious care of the separated tribes to keep their hold of Canaan's religion, even when they were leaving Canaan's land, that they might not be as the sons of the stranger, utterly separated from God's people, Isaiah 56:3 . In order to this, they built a great altar on the borders of Jordan, to be a witness for them that they were Israelites, and as such partakers of the altar of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 10:18 . When they came to Jordan ( Joshua 21:10 ; Joshua 21:10 ) they did not consult how to preserve the remembrance of their own exploits in the wars of Canaan, and the services they had done their brethren, by erecting a monument to the immortal honour of the two tribes and a half; but their relation to the church of God, together with their interest in the communion of saints, is that which they are solicitous to preserve and perpetuate the proofs and evidences of; and therefore without delay, when the thing was first proposed by some among them, who, though glad to think that they were going towards home, were sorry to think that they were going from the altar of God, immediately they erected this altar, which served as a bridge to keep up their fellowship with the other tribes in the things of God. Some think they built this altar on the Canaan-side of Jordan, in the lot of Benjamin, that, looking over the river, they might see the figure of the altar at Shiloh, when they could not conveniently go to it; but it is more likely that they built it on their own side of the water, for what had they to do to build on another man's land without his consent? And it is said to be over-against the land of Canaan; nor would there have been any cause of suspecting it designed for sacrifice if they had not built it among themselves. This altar was very innocently and honestly designed, but it would have been well if, since it had in it an appearance of evil, and might be an occasion of offence to their brethren, they had consulted the oracle of God about it before they did it, or at least acquainted their brethren with their purpose, and given them the same explication of their altar before, to prevent their jealousy, which they did afterwards, to remove it. Their zeal was commendable, but it ought to have been guided with discretion. There was no need to hasten the building of an altar for the purpose for which they intended this, but they might have taken time to consider and take advice; yet, when their sincerity was made to appear, we do not find that they were blamed for their rashness. God does, and men should, overlook the weakness of an honest zeal. II. The holy jealousy of the other tribes for the honour of God and his altar at Shiloh. Notice was immediately brought to the princes of Israel of the setting up of this altar, Joshua 21:11 ; Joshua 21:11 . And they, knowing how strict and severe that law was which required them to offer all their sacrifices in the place which God should choose, and not elsewhere ( Deuteronomy 12:5-7 ), were soon apprehensive that the setting up of another altar was an affront to the choice which God had lately made of a place to put his name in, and had a direct tendency to the worship of some other God. Now, 1. Their suspicion was very excusable, for it must be confessed the thing, prima facie--at first sight, looked ill, and seemed to imply a design to set up and maintain a competitor with the altar at Shiloh. It was no strained innuendo from the building of an altar to infer an intention to offer sacrifice upon it, and that might introduce idolatry and end in a total apostasy from the faith and worship of the God of Israel. So great a matter might this fire kindle. God is jealous for his own institutions, and therefore we should be so too, and afraid of every thing that looks like, or leads to, idolatry. 2. Their zeal, upon this suspicion, was very commendable, Joshua 21:12 ; Joshua 21:12 . When they apprehended that these tribes, which by the river Jordan were separated from them, were separating themselves from God, they took it as the greatest injury that could be done to themselves, and showed a readiness, if it were necessary, to put their lives in their hands in defence of the altar of God, and to take up arms for the chastising and reducing of these rebels, and to prevent the spreading of the infection, if no gentler methods would serve, by cutting off from their body the gangrened member. They all gathered together, and Shiloh was the place of their rendezvous, because it was in defence of the divine charter lately granted to that place that they now appeared; their resolution was as became a kingdom of priests, who, being devoted to God and his service, did not acknowledge their brethren nor know their own children, Deuteronomy 33:9 . They would immediately go up to war against them if it appeared they had revolted from God, and were in rebellion against him. Though they were bone of their bone, had been companions with them in tribulation in the wilderness, and serviceable to them in the wars of Canaan, yet, if they turn to serve other gods, they will treat them as enemies, not as sons of Israel, but as children of whoredoms, for so God had appointed, Deuteronomy 13:12-18 , c. They had but lately sheathed their swords, and retired from the perils and fatigues of war to the rest God had given them, and yet they are willing to begin a new war rather than be any way wanting in their duty to restrain, repress, and revenge, idolatry, and every step towards it--a brave resolution, and which shows them hearty for their religion, and, we hope, careful and diligent in the practice of it themselves. Corruptions in religion are best dealt with at first, before they get head and plead prescription. 3. Their prudence in the prosecution of this zealous resolution is no less commendable. God had appointed them, in cases of this nature, to enquire and make search ( Deuteronomy 13:14 ), that they might not wrong their brethren under pretence of righting their religion accordingly they resolve here not to send forth their armies, to wage war, till they had first sent their ambassadors to enquire into the merits of the cause, and these men of the first rank, one out of each tribe, and Phinehas at the head of them to be their spokesman, Joshua 21:13 ; Joshua 21:14 . Thus was their zeal for God tempered, guided, and governed by the meekness of wisdom. He that knows all things, and hates all evil things, would not punish the worst of criminals but he would first go down and see, Genesis 18:21 . Many an unhappy strife would be prevented, or soon healed by an impartial and favourable enquiry into that which is the matter of the offence. The rectifying of mistakes and misunderstandings, and the setting of misconstrued words and actions in a true light, would be the most effectual way to accommodate both private and public quarrels, and bring them to a happy period. 4. The ambassadors' management of this matter came fully up to the sense and spirit of the congregation concerning it, and bespeaks much both of zeal and prudence. (1.) The charge they draw up against their brethren is indeed very high, and admits no other excuse than that it was in their zeal for the honour of God, and was now intended to justify the resentments of the congregation at Shiloh and to awaken the supposed delinquents to clear themselves, otherwise they might have suspended their judgment, or mollified it at least, and not have taken it for granted, as they do here ( Joshua 21:16 ; Joshua 21:16 ), that the building of this altar was a trespass against the God of Israel, and a trespass no less heinous than the revolt of soldiers from their captain ( you turn from following the Lord ), and the rebellion of subjects against their sovereign: that you might rebel this day against the Lord. Hard words. It is well they were not able to make good their charge. Let not innocency think it strange to be thus misrepresented and accused. They laid to my charge things that I knew not. (2.) The aggravation of the crime charged upon their brethren is somewhat far-fetched: Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us? Joshua 21:17 ; Joshua 21:17 . Probably that is mentioned because Phinehas, the first commissioner in this treaty, had signalized himself in that matter ( Numbers 25:7 ), and because we may suppose they were not about the very place in which that iniquity was committed on the other side Jordan. It is good to recollect and improve those instances of the wrath of God, revealed from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, which have fallen out in our own time, and which we ourselves have been eye-witnesses of. He reminds them of the iniquity of Peor, [1.] As a very great sin, and very provoking to God. The building of this altar seemed but a small matter, but it might lead to an iniquity as bad as that of Peor, and therefore must be crushed in its first rise. Note, The remembrance of great sins committed formerly should engage us to stand upon our guard against the least occasions and beginnings of sin; for the way of sin is down-hill. [2.] As a sin that the whole congregation had smarted for: " There was a plague in the congregation of the Lord, of which, in one day, there died no fewer than 24,000; was not that enough for ever to warn you against idolatry? What! will you bring upon yourselves another plague? Are you so mad upon an idolatrous altar that you will run yourselves thus upon the sword's point of God's judgments? Does not our camp still feel from that sin and the punishment of it? We are not cleansed from it unto this day; there are remaining sparks," First, "Of the infection of that sin; some among us so inclined to idolatry that if you set up another altar they will soon take occasion from that, whether you intend it or no, to worship another God." Secondly, "Of the wrath of God against us for that sin. We have reason to fear that, if we provoke God by another sin to visit, he will remember against us the iniquity of Peor, as he threatened to do that of the golden calf, Exodus 32:34 . And dare you wake the sleeping lion of divine vengeance?" Note, It is a foolish and dangerous thing for people to think their former sins little, too little for them, as those do who add sin to sin, and so treasure up wrath against the day of wrath. Let therefore the time past suffice, 1 Peter 4:3 . (3.) The reason they give for their concerning themselves so warmly in this matter is very sufficient. They were obliged to it, in their own necessary defence, by the law of self-preservation: "For, if you revolt from God to-day, who knows but to-morrow his judgments may break in upon the whole congregation ( Joshua 21:18 ; Joshua 21:18 ), as in the case of Achan? Joshua 21:20 ; Joshua 21:20 . He sinned, and we all smarted for it, by which we should receive instruction, and from what God did then infer what he may do, and fear what he will do, if we do not witness against your sin, who are so many, and punish it." Note, The conservators of the public peace are obliged, in justice to the common safety, to use their power for the restraining and suppressing of vice and profaneness, lest, if it be connived at, the sin thereby become national, and bring God's judgments upon the community. Nay, we are all concerned to reprove our neighbour when he does amiss, lest we bear sin for him, Leviticus 19:17 . (4.) The offer they make is very fair and kind ( Joshua 21:19 ; Joshua 21:19 ), that if they thought the land of their possession unclean, for want of an altar, and therefore could not be easy without one, rather than they should set up another in competition with that at Shiloh they should be welcome to come back to the land where the Lord's tabernacle was, and settle there, and they would very willingly straiten themselves to make room for them. By this they showed a sincere and truly pious zeal against schism, that rather than their brethren should have any occasion to set up a separate altar, though their pretence for it, as here supposed, was very weak and grounded upon a great mistake, yet they were willing to part with a considerable share of the land which God himself had by the lot assigned them, to comprehend them and take them in among them. This was the spirit of Israelites indeed. return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-21-29" class="com-number"

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bible-text/jos-22-10, bible-text/jos-22-11, bible-text/jos-22-12, bible-text/jos-22-13, bible-text/jos-22-14, bible-text/jos-22-15, bible-text/jos-22-16, bible-text/jos-22-17, bible-text/jos-22-18, bible-text/jos-22-19, bible-text/jos-22-20

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**I. 분리된 지파들이 가나안의 종교를 붙들기 위한 경건한 염려.** 그들은 가나안 땅을 떠나면서도 가나안의 종교를 붙들고자 하였다. 하나님의 백성에게서 완전히 분리된 이방인의 자손처럼 되지 않으려 하였다(이사야 56:3). 이를 위해 그들은 요단 강 변에 큰 제단을 쌓아 자신들이 이스라엘 사람임을, 그리고 주의 제단에 참여하는 자들임을 증거하는 표로 삼고자 하였다(고린도전서 10:18).

그들이 요단 강에 이르렀을 때(여호수아 21:10), 가나안 전쟁에서 세운 자신들의 공적을 기념하는 기념비를 어떻게 세울지를 의논한 것이 아니었다. 오히려 하나님의 교회와의 관계, 그리고 성도들의 교제 속에서 누리는 자신들의 몫을 보존하고 그 증거를 영속시키는 것을 간절히 원하였다. 그래서 일부가 처음 이를 제안하자 — 비록 집을 향해 가게 되어 기뻤지만, 하나님의 제단에서 멀어진다는 생각에 슬펐던 이들이 — 즉시 이 제단을 세웠으며, 이는 다른 지파들과 하나님을 섬기는 일에서 교제를 유지하는 다리 역할을 하였다.

어떤 이들은 그들이 제단을 요단 강의 가나안 쪽, 베냐민 지파의 몫 안에 세웠다고 생각한다. 강 너머로 실로의 제단 형태를 볼 수 있도록, 편리하게 거기에 갈 수 없을 때에 대비하여. 그러나 자기 강 저편에 세웠을 가능성이 더 높다. 타인의 땅에 동의 없이 무엇을 세울 권리가 그들에게 있겠는가? 그리고 본문은 "가나안 땅을 바라보는 곳"에 있다고 한다. 또한 자신들 사이에 세우지 않았다면 희생 제물을 드리려는 의도였다고 의심받을 이유가 없었을 것이다.

이 제단은 매우 순수하고 정직한 의도로 세워졌다. 그러나 외관상 악하게 보일 수 있고 형제들에게 걸림돌이 될 수 있었으므로, 행하기 전에 하나님의 신탁을 통해 묻거나, 최소한 형제들에게 의도를 알렸더라면 좋았을 것이다. 나중에 그것을 제거하기 위해 설명한 것처럼 미리 시기적절하게 알렸더라면 형제들의 시기심을 예방할 수 있었을 것이다. 그들의 열심은 칭찬할 만하였지만 분별로 인도되어야 했다. 그들이 의도한 목적을 위해 제단을 서둘러 세울 필요가 없었으니, 시간을 두고 생각하고 조언을 구할 수 있었을 것이다. 그러나 그들의 성실함이 분명히 드러났을 때, 그들이 성급함을 책망받았다는 기록은 없다. 하나님은, 그리고 사람들도 마땅히 그래야 하는데, 정직한 열심의 약함을 간과하신다.

**II. 하나님과 그분의 제단의 명예를 위한 다른 지파들의 거룩한 열심.** 이 제단이 세워진 일이 즉시 이스라엘 방백들에게 알려졌다(여호수아 21:11). 그들은 하나님께서 선택하신 곳 외에는 제사를 드릴 수 없다는 율법이 얼마나 엄격한지를 알았으므로(신명기 12:5-7), 또 다른 제단을 세운 것이 하나님이 최근 그 이름을 두기로 선택하신 곳에 대한 도전이요, 다른 신을 섬기는 예배로 이어질 직접적인 경향이 있다고 의심하였다.

1. 그들의 의심은 충분히 이해할 만하였다. 처음 보기에 그 일은 나빠 보였으며, 실로의 제단과 경쟁하는 자를 세우고 유지하려는 의도처럼 보였다. 제단을 세웠다는 사실에서 그 위에 제사를 드리려는 의도를 추론하는 것은 지나친 비약이 아니었으며, 그것이 우상숭배를 들여오고 결국 이스라엘의 하나님께 대한 믿음과 예배에서 완전히 떠나게 될 수 있었다. 이 작은 불씨가 얼마나 큰 불을 일으킬 수 있는지를 봐야 한다. 하나님은 자신의 제도에 대해 질투하시며, 우리도 그래야 한다. 우상숭배처럼 보이거나 그리로 이끄는 모든 것을 두려워해야 한다.

2. 이 의심에 근거한 그들의 열심은 매우 칭찬할 만하였다(여호수아 21:12). 요단 강으로 말미암아 자기들과 분리된 이 지파들이 하나님에게서도 스스로를 분리시키고 있다고 여겼을 때, 그들은 그것을 자신들에게 가해진 가장 큰 손해로 여겼다. 필요하다면 목숨을 걸고서라도 하나님의 제단을 지키고, 이 반역자들을 응징하고 제압하며, 더 부드러운 방법으로 해결되지 않는다면 감염된 지체를 몸에서 잘라냄으로써 감염 확산을 막기 위해 무기를 들 준비를 하였다.

그들이 모두 모여 실로가 집결 장소가 된 것은 — 실로에 최근 부여된 하나님의 특권을 지키기 위해 나선 것이기 때문이다 — 그들의 결의는 제사장 나라다운 모습이었다. 하나님과 그분의 봉사에 헌신된 자들로서, 형제도 자기 자식도 알지 않는 자들이었다(신명기 33:9). 만약 그들이 하나님을 버리고 다른 신들을 섬기러 돌아선 것이 드러난다면, 이스라엘의 자손이 아니라 음란한 자식들로 여기며 적으로 대할 것이다. 하나님은 그렇게 명하셨다(신명기 13:12-18).

그들은 막 칼을 거두고 전쟁의 위험과 피로에서 하나님이 주신 안식으로 물러나 있었음에도, 우상숭배와 그것을 향한 모든 발걸음을 억제하고 진압하고 응징하는 의무를 다하는 데 조금도 부족함이 없으려면 기꺼이 새 전쟁을 시작할 준비가 되어 있었다. 이는 용감한 결의이며, 그들이 종교에 진심임을 보여준다. 종교의 부패는 처음에, 세력을 키우고 관습을 주장하기 전에, 처리하는 것이 가장 좋다.

3. **이 열정적인 결의를 실행하는 과정에서의 신중함** 역시 못지않게 칭찬할 만하다. 하나님은 이런 경우에 먼저 조사하고 살필 것을 명하셨다(신명기 13:14). 따라서 그들은 사태의 전말을 먼저 조사하기 전에 군대를 보내지 않기로 결의하였다. 각 지파에서 한 명씩, 엘리아살의 아들 비느하스를 그들의 대변인으로 세워 대사들로 보냈다(여호수아 21:13, 14). 이렇게 그들의 열심은 지혜의 온유함으로 조절되고 인도되었다. 모든 것을 아시고 모든 악을 미워하시는 하나님도 가장 나쁜 범죄자라도 먼저 내려가서 보시기 전에는 벌하지 않으신다(창세기 18:21). 많은 불행한 다툼이 그 문제에 대한 공정하고 우호적인 조사로 예방되거나 빨리 해결될 수 있었을 것이다. 오해와 착각을 바로잡고, 잘못 해석된 말과 행동을 올바른 빛 아래 드러내는 것이 개인적·공적 분쟁을 해소하고 좋은 결말로 이끄는 가장 효과적인 방법이다.

4. **대사들이 이 일을 처리하는 방식**은 회중의 감정과 정신을 충분히 반영하였으며, 열심과 신중함을 모두 나타내고 있다.

(1) 그들이 형제들에게 제기하는 고소는 실로의 명예를 위한 그들의 분노를 정당화하고, 이 추정적 죄인들이 자신을 변호하도록 깨우치기 위한 것으로 매우 무거운 것이었다. 그렇지 않았다면 그들은 판단을 유보하거나 최소한 부드럽게 할 수 있었을 것이다. 그들은 이 제단을 세운 것이 이스라엘의 하나님을 향한 허물이요, "오늘 여호와를 따르는 데서 돌아선" 것이며, "오늘 여호와를 거슬러 반역한 것"이라고 단정한다(여호수아 21:16). 강한 말이다. 순결함이 이렇게 오해받고 고소당하는 것을 이상히 여기지 않는 것이 좋다. "내가 알지도 못하는 일들을 그들이 내게 죄로 돌렸습니다."

(2) 그들이 형제들의 죄를 심화시키는 논거는 다소 멀리서 가져온 것이다. "브올의 죄악이 우리에게 부족하여서"(여호수아 21:17). 이 일이 특별히 언급된 이유는, 이 협상의 첫 번째 위원인 비느하스가 바로 그 일에서 자신을 드러냈기 때문이며(민수기 25:7), 아마도 그들이 요단 강 저편, 바로 그 죄가 저질러진 장소 근처를 지나고 있었기 때문일 것이다.

이 일을 회상하고 적용하는 것은 좋은 일이다. 특히 우리 시대에 일어나고 우리가 직접 목격한, 불경건과 불의에 대해 하늘로부터 계시된 하나님의 진노의 사례들을.

비느하스는 브올의 죄악을 다음과 같이 상기시킨다.

[1.] 매우 큰 죄로서, 하나님을 심히 격노케 한 것으로. 이 제단을 세운 것은 사소해 보이지만, 브올에서의 죄만큼 나쁜 죄로 이어질 수 있으며, 따라서 그 처음 단계에서 짓밟혀야 한다. 이전에 저질러진 큰 죄들을 기억하는 것이 죄의 가장 작은 기회와 시작에 대해서도 경계하게 한다. 죄의 길은 내리막길이기 때문이다.

[2.] 온 회중이 그 죄 때문에 고통받았음을. "하루에 24,000명이 넘는 사람들이 죽는 재앙이 여호와의 회중 가운데 있었다. 그것이 우상숭배를 영원히 경고하기에 충분하지 않으냐? 또 다른 재앙을 자초하려 하느냐? 그것이 오늘날까지도 정결해지지 않았다."

"죄의 감염": 우상숭배에 그토록 기울어진 우리 중에 일부는 네가 다른 제단을 세우면, 비록 네가 그런 의도가 없더라도, 거기서 다른 하나님을 섬길 기회를 찾을 것이다.

"하나님의 진노": 만약 하나님이 또 다른 죄로 우리를 벌하시기 위해 방문하신다면, 브올의 죄악을 황금 송아지의 죄를 기억하겠다고 위협하신 것처럼 기억하실 것이다(출애굽기 32:34). 잠자는 하나님의 심판이라는 사자를 감히 깨울 수 있겠는가? 이전의 죄를 가볍게, 너무 가볍게 여기는 것은 어리석고 위험한 일이다. 지나간 때로 충분하리라(베드로전서 4:3).

(3) 그들이 이 문제에 열정적으로 개입하는 이유는 충분하다. 자기 보존의 법칙에 따라 자신들을 보호하기 위해 어쩔 수 없는 것이다. "만약 오늘 너희가 하나님을 배반한다면, 아간의 경우처럼(여호수아 21:20) 내일 그분의 심판이 온 회중에 닥치지 않는다고 누가 알겠는가? 그가 죄를 지었고 우리 모두가 그 고통을 받았으니, 하나님이 그때 하신 것에서 그분이 하실 수 있는 것을 추론하고, 만약 우리가 네 죄를 증거하고 처벌하지 않는다면 그분이 하실 것을 두려워해야 한다." 공공 평화의 수호자들은 공동 안전을 위해 죄악과 불경건을 억제하고 진압하는 권한을 사용할 의무가 있다. 그것을 묵과하면 그 죄가 국가적 죄가 되어 하나님의 심판을 공동체에 가져올 수 있기 때문이다. 또한 우리 모두는 이웃이 잘못할 때 그를 책망해야 한다. 그렇지 않으면 우리가 그 죄 때문에 책임을 질 수 있다(레위기 19:17).

(4) 그들이 하는 제안은 매우 공정하고 친절하다(여호수아 21:19). 만약 기업의 땅이 제단이 없어서 부정하다고 여겨 불안하다면, 실로의 제단과 경쟁하는 또 다른 제단을 세우기보다는 여호와의 성막이 있는 땅으로 돌아와 우리 가운데 자리를 잡으라는 것이다. 그러면 기꺼이 자리를 좁혀서라도 그들을 품을 것이다.

이 일에서 그들은 분열에 반대하는 진정하고 경건한 열심을 보였다. 형제들이 별도의 제단을 세울 구실이 없도록 하기 위해, 비록 그 구실이 매우 약하고 큰 오해에 근거한 것이지만, 하나님이 제비뽑기로 그들에게 분배하신 땅의 상당 부분을 기꺼이 포기하고자 하였다. 이것이 참된 이스라엘 사람의 정신이었다.

원주석

21~29절 카드 ↗

21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD , (save us not this day,) 23 That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD , or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; 24 And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel? 25 For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD : so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD . 26 Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: 27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD . 28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD , which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. 29 God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD , and turn this day from following the LORD , to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle. We may suppose there was a general convention called of the princes and great men of the separate tribes, to give audience to these ambassadors; or perhaps the army, as it came home, was still encamped in a body, and not yet dispersed; however it was, there were enough to represent the two tribes and a half, and to give their sense. Their reply to the warm remonstrance of the ten tribes is very fair and ingenuous. They do not retort their charge, upbraid them with the injustice and unkindness of their threatenings, nor reproach them for their rash and hasty censures, but give them a soft answer which turns away wrath, avoiding all those grievous words which stir up anger; they demur not to their jurisdiction, nor plead that they were not account able to them for what they had done, nor bid them mind their own business, but, by a free and open declaration of their sincere intention in what they did, free themselves from the imputation they were under, and set themselves right in the opinion of their brethren, to do which they only needed to state the case and put the matter in a true light. I. They solemnly protest against any design to use this altar for sacrifice or offering, and therefore were far from setting it up in competition with the altar at Shiloh, or from entertaining the least thought of deserting that. They had indeed set up that which had the shape and fashion of an altar, but they had not dedicated it to a religious use, had had no solemnity of its consecration, and therefore ought not to be charged with a design to put it to any such use. To gain credit to this protestation here is, 1. A solemn appeal to God concerning it, with which they begin their defence, intending thereby to give glory to God first, and then to give satisfaction to their brethren, Joshua 21:22 ; Joshua 21:22 . (1.) A profound awe and reverence of God are expressed in the form of their appeal: The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knows. Or, as it might be read somewhat closer to the original, The God of gods, Jehovah, the God of gods, Jehovah, he knows, which bespeaks his self-existence and self-sufficiency; he is Jehovah, and has sovereignty and supremacy over all beings and powers whatsoever, even those that are called gods, or that are worshipped. This brief confession of their faith would help to obviate and remove their brethren's suspicion of them, as if they intended to desert the God of Israel, and worship other gods: how could those entertain such a thought who believed him to be God over all? Let us learn hence always to speak of God with reverence and seriousness, and to mention his name with a solemn pause. Those who make their appeals to heaven with a slight, careless, "God knows," have reason to fear lest they take his name in vain, for it is very unlike this appeal. (2.) It is a great confidence of their own integrity which they express in the matter of their appeal. They refer the controversy to the God of gods, whose judgment, we are sure, is according to truth, such as the guilty have reason to dread and the upright to rejoice in. " If it be in rebellion or transgression that we have built this altar, to confront the altar of the Lord at Shiloh, to make a party, or to set up any new gods or worships," [1.] " He knows it ( Joshua 21:22 ; Joshua 21:22 ), for he is perfectly acquainted with the thoughts and intents of the heart, and particularly with all inclinations to idolatry ( Psalms 44:20 ; Psalms 44:21 ); this is in a particular manner before him. We believe he knows it, and we cannot by any arts conceal it from him." [2.] " Let him require it, as we know he will, for he is a jealous God." Nothing but a clear conscience would have thus imprecated divine justice to avenge the rebellion if there had been any. Note, First, In every thing we do in religion, it highly concerns us to approve ourselves to God in our integrity therein, remembering that he knows the heart. Secondly, When we fall under the censures of men, it is very comfortable to be able with a humble confidence to appeal to God concerning our sincerity. See 1 Corinthians 4:3 ; 1 Corinthians 4:4 . 2. A sober apology presented to their brethren: Israel, he shall know. Though the record on high, and the witness in our bosoms, are principally to be made sure for us, yet there is a satisfaction besides which we owe to our brethren who doubt concerning our integrity, and which we should be ready to give with meekness and fear. If our sincerity be known to God, we should study likewise to let others know it by its fruits, especially those who, though they mistake us, yet show a zeal for the glory of God, as the ten tribes here did. 3. A serious abjuration or renunciation of the design which they were suspected to be guilty of. With this they conclude their defence ( Joshua 21:29 ; Joshua 21:29 ): " God forbid that we should rebel against the Lord, as we own we should if we had set up this altar for burnt-offerings; no, we abhor the thought of it. We have as great a value and veneration for the altar of the Lord at Shiloh as any of the tribes of Israel have, and are as firmly resolved to adhere to it and constantly to attend it; we have the same concern that you have for the purity of God's worship and the unity of his church; far be it, far be it from us, to think of turning away from following God." II. They fully explain their true intent and meaning in building this altar; and we have all the reason in the world to believe that it is a true representation of their design, and not advanced now to palliate it afterwards, as we have reason to think that these same persons meant very honestly when they petitioned to have their lot on that side Jordan, though then also is was their unhappiness to be misunderstood even by Moses himself. In their vindication, they make it out that the building of this altar was so far from being a step towards a separation from their brethren, and from the altar of the Lord at Shiloh, that, on the contrary, it was really designed for a pledge and preservative of their communion with their brethren and with the altar of God, and a token of their resolution to do the service of the Lord before him ( Joshua 21:27 ; Joshua 21:27 ), and to continue to do so. 1. They gave an account of the fears they had lest, in process of time, their posterity, being seated at such a distance from the tabernacle, should be looked upon and treated as strangers to the commonwealth of Israel ( Joshua 21:24 ; Joshua 21:24 ); it was for fear of this thing, and the word signifies a great perplexity and solicitude of mind which they were in, until they eased themselves by this expedient. As they were returning home (and we may suppose it was not thought of before, else they would have made Joshua acquainted with their purpose), some of them in discourse started this matter, and the rest took the hint, and represented to themselves and one another a very melancholy prospect of what might probably happen in after-ages, that their children would be looked upon by the other tribes as having no interest in the altar of God and the sacrifices there offered. Now indeed they were owned as brethren, and were as welcome at the tabernacle as any other of the tribes; but what if their children after them should be disowned? They, by reason of their distance, and the interposition of Jordan, which it was not easy at all times to pass and repass, could not be so numerous and constant in their attendance on the three yearly feasts as the other tribes, to make a continual claim to the privileges of Israelites, and would therefore be looked upon as inconsiderable members of their church, and by degrees would be rejected as not members of it at all: So shall your children (who in their pride will be apt to monopolize the privileges of the altar) make our children (who perhaps will not be so careful as they ought to be to keep hold of those privileges) cease from fearing the Lord. Note, (1.) Those that are cut off from public ordinances are likely to lose all religion, and will by degrees cease from fearing the Lord. Though the form and profession of godliness are kept up by many without the life and power of it, yet the life and power of it will not long be kept up without the form and profession. You take away grace if you take away the means of grace. (2.) Those who have themselves found the comfort and benefit of God's ordinances cannot but desire to preserve and perpetuate the entail of them upon their seed, and use all possible precautions that their children after them may not be made to cease from following the Lord, or be looked upon as having no part in him. 2. The project they had to prevent this, Joshua 21:26-28 ; Joshua 21:26-28 . "Therefore, to secure an interest in the altar of God to those who shall come after us, and to prove their title to it, we said, Let us build an altar, to be a witness between us and you, " that, having this copy of the altar in their custody, it might be produced as an evidence of their right to the privilege of the original. Every one that saw this altar, and observed that it was never used for sacrifice and offering, would enquire what was the meaning of it, and this answer would be given to that enquiry, that it was built by those separate tribes, in token of their communion with their brethren and their joint-interest with them in the altar of the Lord. Christ is the great altar that sanctifies every gift; the best evidence of our interest in him will be the pattern of his Spirit in our hearts, and our conformity to him. If we can produce this it will be a testimony for us that we have a part in the Lord, and an earnest of our perseverance in following him. return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-30-34" class="com-number"

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bible-text/jos-22-21, bible-text/jos-22-22, bible-text/jos-22-23, bible-text/jos-22-24, bible-text/jos-22-25, bible-text/jos-22-26, bible-text/jos-22-27, bible-text/jos-22-28, bible-text/jos-22-29

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두 지파 반의 지도자들이 모인 큰 집회가 있었을 것이다. 아니면 군대가 귀환하면서 아직 해산하지 않고 한 몸으로 진을 치고 있었을지도 모른다. 어떻든 두 지파 반을 대표하기에 충분한 사람들이 있었고, 자신들의 견해를 밝혔다. 열 지파의 격렬한 항의에 대한 그들의 답변은 매우 공정하고 솔직하다.

그들은 자신들의 고소에 맞서 반격하지 않았고, 위협의 부당함과 불친절함을 비난하지 않았으며, 섣불리 단정한 것을 힐책하지도 않았다. 자신들의 관할에 이의를 제기하거나, 자신들이 한 일에 대해 해명할 필요가 없다고 주장하거나, 자신들의 일에나 신경 쓰라고 말하지도 않았다. 오히려 자신들이 한 일의 진실한 의도를 자유롭고 솔직하게 선언함으로써 그 혐의에서 벗어났다. 사안을 진술하고 사실을 올바른 빛 아래 놓기만 하면 되었다.

**I. 이 제단을 제사나 헌물에 사용하려는 의도가 없음을 엄숙히 항의하다.** 따라서 실로의 제단과 경쟁하기 위해 세운 것이 아니며, 그것을 버리려는 생각은 조금도 없다. 그들은 제단의 형태와 모양을 가진 것을 세웠지만, 종교적 용도에 바치지 않았고, 성별식을 거치지 않았으며, 그런 용도로 사용하려는 의도가 없었다.

이 항의에 신빙성을 더하는 것은 다음과 같다.

1. **하나님께 대한 엄숙한 호소(여호수아 21:22).** 그들은 먼저 하나님께 영광을 돌리고, 그런 다음 형제들에게 만족을 주고자 한다.

(1) 호소의 형식에서 하나님에 대한 깊은 경외와 경건이 표현된다. "만군의 하나님 여호와, 만군의 하나님 여호와 — 그가 아신다." 이는 그분의 자존성과 자족성을 나타낸다. 그분은 여호와이시며, 그분이라 불리거나 경배받는 모든 존재에 대한 주권과 최고권을 가지신다. 이 짧은 신앙 고백은 형제들이 그들을 이스라엘의 하나님을 버리고 다른 신들을 섬기려 한다고 의심하는 것을 반박하고 제거하는 데 도움이 될 것이다. 이토록 믿는 자들이 어떻게 그런 생각을 품을 수 있겠는가? 하나님을 항상 경건하고 진지하게 말하며 그분의 이름을 엄숙한 마음으로 언급하는 것을 배우자. "하나님이 아신다"는 표현을 가벼운 마음으로 경솔하게 사용하는 자들은, 이 호소와 달리 그분의 이름을 망령되게 일컫는 것을 두려워해야 할 것이다.

(2) 그들은 자신들의 온전함에 대해 큰 확신을 가지고 호소의 내용에서 그것을 표현한다. 그들은 하나님께 이 분쟁을 맡기는데, 그분의 판단은 진리에 따른 것이므로 죄 있는 자는 두려워할 이유가 있고 정직한 자는 기뻐할 이유가 있다. "만약 우리가 실로의 제단과 대립하기 위해, 파당을 만들기 위해, 또는 새로운 신이나 예배를 세우기 위해 이 제단을 세웠다면," [1.] "그분이 아신다(여호수아 21:22). 왜냐하면 그분은 마음의 생각과 의도를 완전히 아시기 때문이다. 특히 우상숭배에 대한 모든 성향에 대해서(시편 44:20, 21), 이것이 특별히 그분 앞에 있다. 우리는 그분이 아신다고 믿으며, 어떤 방법으로도 그분에게서 그것을 숨길 수 없다." [2.] "그분이 직접 요구하시게 하라, 질투하시는 하나님이시니 그렇게 하실 것을 우리가 안다." 만약 반역이 있었다면 하나님의 공의가 그것을 갚으실 것을 이렇게 불러내는 것은, 깨끗한 양심이 아니면 할 수 없는 것이다. 우리가 종교에서 하는 모든 일에서 우리의 온전함을 하나님 앞에서 인정받는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다. 그분이 마음을 아신다는 것을 기억하면서. 또한 사람들의 판단을 받을 때, 자신의 성실함에 대해 하나님께 겸손한 확신으로 호소할 수 있는 것은 큰 위로이다(고린도전서 4:3, 4).

2. **형제들에게 제시하는 차분한 변명.** "이스라엘도 알게 하라." 높은 곳에 계신 기록과 우리 마음속의 증거를 먼저 확보하는 것이 가장 중요하지만, 우리를 의심하는 형제들에게도 만족을 줄 의무가 있다. 비록 우리가 그들에게 오해를 받더라도. 만약 우리의 성실함이 하나님께 알려져 있다면, 그 열매를 통해 다른 사람들도 알 수 있도록 노력해야 한다. 특히 우리를 오해하지만 여기 열 지파처럼 하나님의 영광을 위한 열심을 나타내는 자들에게.

3. **그들이 의심받는 의도를 엄숙히 부인하고 포기하는 것.** 그들은 변론의 끝에 이것으로 결론을 맺는다(여호수아 21:29). "하나님이 우리를 지키시기를, 우리가 여호와를 거슬러 반역하여 이 제단을 번제단으로 세웠다면 그렇게 해야 마땅하겠지만, 우리는 그런 생각을 혐오한다. 우리는 실로에 있는 여호와의 제단을 이스라엘 어느 지파와 마찬가지로 존중하며, 그것을 고수하고 꾸준히 그곳에서 예배드리기로 굳게 결심하고 있다. 우리도 너희와 똑같이 하나님의 예배의 순수성과 그분의 교회의 연합을 소중히 여긴다. 하나님을 따르는 데서 돌아서리라는 것은 결코, 결코 우리에게는 없는 일이다."

**II. 이 제단을 세운 진정한 의도와 의미를 충분히 설명하다.** 이것이 그들의 진정한 의도의 진실한 표현이라고 믿을 모든 이유가 있다. 요단 강 이편에 제비를 받겠다고 청원했을 때도 매우 솔직하였지만, 그때도 모세에게 오해를 받는 불운을 겪었던 것처럼, 이들은 이번에도 진정으로 솔직했던 것이다.

그들은 이 제단을 세운 것이 형제들에게서, 그리고 실로의 여호와의 제단에서 분리되는 발걸음이 아니라, 오히려 형제들과의 교제와 하나님의 제단과의 교제를 위한 서약과 보존의 수단으로, 그리고 그분 앞에서 여호와를 섬기겠다는 결의의 표시(여호수아 21:27)로, 그것을 계속하겠다는 것으로 만들기 위한 것이었음을 변론에서 입증한다.

1. **그들은 자신들의 자손이 후에 이스라엘 공동체의 낯선 자로 취급받을 것이 두렵다는 우려를 밝히다(여호수아 21:24).** 이 일이 두려워서였다고 하는데, 그 말은 그들이 이 방편을 통해 자신을 안심시킬 때까지 얼마나 큰 고민과 걱정 속에 있었는지를 나타낸다.

집으로 돌아가는 길에(이전에는 생각해보지 못했던 것이 분명하며, 그렇지 않았다면 여호수아에게 알렸을 것이다) 그들 중 일부가 대화 중에 이 문제를 제기하였고, 나머지는 그 생각을 받아들여 후대에 일어날 수 있는 매우 우울한 전망을 서로에게 그려 보였다. 자신들의 자손이 다른 지파들에게 이스라엘의 제단에서 드리는 제사에 아무런 관심도 없는 자들로 여겨질 것이라는 것이다.

지금은 그들이 형제로 인정받고 다른 지파와 마찬가지로 성막에 환영받는다. 그러나 나중에 자손들이 부인받으면 어떻게 되겠는가? 그들은 거리 때문에, 그리고 언제나 건너다니기 쉽지 않은 요단 강의 방해로 인해, 세 가지 연간 절기에 다른 지파들만큼 많고 꾸준히 참석하여 이스라엘 사람으로서의 특권에 대한 계속적인 청구를 할 수 없었다. 그래서 이스라엘 교회의 보잘것없는 구성원으로 여겨지다가, 점점 전혀 구성원이 아닌 것으로 거부될 것이다. "이렇게 너희 자손이(자신들의 특권을 독점하려는 교만함으로) 우리 자손에게(아마도 마땅히 지켜야 할 것을 지키지 않음으로) 여호와 경외하기를 그치게 할 것이다."

이로부터 다음을 주목하라.

(1) 공적 예배에서 차단된 자들은 모든 종교를 잃기 쉽고, 점점 여호와를 경외하기를 그칠 것이다. 경건의 형식과 고백은 생명과 능력 없이도 많은 이들에게 유지되지만, 생명과 능력은 형식과 고백 없이 오래 유지되지 않는다. 은혜의 수단을 빼앗으면 은혜도 빼앗는 것이다.

(2) 하나님의 예배의 위로와 유익을 스스로 발견한 자들은 그 상속을 자기 후손에게 보존하고 영속시키기를 간절히 원할 수밖에 없으며, 자신들의 자손이 여호와를 따르는 데서 그치게 되거나 그분 안에 아무런 몫이 없는 자들로 여겨지지 않도록 가능한 모든 예방 조치를 취해야 한다.

2. **이를 예방하기 위한 그들의 방안(여호수아 21:26-28).** "그러므로 우리 후손이 하나님의 제단에서의 몫을 확보하고, 그 자격을 증명하기 위해, 우리는 말하였다. '우리와 너희 사이의 증인으로 제단을 쌓자.' 이 제단의 사본을 자신들의 관리 아래 두어, 원본 특권에 대한 그들의 권리의 증거로 제시할 수 있도록 하는 것이다."

이 제단을 보고 거기에 제사와 헌물이 드려지지 않는 것을 보는 모든 이가 그 의미를 물을 것이고, 다음과 같은 답이 주어질 것이다. 그것은 분리된 지파들이 형제들과의 교제와 여호와의 제단에서의 공동 권리를 나타내는 표로 세운 것이라고.

그리스도는 모든 예물을 거룩하게 하는 큰 제단이시다. 그분 안에서의 우리의 몫에 대한 가장 좋은 증거는 우리 마음 속에 그분의 영의 형상이 있는 것과, 그분을 닮는 것이 될 것이다. 이것을 제시할 수 있다면, 우리가 여호와 안에 몫이 있다는 증거가 될 것이며, 우리가 그분을 따르는 데서 계속할 것이라는 보증이 될 것이다.

원주석

30~34절 카드 ↗

30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them. 31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD : now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD . 32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 33 And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. 34 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God. We have here the good issue of this controversy, which, if there had not been on both sides a disposition to peace, as there was on both sides a zeal for God, might have been of ill consequence; for quarrels about religion, for want of wisdom and love, often prove the most fierce and most difficult to be accommodated. But these contending parties, when the matter was fairly stated and argued, were so happy as to understand one another very well, and so the difference was presently compromised. I. The ambassadors were exceedingly pleased when the separate tribes had given in a protestation of the innocency of their intentions in building this altar. 1. The ambassadors did not call in question their sincerity in that protestation, did not say, "You tell us you design it not for sacrifice and offering, but who can believe you? What security will you give us that it shall never be so used?" No. Charity believes all things, hopes all things, believes and hopes the best, and is very loth to give the lie to any. 2. They did not upbraid them with the rashness and unadvisedness of this action, did not tell them, "If you would do such a thing, and with this good intention, yet you might have had so much respect for Joshua and Eleazar as to have advised with them, or at least have made them acquainted with it, and so have saved the trouble and expense of this embassy." But a little want of consideration and good manners should be excused and overlooked in those who, we have reason to think, mean honestly. 3. Much less did they go about to fish for evidence to make out their charge, because they had once exhibited it, but were glad to have their mistake rectified, and were not at all ashamed to own it. Proud and peevish spirits, when they have passed an unjust censure upon their brethren, though ever so much convincing evidence be brought of the injustice of it, will stand to it, and can by no means be persuaded to retract it. These ambassadors were not so prejudiced; their brethren's vindication pleased them, Joshua 21:30 ; Joshua 21:30 . They looked upon their innocency as a token of God's presence ( Joshua 21:31 ; Joshua 21:31 ), especially when they found that what was done was so far from being an indication of their growing cool to the altar of God that, one the contrary, it was a fruit of their zealous affection to it: You have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord, that is, "You have not, as we feared, delivered them into the hand of the Lord, or exposed them to his judgments by the trespass we were jealous of." II. The congregation was abundantly satisfied when their ambassadors reported to them their brethren's apology for what they had done. It should seem they staid together, at least by their representatives, until they heard the issue ( Joshua 21:32 ; Joshua 21:32 ); and when they understood the truth of the matter it pleased them ( Joshua 21:33 ; Joshua 21:33 ), and they blessed God. Note, Our brethren's constancy in religion, their zeal for the power of godliness, and their keeping the unity of the Spirit in faith and love, notwithstanding the jealousies conceived of them as breaking the unity of the church, are things which we should be very glad to be satisfied of, and should make the matter both of our rejoicing and of our thanksgiving; let God have the glory of it, and let us take the comfort of it. Being thus satisfied, they laid down their arms immediately, and were so far from any thoughts of prosecuting the war they had been meditating against their brethren that we may suppose them wishing for the next feast, when they should meet them at Shiloh. III. The separate tribes were gratified, and, since they had a mind to preserve among them this pattern of the altar of God, though there was not likely to be that occasion for it which they fancied, yet Joshua and the princes let them have their humour, and did not give orders for the demolishing of it, though there was as much reason to fear that it might in process of time be an occasion of idolatry as there was to hope that ever it might be a preservation from idolatry. Thus did the strong bear the infirmities of the weak. Only care was taken that they having explained the meaning of their altar, that it was intended for no more than a testimony of their communion with the altar at Shiloh, this explanation should be recorded, which was done according to the usage of those times by giving a name to it signifying so much ( Joshua 21:34 ; Joshua 21:34 ); they called it Ed, a witness to that, and no more, a witness of the relation they stood in to God and Israel, and of their concurrence with the rest of the tribes in the same common faith, that Jehovah he is God, he and no other. It was a witness to posterity of their care to transmit their religion pure and entire to them, and would be a witness against them if ever they should forsake God and turn from following after him. return to ' Top of Page ' Joshua Jos 21 Joshua Jos Joshua Jos 23 Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library Website. Bibliographical Information Henry, Matthew. "Complete Commentary on Joshua 22". 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Pericope (part_of)

절 (explains)

bible-text/jos-22-30, bible-text/jos-22-31, bible-text/jos-22-32, bible-text/jos-22-33, bible-text/jos-22-34

Source

이 분쟁은 행복한 결말을 맺었다. 양쪽에 하나님을 향한 열심이 있었지만, 지혜와 사랑이 없었다면 좋지 않은 결과가 났을 것이다. 종교에 관한 분쟁은 지혜와 사랑 없이는 가장 치열하고 해결하기 가장 어려운 것이 되기 십상이다. 그러나 이 다투는 두 편은 일이 공정하게 진술되고 논의되었을 때, 서로 아주 잘 이해하게 되었고 분쟁이 즉시 타결되었다.

**I. 분리된 지파들이 이 제단을 세우는 데 있어서 자신들의 의도가 순수했음을 항의하자, 대사들은 매우 기뻐하였다.**

1. 대사들은 그 항의의 성실함을 의심하지 않았다. "우리에게 제사와 헌물을 드리려는 의도가 없다고 하지만 누가 믿겠소? 그것이 절대 그런 용도로 쓰이지 않을 것이라는 보장을 해주겠소?" 같은 말을 하지 않았다. 사랑은 모든 것을 믿고 모든 것을 바라며, 최선을 믿고 바라며, 누구의 말도 거짓이라고 매우 꺼려한다.

2. 대사들은 이 행동의 경솔함과 부주의함을 꾸짖지 않았다. "이런 일을 하고 이런 선한 의도로 했다면, 여호수아와 엘리아살에게 미리 상의하거나 적어도 알릴 예의는 있어야 하지 않겠소? 그러면 이 사절단의 수고와 비용을 절약했을 것이오." 하지만 솔직하게 말하는 자들에게서 어느 정도 부주의와 예의 없음은 너그럽게 보아야 한다.

3. 더욱이 이미 고소를 제기하였다는 이유로 그것을 뒷받침할 증거를 캐내려 하지도 않았다. 기꺼이 자신들의 잘못이 바로잡히는 것을 기뻐하였으며, 그것을 인정하는 데 조금도 부끄러움을 느끼지 않았다. 교만하고 짜증스러운 사람들은 형제에게 부당한 판정을 내리고 나면, 아무리 그 부당함을 입증하는 납득할 만한 증거가 나와도 그것을 고집하며, 어떤 경우에도 철회하도록 설득되지 않는다. 이 대사들은 그런 편견에 사로잡혀 있지 않았다. 형제들의 변호가 그들을 기쁘게 하였다(여호수아 21:30).

그들은 그 순결함을 하나님이 함께 계신다는 표시로 보았다(여호수아 21:31). 특히 행해진 것이 하나님의 제단을 점점 멀리하는 표시이기는커녕, 오히려 그분을 향한 열정적인 애정의 열매임을 발견하였을 때. "너희가 이스라엘 자손을 여호와의 손에서 건져내었다 — 즉 우리가 두려워한 것처럼 그분의 손에 내어주거나 그분의 심판에 노출시킨 것이 아니라."

**II. 대사들이 형제들의 변론을 보고하자 회중은 충분히 만족하였다.** 그들은 보고를 들을 때까지 함께 기다리고 있었던 것 같다(여호수아 21:32). 사태의 진실을 알았을 때 기뻐하며(여호수아 21:33) 하나님을 송축하였다.

이로부터 주목하라. 의혹을 받음에도 불구하고 교회의 연합을 깨뜨린다는 의심을 받으면서도, 우리 형제들이 경건 안에서 일관성을 지키고, 신앙의 능력에 대한 열심을 품으며, 믿음과 사랑 안에서 성령의 하나 됨을 지키는 것은, 우리가 기뻐하고 감사해야 할 일이다. 하나님께 그 영광을 돌리고 우리가 그 위로를 누려야 한다.

만족한 후 그들은 즉시 무기를 내려놓았으며, 형제들에게 전쟁을 일으키려는 생각에서 실로에서 그들을 만나는 다음 절기를 기다리는 마음으로 바뀐 것 같다.

**III. 분리된 지파들은 자신들의 바람이 받아들여졌다.** 그들이 자기들 사이에 이 하나님의 제단의 형상을 보존하고 싶어 하였으므로, 그것을 세운 목적이 달성될 기회가 거의 없었음에도 불구하고 — 우상숭배의 예방으로 활용되기를 원했지만, 오히려 결국 우상숭배의 계기가 될 것을 두려워할 이유가 있었지만 — 여호수아와 방백들은 그들의 바람을 허락하였고, 그것을 철거하라는 명령을 내리지 않았다. 이렇게 강한 자들은 약한 자들의 연약함을 감당해준다.

단지 조심한 것은, 그들이 자신들의 제단의 의미를 설명하였으니 — 그것이 실로의 제단과의 교제의 증거로 의도된 것일 뿐 그 이상은 아니라는 것 — 이 설명이 기록되어야 한다는 것이었다. 이는 그 시대의 관습에 따라 이 뜻을 담은 이름을 부여함으로써 이루어졌다(여호수아 21:34). 그들은 그것을 에드라 불렀는데, 이는 그것이 그 이상 아무것도 아닌, 그 관계의 증인이라는 것이다.

그것은 그들이 하나님과 이스라엘에 대해 취하는 입장과, 공동 신앙 안에서 나머지 지파들과의 일치를 — "여호와 그는 하나님이시다, 그분이시지 다른 이가 아니시다" — 증거하는 증인이었다. 이는 자신들의 종교를 후손에게 순수하고 온전하게 전달하려는 그들의 노력을 후대에 증거하는 것이었으며, 만약 그들이 하나님을 버리고 그분을 따르는 데서 돌아선다면 그들에 대한 증인이 될 것이었다.

원주석

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