In Joshua, chapter twenty-two, verse thirty-four, the altar erected on the east side of Jordan was to function as a witness and memorial to future generations that those tribes were bound to remain faithful to the Lord and to serve only Him. Visible ties of faith passed on between family, such as a Bible, a gift, a photo, a memorial, or a family tradition, can similarly remind Christians and their children of their commitment to God.
It is well that there was a disposition to peace on both sides, as there was a zeal for God. For quarrels about religion, for want of wisdom and love, often prove the most fierce and ambitious to be made up. Proud and peevish spirits, when they have passed any unjust blame on their brethren, though evidence brings of its unfairness, can by no means be persuaded to withdraw it. But Israel was not so prejudiced. They looked upon their brethren’s innocence as a token of God’s presence.
Our brethren’s zeal for the power of godliness and faith and love, notwithstanding the fears of their breaking the unity of the church, are things we should be glad to be satisfied. The altar was called ED, a witness. It was a witness of their care to keep their religion pure and entire and would witness against their descendants if they should turn from following after the Lord. Happy will it be when all professed Christians learn to copy the example of Israel, to unite zeal and steady adherence to the cause of truth, with honesty, submission, and readiness to understand each other, to explain and to be satisfied with the explanations of their brethren?
May the Lord increase the number of those who endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. May increasing grace and consolation be with all who love Jesus Christ.