Then the people of Israel sent to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest,
The deputation sent was extraordinarily weighty: the high priest's son with ten princes, one from each tribe, the chief rulers among the thousands of Israel. They chose men of the highest rank and authority, partly to honour their brethren across Jordan, and partly so their words would carry such weight that the accused must listen.
AI summary
News of that altar spread instantly, and at first the tribes meant war, they saw apostasy and prepared to strike. But they paused, resolved instead to send inquiry first: the high priest's son and ten eminent men, one from each tribe. That such quality was sent showed how deeply they felt the danger to the worship of God and the unity of His people.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 22:11-29
The congregation sent Phinehas, the high priest's own son and heir to his office, together with ten princes, one head of a father's house from each tribe. They meant to hold the trans-Jordanic tribes to account for raising that altar.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 22:13-15