John Calvin Commentary Joshua 22:30

"And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation, even the heads of the thousands of Israel that 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 well." — Joshua 22:30 (ASV)

And when Phinehas the priest, etc. Phinehas and the ambassadors rightly temper their zeal when, instead of harshly insisting and urging the prejudice they had conceived, they gently and willingly admit the excuse. Many persons, if once offended and exasperated by any matter, cannot be appeased by any defense, and always find something maliciously and unjustly to find fault with, rather than seem to yield to reason. The example here is worthy of observation. It teaches us that if at any time we take offense about a matter not fully known, we must beware of obstinacy and be ready instantly to take an equitable view. Moreover, when the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh are found free from crime, Phinehas and the ambassadors ascribe it to the grace of God. For by the words, We know that Jehovah is in the midst of us, they intimate that God was favorable to them and had taken care of their safety.

This is to be carefully observed, for we are able to infer from it that we never revolt from God or fall into impiety unless He abandons us and gives us up, when thus abandoned, to a reprobate mind. All idolatry, therefore, shows that God has previously been alienated and is about to punish us by inflicting judicial blindness. Meanwhile, we must hold that we persevere in piety only insofar as God is present to sustain us by His hand and confirm us in perseverance by the agency of His Spirit. Phinehas and the ambassadors speak as if they had been delivered by the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, because there was no longer any ground to fear the divine vengeance when all suspicion of criminality had been removed. At last, similar equity and humanity are displayed by the whole people when, accepting the defense of their brothers, they gave thanks to God for having kept His people free from criminality.

Though they had been suddenly inflamed, they depart with calm minds. Likewise, the two tribes and the half tribe carefully exert themselves to perform their duty by giving a name to the altar, which, by explaining its proper use, might lead the people away from all superstition.