Matthew Henry Commentary Joshua 22:30-34

"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. 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 know that Jehovah is in the midst of us, because ye have not committed this trespass against Jehovah: now have ye delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of Jehovah. 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. And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and spake no more of going up against them to war, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and the children of Gad dwelt. And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: For, [said they], it is a witness between us that Jehovah is God." — Joshua 22:30-34 (ASV)

It was good that there was on both sides a disposition to peace, as there was a zeal for God; for quarrels about religion, due to a lack of wisdom and love, often prove to be the most fierce and difficult to resolve. Proud and peevish spirits, when they have cast unjust blame on their brothers and sisters, even when full evidence of its unfairness is presented, can in no way be persuaded to withdraw it. But Israel was not so prejudiced.

They looked upon their brothers' and sisters' innocence as a sign of God's presence. Our brothers' and sisters' zeal for the power of godliness, faith, and love—despite fears that they might break the unity of the church—are matters about which we should be very glad to be reassured. The altar was called ED, a witness. It was a witness of their care to keep their religion pure and whole, and would witness against their descendants if they should turn away from following the Lord.

How happy it will be when all professed Christians learn to copy the example of Israel: to unite zeal and steady adherence to the cause of truth with candor, meekness, and a readiness to understand each other, to explain, and to be satisfied with the explanations of their brothers and sisters. 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 in sincerity!