Phinehas – Tempered with Wisdom
Scripture: Joshua 22:10–34

30 When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation, the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh spoke, it was good in their eyes. 31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh, “Today we know that the Lord is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the Lord. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the Lord.”

When misunderstanding threatened to divide Israel, Phinehas did not rush into battle, he initiated a conversation. The Eastern tribes of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar by the Jordan. The rest of Israel was prepared to war against them because they feared they were setting up a rival altar to God and His Tabernacle. Phinehas wisely let the people explain what they were doing before attacking. They did not intend to offer burnt offerings there. They simply wanted something to remind their children not to stray from God. Phinehas opted for diplomacy and averted a civil war. He is an example of patience in pursuit of peace.

Prayer:
Lord, help me be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. Teach me to pursue truth with humility and to protect unity with wisdom.