The misunderstanding caused by the return of the eastern tribes.

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Joshua gathered the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, praising them for being faithful in keeping Moses' commands, for helping their fellow brothers fight and take the land, and now they could finally return to their own homes on the east side of the Jordan. Joshua instructed them to keep the commandments carefully, to love the LORD, and to walk in all his ways. Then he blessed them and sent them on their way. These two and a half tribes crossed the Jordan River with abundant spoils of war, and on the riverbank they built a large and impressive altar. When news of this reached the rest of the Israelites, they thought the eastern tribes were establishing separate worship and rebelling against the LORD. So the whole assembly gathered together preparing to go to war against them. But first they sent the priest Phinehas and ten chiefs to find out the situation. The eastern tribes quickly explained that this altar was not for offering sacrifices, but rather served as a witness that although they lived east of the Jordan, they also belonged to the people of the LORD, so that future generations on the west side would not say they had no part with the LORD. When Phinehas and the chiefs heard this, they were very pleased. The misunderstanding was resolved, and the Israelites no longer spoke of going to attack them, but instead praised God.