Proverbs 19:2
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
There’s truth in the saying, that the greatest distance between two people is misunderstanding.
We’ve all lived long enough to know that misunderstandings are a part of life.
Take for instance this heartbreaking story from an episode of Boston Legal. (A word of caution. This anecdote will pull your heart in all sorts of directions.)
One day, I was in my kitchen. I think I was about 15. And in came Fred, my big chocolate Labrador. And in his mouth was a dead rabbit.
The neighbour’s pet rabbit.
And I thought “This is it for Fred.” If they find out he killed their adored pet, Animal Control would be down, and –.
So, I took the rabbit. Washed him off in the sink. Pulled out the blow dryer. Got him all white and fluffy looking.
And I snuck over to my neighbour’s backyard and I put him back in his cage, hoping they’d think he died of natural causes.
That night my parents came into my room. The neighbour’s pet rabbit had died three days ago, they told me. They buried him in the woods.
And some wacko evidently dug him up, washed him off, and put him back in the cage.
Boston Legal—Catch and Release Quotes (103)
Misunderstandings caused by Language
Sometimes differences in language have the potential to be life threatening.
Many years ago, I saw an episode on ER where a man was rushed to emergency for overdosing on his prescribed medication. The label on his bottle of pills said, ‘Take once a day after a meal.’
The man was not suicidal and had no history of mental illness. Spanish was the main language spoken in his home. The word ‘once’ in Spanish is the number eleven.
The poor man had been swallowing eleven pills a day instead of taking just one.
Misunderstandings caused by Actions
We must always be mindful of what we do. Even with the best intentions, our actions may cause conflict if people misinterpret our deeds.
Even our zeal for God may be taken the wrong way.
Look at Joshua Chapter 22.
The seven year military campaign against the Canaanites is finally over. Overall, it was a resounding success.
Joshua disbands his formidable Israelite army from Shiloh, but not without giving the men payment for their military service.
His soldiers are laden with the spoils of war. Their sacks brimming with gold and silver for their women waiting for them at home. Others opt for flocks of sheep and goats to increase their personal livestock.
Joshua has nothing but praise for their excellent service, and encourages them to continue in the faith. His message hasn’t altered. They are to love God, do what He asks and serve Him with all their heart and soul. It’s golden advice for any era.
Two and a half tribes head back east, to the other side of Jordan—the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh.
However, before crossing over the Jordan, the 40,000 soldiers from these Transjordan tribes build a mammoth and imposing altar by the river. It is a structure that can’t be missed.
News of the impressive monument reaches the tribes on the west side of the Jordan River. Like lightning, they react in an instant, regrouping at Shiloh without Joshua. Mob mentality ignites.
They declare war!
They will fight against the Transjordan tribes, their former brothers in arms because of their disloyalty to God. How dare these two and half tribes make sacrifices to Baal.
But before a civil war erupts, they send ambassadors to investigate.
Phinehas the High Priest and the chiefs of each of the 10 western tribes confront the leaders of the Transjordan tribes.
Nose to nose they accuse the Transjordan tribes of building a rival place of worship and sacrifice to compete with God’s tabernacle at Shiloh.
Phinehas also reminds them of the rebellion at Peor when Israel’s men gave themselves over to the Moabite women and worshiped Baal. God had judged them by sending a plague that killed 24,000 people.
He fears that God will judge the entire nation for the sin of the Transjordan tribes, as God had done with the sin of Achan.
Phineas invites the Transjordan tribes to return with them to the west of Jordan to live amongst them.
Even if it means that the western tribes would have smaller plots of land, they are willing to make room for them—anything to stop them from sinning against the Lord.
The atmosphere is fully charged. Nerves are raw. There’s inescapable tension.
In response, the Eastern tribes shed light on the situation.
Their monument is but a mere replica of the altar at Shiloh. They have no intention to use if for burnt offerings or sacrifices.
The purpose of their altar is to remind them of their cultural and religious identity. They belong to the Lord and worship Him just like the tribes on the other side of the Jordan.
It has all been a monumental misunderstanding.
Both sides can breathe easier now that the air is clear. There is rejoicing and wisdom prevails.
The altar is named Ed—or Witness, because it stands as a witness to the tribes on the east and west of the Jordan River that the LORD is God.
We may learn a few things from the children of Israel on this matter.
Minimise misunderstandings through:
- Striving for peace rather than war
- Getting the facts before we react
- Seeing the situation from the other side
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
God in His infinite wisdom has given us some valuable advice. We should think deeply about how our actions are perceived by others. It may just prevent the next big blow up!
Bibliography
Boston Legal – Catch and Release Quotes (103). Retrieved 12 April 2021 from
http://www.generationterrorists.com/boston-legal/103.html
Henry, M. 1961, Commentary on the Whole Bible, Zondervan, Michigan.
Guzik, D. 2018, ‘Joshua 22 – A Misunderstanding Reconciled’, Enduring Word. Retrieved 12 April 2021 from
Joshua Chapter 22
Pawson, D. 2015, Unlocking the Bible, William Collins, UK.
Pfeiffer C,F. 1990, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Moody Publishers, Illinois.
The Quest Study Bible, 1994, Zondervan Publishing House, Michigan.
Walton, J. 2000, The IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament, IVP Academic, Illinois.
Poor Bunny
Yes, it was rather brutal.