The final major piece of business is done: each tribe sets up its city of refuge and the Levites are given cities and suburbs.

Then, Joshua tells us, none of God’s promises failed… all came to pass. As it is and will be for us.

With all the enemies despatched, the men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh are told tehy can go back to Gilead, on the other side of the Jordan, taking treasures and livestock with them.

When they get back to their new homeland, those two-and-a-half tribes build an altar on their side of the Jordan. This gives the Israelites a huge fright, and they send princes to war against their brothers to ensure they are not cursed in the eyes of God, who has told them they may offer sacrifices in his holy site only.

But the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh tell the assembled warriors they only want to honour God with a visual dedication to him, that they will not burn sacrifices on it, and all is well again.

Dear God, Thank you for a beautiful productive day. Thank you for all the gifts you give us. Please help us to work through our disagreements before going to war. Please help us to show all around us your love. Please forgive me my sins, particularly my sin of intolerance. In Jesus’ name, Amen