V.1-9 The Word of the Lord was to be the one standard for all twelve tribes, regardless of where each tribe lived. But the 2½ tribes had to leave their brethren and the place of the tent of meeting in the promised land, in order to go back to the land they had chosen. There could be no “Shiloh” on the east of Jordan. God cannot have two “centers” on earth at the same time, then or now.
V.10-12 But it wasn’t long before trouble started. The altar that was built was certainly impressive to the eye; and a report reaches the 9½ tribes who gather at God’s center; this news upsets these tribes which were in God’s place.
V.13-20 These leaders speak sharply, basing their thoughts on the report they had heard. While they spoke the truth in defending the Lord’s center, they were unwise in speaking at all until they had investigated the report.
V.21-29 The 2½ tribes answer more kindly, saying that the Lord knew their hearts and not what the 9½ tribes had supposed; and readily admit that there could be only one center, that was at Shiloh.
V.30-34 The fight is stopped before it got out of control. Peace is restored, and the Israelites “blessed God” and dropped their ill feelings toward their brethren. But these 2½ tribes which went back to the other side of Jordan had not fully obeyed Deuteronomy 26:11And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein; (Deuteronomy 26:1).
About 150 years later they were the first to be taken into captivity (1 Chron. 5:25-26).