Late 13th Century BC
The Israelites had completed their conquest of Canaan and were settling into the land promised to them by God. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had chosen to settle on the east side of the Jordan River.
The land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, each tribe receiving its inheritance. The leadership of Joshua was central in maintaining unity among the tribes during this period.
The eastern side of the Jordan River, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled. The Jordan River served as a natural boundary between these tribes and the rest of Israel.
The Israelites were bound by the covenant with Yahweh, which included centralized worship at the tabernacle. The building of an altar by the eastern tribes raised concerns of potential idolatry or schism.
Joshua
Leader of Israel, successor to Moses, responsible for the distribution of the land.
Phinehas