This expression means, literally, “what treachery.” The matter concerned not only the two and a half tribes but all Israel. Past experiences had shown that transgressions of groups or individuals might be visited upon the people as a whole. To these occasions Phinehas and his companions called attention, fearful that if those who had erected the altar should go unpunished, God might punish all Israel as partners in the guilt. The accusation of the nine and a half tribes was based only on a rumor which ought first to have been investigated. It is easy to put a false construction upon the acts of others. The western tribes were at fault, but so were the eastern tribes, who should have informed their brethren of the plan to erect this memorial. Perhaps they did not anticipate that a false rumor would originate. It is always wise to avoid the possibility, but on the other hand, it is never safe to pass judgment based merely on appearance.