Joshua Chapter 22

Tribes beyond the Jordan Return

1Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 2And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: 3Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. 4And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan. 5But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. 6So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents.

7Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them, 8And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. 9And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

The Offensive Altar

10And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. 11And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel. 12And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them.

13And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 14And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one was an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel. 15And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying, 16Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD? 17Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD, 18But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel. 19Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God. 20Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

21Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,) 23That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; 24And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel? 25For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

26Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: 27But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD. 28Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. 29God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle.

30And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them. 31And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.

32And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 33And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. 34And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Eastern Tribes Return Home

1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 2 and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 You have not left your brothers these many days to this day, but have performed the duty of the commandment of Yahweh your God. 4 Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your brothers, as he spoke to them. Therefore now return and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan. 5 Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away; and they went to their tents.

7 Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given inheritance in Bashan; but to the other half gave Joshua among their brothers beyond the Jordan westward. Moreover when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them, 8 and spoke to them, saying, “Return with much wealth to your tents, with very much livestock, with silver, with gold, with brass, with iron, and with very much clothing. Divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.”

The Altar of Witness

9 The children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, to the land of their possession, which they owned, according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

10 When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar to look at. 11 The children of Israel heard this, “Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that pertains to the children of Israel.” 12 When the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up against them to war.

13 The children of Israel sent to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 14 and with him ten princes, one prince of a fathers’ house for each of the tribes of Israel; and they were everyone of them head of their fathers’ houses among the thousands of Israel. 15 They came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them, saying, 16 “Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh, ‘What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following Yahweh, in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel this day against Yahweh? 17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day, although there came a plague on the congregation of Yahweh, 18 that you must turn away this day from following Yahweh? It will be, since you rebel today against Yahweh, that tomorrow he will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel. 19 However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh’s tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us; but don’t rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us, in building an altar other than the altar of Yahweh our God. 20 Didn’t Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the devoted thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? That man didn’t perish alone in his iniquity.’”

21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22 “The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, he knows; and Israel shall know: if it was in rebellion, or if in trespass against Yahweh (don’t save us this day), 23 that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Yahweh; or if to offer burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings, let Yahweh himself require it. 24 “If we have not out of concern done this, and for a reason, saying, ‘In time to come your children might speak to our children, saying, “What have you to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel? 25 For Yahweh has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad. You have no portion in Yahweh.”’ So your children might make our children cease from fearing Yahweh.

26 “Therefore we said, ‘Let’s now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; 27 but it will be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we may perform the service of Yahweh before him with our burnt offerings, with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings;’ that your children may not tell our children in time to come, ‘You have no portion in Yahweh.’ 28 “Therefore we said, ‘It shall be, when they tell us or our generations this in time to come, that we shall say, “Behold the pattern of the altar of Yahweh, which our fathers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you.”’ 29 “Far be it from us that we should rebel against Yahweh, and turn away this day from following Yahweh, to build an altar for burnt offering, for meal offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of Yahweh our God that is before his tabernacle!”

30 When Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation, even the heads of the thousands of Israel that were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them well. 31 Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the children of Reuben, to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, “Today we know that Yahweh is in the midst of us, because you have not committed this trespass against Yahweh. Now you have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of Yahweh.”

32 Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, to the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 33 The thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and spoke no more of going up against them to war, to destroy the land in which the children of Reuben and the children of Gad lived. 34 The children of Reuben and the children of Gad named the altar “A Witness Between Us that Yahweh is God.”

The Eastern Tribes Return Home

1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh 2 and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God.

4 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised them, you may return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan. 5 But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way, and they went to their homes. 7 (To the half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given land in Bashan, and to the other half Joshua gave land on the west side of the Jordan among their brothers.) When Joshua sent them to their homes he blessed them, 8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.”

The Altar of Witness

9 So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan to return to their own land of Gilead, which they had acquired according to the command of the LORD through Moses. 10 And when they came to Geliloth a near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.

11 Then the Israelites received the report: “Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.” 12 And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.

13 The Israelites sent Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest to the land of Gilead, to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 14 With him they sent ten chiefs—one family leader from each tribe of Israel, each the head of a family among the clans of Israel.

15 They went to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and said to them, 16 “This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day?

17 Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD. 18 And now, would you turn away from the LORD? If you rebel today against the LORD, tomorrow He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel.

19 If indeed the land of your inheritance is unclean, then cross over to the land of the LORD’s possession, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

20 Was not Achan b son of Zerah unfaithful regarding what was set apart for destruction, c bringing wrath upon the whole congregation of Israel? Yet it was not only Achan who perished because of his sin!’ ”

21 Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel: 22 “The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. 23 If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable.

24 But in fact we have done this for fear that in the future your descendants might say to ours, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel? 25 For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!’ So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD.

26 That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. 27 Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’

28 Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’

29 Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.”

30 When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation—the heads of Israel’s clans who were with him—heard what the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had to say, they were satisfied. 31 Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, “Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this breach of faith against Him. Consequently, you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD.”

32 Then Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, together with the other leaders, returned to the Israelites in the land of Canaan and brought back a report regarding the Reubenites and Gadites in the land of Gilead. 33 The Israelites were satisfied with the report, and they blessed God and spoke no more about going to war against them to destroy the land where the Reubenites and Gadites lived. 34 So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, d “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

Footnotes:

10 a Or to the circle of stones  or to the region ; similarly in verse 11
20 b Achan  means troubler ; also called Achar  in 1 Chronicles 2:7.
20 c Forms of the Hebrew cherem  refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering.
34 d Literally named the altar, for

Tribes beyond the Jordan Return

1Then Joshua calleth for the Reubenite, and for the Gadite, and for the half of the tribe of Manasseh, 2and saith unto them, 'Ye -- ye have kept the whole of that which Moses, servant of Jehovah, commanded you, and ye hearken to my voice, to all that I have commanded you; 3ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, and have kept the charge -- the command of Jehovah your God. 4'And, now, Jehovah your God hath given rest to your brethren, as He spake to them; and now, turn ye, and go for yourselves to your tents, unto the land of your possession, which Moses, servant of Jehovah, hath given to you beyond the Jordan. 5Only, be very watchful to do the command and the law which Moses, servant of Jehovah, commanded you, to love Jehovah your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commands, and to cleave to Him, and to serve Him, with all your heart, and with all your soul.' 6And Joshua blesseth them, and sendeth them away, and they go unto their tents.

7And to the half of the tribe of Manasseh hath Moses given, in Bashan, and to its other half hath Joshua given with their brethren beyond the Jordan westward; and also when Joshua hath sent them away unto their tents, then he doth bless them, 8and speak unto them, saying, 'With great riches turn ye back unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment; divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.' 9And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, turn back and go from the sons of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the land of Gilead, unto the land of their possession, in which they have possession, according to the command of Jehovah, by the hand of Moses;

The Offensive Altar

10and they come in unto the districts of the Jordan, which are in the land of Canaan, and the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, build there an altar by the Jordan -- a great altar for appearance. 11And the sons of Israel hear, saying, 'Lo, the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, have built the altar over-against the land of Canaan, on the districts of the Jordan, at the passage of the sons of Israel.' 12And the sons of Israel hear, and all the company of the sons of Israel is assembled at Shiloh, to go up against them to war;

13and the sons of Israel send unto the sons of Reuben, and unto the sons of Gad, and unto the half of the tribe of Manasseh -- unto the land of Gilead -- Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, 14and ten princes with him, one prince, one prince, for a house of a father, for all the tribes of Israel, and each of them a head of a house of their fathers, for the thousands of Israel. 15And they come in unto the sons of Reuben, and unto the sons of Gad, and unto the half of the tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and speak with them, saying, 16Thus said all the company of Jehovah, What is this trespass which ye have trespassed against the God of Israel, to turn back to-day from after Jehovah, by your building for you an altar, for your rebelling to-day against Jehovah? 17Is the iniquity of Peor little to us, from which we have not been cleansed till this day -- and the plague is in the company of Jehovah, 18that ye turn back to-day from after Jehovah? and it hath been -- ye rebel to-day against Jehovah -- and to-morrow against all the company of Israel He is wroth. 19'And surely, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over for you unto the land of the possession of Jehovah, where the tabernacle of Jehovah hath tabernacled, and have possession in our midst; and against Jehovah rebel not, and against us rebel not, by your building for you an altar, besides the altar of Jehovah our God. 20Did not Achan son of Zerah commit a trespass in the devoted thing, and on all the company of Israel there was wrath? and he alone expired not in his iniquity.'

21And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, answer and speak with the heads of the thousands of Israel: 22'The God of gods -- Jehovah, the God of gods -- Jehovah, He is knowing, and Israel, he doth know, if in rebellion, and if in trespass against Jehovah (Thou dost not save us this day!) 23we are building for ourselves an altar to turn back from after Jehovah, and if to cause to go up on it burnt-offering and present, and if to make on it peace-offerings -- Jehovah Himself doth require it. 24And if not, from fear of this thing we have done it, saying, Hereafter your sons do speak to ours sons, saying, What to you and to Jehovah God of Israel? 25for a border hath Jehovah put between us and you, O sons of Reuben, and sons of Gad -- Jordan; ye have no portion in Jehovah -- and your sons have caused our sons to cease, not to fear Jehovah.

26'And we say, Pray let us prepare for ourselves to build the altar -- not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice -- 27but a witness it is between us and you, and between our generations after us, to do the service of Jehovah before Him with our burnt-offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace-offerings, and your sons do not say hereafter to our sons, Ye have no portion in Jehovah. 28And we say, And it hath been, when they say so unto us, and unto our generations hereafter, that we have said, See the pattern of the altar of Jehovah, which our fathers made -- not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice -- but a witness it is between us and you. 29Far be it from us to rebel against Jehovah, and to turn back to-day from after Jehovah, to build an altar for burnt-offering, for present, and for sacrifice, apart from the altar of Jehovah our God, which is before His tabernacle.'

30And Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the company, and the heads of the thousands of Israel, who are with him, hear the words which the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the sons of Manasseh have spoken, and it is good in their eyes. 31And Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest saith unto the sons of Reuben, and unto the sons of Gad, and unto the sons of Manasseh, 'To-day we have known that Jehovah is in our midst, because ye have not committed against Jehovah this trespass -- then ye have delivered the sons of Israel out of the hand of Jehovah.'

32And Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, turn back from the sons of Reuben, and from the sons of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, unto the sons of Israel, and bring them back word; 33and the thing is good in the eyes of the sons of Israel, and the sons of Israel bless God, and have not said to go up against them to war, to destroy the land which the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, are dwelling in. 34And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad proclaim concerning the altar, that 'it is a witness between us that Jehovah is God.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Joshua 22?

1.1Introduction to Joshua 22

1.2Context of Joshua 22

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Joshua 22 Unique Insights

1.6Joshua 22 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Joshua 22 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Joshua 22 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Joshua 22?

Introduction to Joshua 22

Joshua 22 presents a compelling narrative that unfolds after the major military campaigns in the Promised Land. This pivotal chapter addresses a critical moment in Israel’s history when the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh prepare to return to their territories east of the Jordan River. Their departure and subsequent actions lead to a dramatic series of events that test Israel’s unity and demonstrate the importance of maintaining proper worship of יהוה (Yahweh).

The chapter’s significance lies in its powerful illustration of how misunderstandings about worship and loyalty to God can threaten the unity of God’s people, while also showing how wisdom, clear communication, and shared devotion to the Lord can preserve peace and brotherhood. It serves as a timeless lesson in conflict resolution and the importance of judging matters carefully before taking action.

Context of Joshua 22

This chapter marks a transition point in the book of Joshua, occurring after the successful conquest and distribution of the Promised Land. The immediate context follows Joshua’s farewell address to the Transjordan tribes in Joshua 21, where he commends them for their faithfulness in helping their brothers secure their inheritance west of the Jordan River.

Within the larger biblical narrative, this chapter connects to several important themes. It recalls the original agreement made between Moses and these tribes in Numbers 32, where they pledged to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land before settling in their own territory. The chapter also foreshadows future tribal divisions that would plague Israel’s history, as seen in Judges and the later division of the kingdom.

The events here also connect to the broader theological theme of proper worship and the importance of the central sanctuary, which would later become crucial in Israel’s history with the building of Solomon’s Temple. The chapter demonstrates the delicate balance between tribal autonomy and national unity centered around the worship of יהוה.

Ancient Key Word Study

מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbe’ach) – “altar”: This word appears frequently in the chapter and carries deep significance in ancient Near Eastern culture. Unlike pagan altars which were often places of sacrifice to multiple deities, this altar was intended as a witness (עד) to the unity of worship of the one true God. The root זבח connects to the concept of legitimate sacrifice and proper worship.
עֵד (ed) – “witness”: This term, used to describe the altar’s purpose, carries legal and covenantal significance. In ancient Hebrew culture, a witness was not merely an observer but a testament to truth that could be called upon in future generations. The altar served as a physical witness to the unity of all Israel in worship.
גְּבוּל (gevul) – “border”: This term appears several times and represents more than just a geographical boundary. In ancient Hebrew thought, borders were sacred markers of divine appointment, reflecting God’s sovereignty in distributing inheritance.
מַעַל (ma’al) – “unfaithfulness”: This serious term denotes treachery against יהוה and carries connotations of covenant violation. Its use here shows the gravity with which potential religious infidelity was viewed.
פִּנְחָס (Pinchas) – “Phinehas”: The name of the high priest’s son carries historical weight, recalling his earlier zeal for pure worship in Numbers 25. His presence adds gravity to the investigation.
אֶחָד (echad) – “one”: This word, emphasizing unity, carries the same theological weight as in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). It stresses the importance of maintaining unity in worship.
שֵׁבֶט (shevet) – “tribe”: This term represents not just familial division but divine arrangement of Israel’s structure. Each tribe had its unique identity while maintaining essential unity with the whole.
תְּרוּעַת (teru’at) – “shout of joy”: This word, used when the misunderstanding was resolved, indicates more than just happiness—it represents a divine approval and restoration of harmony.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 10’s description of the altar as “גָּדוֹל לְמַרְאֶה” (gadol lemar’eh – “impressive to look at”) uses specific terminology that emphasizes visual impact rather than functional purpose. This choice of words is significant because it highlights the memorial nature of the altar rather than its sacrificial purpose.
The phrase “מַעַל בַּיהוָה” (ma’al b’Yahweh – “unfaithfulness against the LORD”) in verse 16 employs stronger language than the more common “חָטָא” (chata – “to sin”). This intensified terminology emphasizes the perceived severity of the potential transgression.
Verse 19’s offer of land west of Jordan uses the term “אֲחֻזָּה” (achuzah – “possession”) rather than “נַחֲלָה” (nachalah – “inheritance”), suggesting a practical rather than spiritual solution to the perceived problem.
The explanation in verse 24 using “דְּאָגָה” (de’agah – “concern”) rather than “פַּחַד” (pachad – “fear”) indicates a thoughtful, forward-looking motivation rather than immediate emotional reaction.
The name given to the altar in verse 34, “עד” (ed – “witness”), was chosen over more common altar names like “מִזְבַּח יְהוָה” (mizbach Yahweh – “altar of the LORD”) to emphasize its commemorative rather than sacrificial purpose.

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Joshua 22 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating study in ancient Near Eastern conflict resolution. The delegation led by Phinehas demonstrates the principle of “תוכחה” (tokhacha – righteous rebuke) in Jewish tradition, where confrontation must be done with both firmness and an openness to hear the other side. This approach reflects the later rabbinic principle found in Pirkei Avot 1:6 to “judge every person favorably.”

The construction of the altar itself mirrors ancient Near Eastern treaty practices where monuments were often erected as witnesses to agreements between parties. However, unlike pagan monuments which often depicted deity images, this altar served as a witness while maintaining the second commandment’s prohibition against graven images.

The response of the western tribes to the situation reflects the concept of “כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה” (kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh – “all Israel is responsible for one another”), a principle that would later be formalized in rabbinic Judaism. Their immediate concern for potential apostasy demonstrates this mutual responsibility, while their willingness to listen demonstrates the wisdom needed to maintain it.

The resolution of the conflict prefigures the Messianic age described by the prophets, where understanding and peace prevail over misunderstanding and strife. This foreshadowing points to Yeshua’s role in bringing true peace and unity among God’s people, as described in Ephesians 2:14.

Joshua 22 Connections to Yeshua

The entire episode powerfully prefigures the work of Yeshua the Messiah in several ways. The concern over proper worship and the fear of division among God’s people points to Yeshua’s high priestly prayer in John 17, where He prays for the unity of His followers. The altar as a witness between the tribes foreshadows Yeshua as the ultimate witness between God and humanity, and between Jews and Gentiles.

The resolution of the conflict through patient investigation and dialogue reflects the wisdom and peace that Yeshua brings to His people. Just as the tribes found unity through understanding the true purpose of the altar, believers find unity through understanding the true purpose of Yeshua’s sacrifice. The chapter’s emphasis on maintaining proper worship while preserving unity prefigures the Messianic community described in Ephesians 2:13-16, where previously divided peoples are brought together through the Messiah.

Joshua 22 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous other biblical passages. The concern over proper worship echoes the golden calf incident in Exodus 32. The theme of misunderstanding and reconciliation finds parallel in Genesis 13 between Abraham and Lot.

The role of the altar as a witness connects to Jacob’s stone pillar in Genesis 31:45-49. The unity of tribes despite geographical separation foreshadows the unity of believers described in Ephesians 4:4-6.

The theme of investigating before judging reflects wisdom literature principles found in Proverbs 18:13 and 25:8.

Joshua 22 Devotional

This chapter provides rich spiritual lessons for today’s believers. First, it teaches us about the importance of clear communication in maintaining unity within the body of believers. Just as the tribes took time to explain their actions and motives, we too must be willing to engage in honest, open dialogue with our brothers and sisters in faith.

The chapter also challenges us to examine our reactions to perceived wrongs. The western tribes’ initial righteous zeal was commendable, but their wisdom in investigating before acting was even more praiseworthy. In our age of instant reactions and social media conflicts, this teaches us the value of careful investigation and peaceful dialogue.

Finally, the chapter reminds us that maintaining unity requires both conviction and compassion. We must be firmly committed to truth while remaining open to hearing and understanding others’ perspectives. This balance reflects the character of our Messiah, who was full of both grace and truth.

Did You Know

The altar built by the eastern tribes was likely one of the largest religious structures of its time in the region, as indicated by the Hebrew phrase “גָּדוֹל לְמַרְאֶה” (gadol lemar’eh).
The name Phinehas, who led the delegation, means “bronze mouth” in Egyptian, reflecting Israel’s historical connection to Egypt.
The concept of an altar as a witness was common in ancient Near Eastern culture, where physical monuments often served as testimonies to agreements between parties.
The Jordan River, which separated the tribes, was seen as a natural boundary in ancient times and played a significant role in many biblical narratives.
The phrase “today” appears seven times in the chapter, emphasizing the immediate and urgent nature of the situation.
The resolution of this conflict represents one of the earliest examples of successful conflict resolution in recorded history.
Archaeological evidence has found similar memorial altars from this period in the region, confirming the historical accuracy of this account.
The western tribes’ reaction reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of collective responsibility, where one group’s actions could affect the divine relationship of the entire nation.
The chapter contains one of the longest speeches by tribal representatives in the book of Joshua.
The peaceful resolution of this conflict stands in stark contrast to many other tribal disputes in ancient Near Eastern history.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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