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Joshua 22

34 verses

TL;DR

Joshua sends the Reubenites, Gadites and half‑tribe of Manasseh across the Jordan to their allotted land; they erect an altar that causes Israel to suspect rebellion, but the tribes explain the altar is a witness of fidelity, averting conflict.

Summary

Joshua invites the Reubenites, Gadites and half‑tribe of Manasseh to return to their homes beyond the Jordan, praising their obedience and urging them to keep the law. They return with ample spoils and, upon reaching the Jordan’s border, construct a large altar beside the Israelite border. News of this altar spreads, leading the Israelites to fear a rebellion and assemble for war. Phinehas the priest and leaders of Israel travel to Gilead to confront the tribes, accusing them of turning away from God. The Reubenites, Gadites and Manasseh explain that the altar is not for sacrifice but as a witness between the peoples and to preserve their covenant identity. The Israelite leaders accept this explanation, the war is averted, and the altar is called Ed, meaning “watch” or “witness.”

Outline
  1. Joshua sends the tribes back across the Jordan and they build an altar beside Israel’s border.
  2. Israel perceives this as a sign of rebellion; Phinehas and leaders confront the tribes.
  3. The tribes explain the altar is a witness, peace is restored, and the altar is named Ed.
Themes
Unity and division within Israel.Faithfulness to covenant and the law.Reconciliation and the role of witnesses.
Keywords
altarrebellioncovenantIsraelJordanGileadEdpeacewitness
People
JoshuaMosesPhinehas (son of Eleazar)EleazarAchanReubenGadManasseh
Places
JordanShilohGileadCanaanBashanborder of Jordan
Things
altartabernaclespoils of warcattlesilvergoldbrassironEd (name of the altar)
Key Verses
  • Joshua 22:10: Shows the tribes building the altar, the event that triggers the conflict.
  • Joshua 22:19-20: Highlights Israel’s concern about rebellion and recalls the Achan incident.
  • Joshua 22:31: Phinehas declares that the tribes did not sin, which diffuses the situation.
Questions
  • What does the altar built by the Reubenites, Gadites, and Manasseh represent in terms of covenant identity?
  • How does the Israelite response to the altar illustrate the dangers of misinterpretation and fear?
  • In what ways does Joshua’s leadership style help resolve this crisis?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains conflict and fear, but ultimately resolves peacefully, reflecting both tension and reconciliation.