They demonstrate that true worship is marked by sincerity of heart and accountability to God.
The events of Joshua 22 take place after the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership (ca. 1406-1390 BC), have settled in the Promised Land. The eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—had been given land east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead, known for its rolling hills and fertile plateaus. When the eastern tribes built an altar near the Jordan, the rest of Israel feared they had abandoned the LORD to set up illicit worship. In response, the eastern tribes passionately declare, “If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it” (v.23). This statement reveals they invite God’s righteous judgment if they are found guilty of rejecting Him.
Their declaration, “may the LORD Himself require it” (v.23), underscores the seriousness with which they viewed such an action. By calling upon God’s own authority to hold them accountable, the eastern tribes demonstrate their devotion to staying faithful to the covenant. This moment in Israel’s history highlights how the tribes recognized that nothing was more important than remaining united in worship of the one true God. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers should remain united in their devotion to God, just as Jesus prayed for unity among His followers (John 17:21).
Furthermore, the altar’s purpose was to bear witness that the eastern tribes were still part of Israel’s worship of the LORD, not to create a separate system of sacrifices. Their resolve to be judged by God shows a humility and commitment that transcends mere territorial boundaries. This shared reverence for the commandments of the LORD is a powerful reminder that God’s people, whether in Gilead or across the Jordan, belong to one spiritual family under the LORD’s covenant.
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Joshua 22:23 meaning
The events of Joshua 22 take place after the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership (ca. 1406-1390 BC), have settled in the Promised Land. The eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—had been given land east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead, known for its rolling hills and fertile plateaus. When the eastern tribes built an altar near the Jordan, the rest of Israel feared they had abandoned the LORD to set up illicit worship. In response, the eastern tribes passionately declare, “If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it” (v.23). This statement reveals they invite God’s righteous judgment if they are found guilty of rejecting Him.
Their declaration, “may the LORD Himself require it” (v.23), underscores the seriousness with which they viewed such an action. By calling upon God’s own authority to hold them accountable, the eastern tribes demonstrate their devotion to staying faithful to the covenant. This moment in Israel’s history highlights how the tribes recognized that nothing was more important than remaining united in worship of the one true God. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers should remain united in their devotion to God, just as Jesus prayed for unity among His followers (John 17:21).
Furthermore, the altar’s purpose was to bear witness that the eastern tribes were still part of Israel’s worship of the LORD, not to create a separate system of sacrifices. Their resolve to be judged by God shows a humility and commitment that transcends mere territorial boundaries. This shared reverence for the commandments of the LORD is a powerful reminder that God’s people, whether in Gilead or across the Jordan, belong to one spiritual family under the LORD’s covenant.