Families on both sides of the Jordan created a tangible reminder that they belonged to the same covenant, a powerful symbol of commitment to the LORD and a visible assertion of their shared identity in His promises.
“Therefore we said, ‘It shall also come about if they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, “See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather it is a witness between us and you.”’” (v.28). This statement occurs as part of a dialogue between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled east of the Jordan River, and the remaining tribes of Israel who settled west of the Jordan. Historically, the Jordan River is located in the region of ancient Canaan, which includes present-day Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. The Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, around 1400 BC, had built an altar that caused suspicion among the other Israelites, who feared they were establishing a rival place of worship. However, here in verse 28, these tribes clarify that the altar is “not for burnt offering or for sacrifice” but rather a “witness between us and you” (v.28). They wanted to ensure future generations understood their unity as part of God’s covenant, despite geographic separation.
This verse underscores how important it is to maintain shared devotion to the LORD. The word “copy” indicates this altar was built to resemble the main altar but was never intended to replace the authentic sacrificial system instituted by Moses (c. 16th-13th century BC). By calling it a “witness,” the Reubenites sought to demonstrate that they worshiped the same God as the other tribes. This cooperation and effort to clarify their intentions reflect a broader biblical lesson about avoiding divisions among God’s people and actively seeking unity—a principle that echoes into the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who prayed for believers to be one (John 17:20-21).
Moreover, the phrase “if they say this to us or to our generations” points to their concern for the faithfulness of future descendants (v.28). By establishing this monument of testimony, they hoped their children would not be accused of forsaking the LORD or creating a schism in worship. They recognized the power of sacred symbols in reminding communities of their shared heritage in God’s promises. This concern for future faithfulness parallels the charge given to believers throughout Scripture to stand firm and maintain unity in Christ (Ephesians 4:3).
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Joshua 22:28 meaning
“Therefore we said, ‘It shall also come about if they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, “See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather it is a witness between us and you.”’” (v.28). This statement occurs as part of a dialogue between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled east of the Jordan River, and the remaining tribes of Israel who settled west of the Jordan. Historically, the Jordan River is located in the region of ancient Canaan, which includes present-day Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. The Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, around 1400 BC, had built an altar that caused suspicion among the other Israelites, who feared they were establishing a rival place of worship. However, here in verse 28, these tribes clarify that the altar is “not for burnt offering or for sacrifice” but rather a “witness between us and you” (v.28). They wanted to ensure future generations understood their unity as part of God’s covenant, despite geographic separation.
This verse underscores how important it is to maintain shared devotion to the LORD. The word “copy” indicates this altar was built to resemble the main altar but was never intended to replace the authentic sacrificial system instituted by Moses (c. 16th-13th century BC). By calling it a “witness,” the Reubenites sought to demonstrate that they worshiped the same God as the other tribes. This cooperation and effort to clarify their intentions reflect a broader biblical lesson about avoiding divisions among God’s people and actively seeking unity—a principle that echoes into the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who prayed for believers to be one (John 17:20-21).
Moreover, the phrase “if they say this to us or to our generations” points to their concern for the faithfulness of future descendants (v.28). By establishing this monument of testimony, they hoped their children would not be accused of forsaking the LORD or creating a schism in worship. They recognized the power of sacred symbols in reminding communities of their shared heritage in God’s promises. This concern for future faithfulness parallels the charge given to believers throughout Scripture to stand firm and maintain unity in Christ (Ephesians 4:3).