This verse stresses Israel’s devotion to God by rejecting idolatry and striving for unity.
In “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle” (v.29), the eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—resolve a misunderstanding as they address the other Israelites. These three tribes, having settled east of the Jordan River around 1400 BC under Joshua’s leadership (who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land), are quick to clarify that their newly built altar is not an act of rebellion. The phrase “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD” (v.29) underscores their loyalty to the one true God, seeking to confirm that they have not forsaken the central place of worship at the tabernacle in Shiloh. This heartfelt declaration highlights how important it was for Israel to remain united in worship, a theme echoed later when we see Jesus pray that believers may be one (John 17:21).
The eastern tribes emphasize that “by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice” (v.29), they did not intend to create a rival worship site. Instead, they wanted a symbolic reminder for future generations that all Israel belongs to the same covenant community. Their territory on the eastern side of the Jordan River could have led some to believe they were no longer part of God’s chosen people, so this altar served as a witness of their shared faith. They insisted it was built “besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle” (v.29), clearly pointing out their intention to remain faithful to the prescribed sacrificial system in the place where God’s presence was recognized.
They faithfully maintain unity with the rest of Israel while residing in a region distinct from the majority of the tribes:
It reveals how misunderstandings can create discord, but open dialogue and reaffirming God’s commands can keep the community of faith intact.
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Joshua 22:29 meaning
In “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle” (v.29), the eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—resolve a misunderstanding as they address the other Israelites. These three tribes, having settled east of the Jordan River around 1400 BC under Joshua’s leadership (who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land), are quick to clarify that their newly built altar is not an act of rebellion. The phrase “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD” (v.29) underscores their loyalty to the one true God, seeking to confirm that they have not forsaken the central place of worship at the tabernacle in Shiloh. This heartfelt declaration highlights how important it was for Israel to remain united in worship, a theme echoed later when we see Jesus pray that believers may be one (John 17:21).
The eastern tribes emphasize that “by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice” (v.29), they did not intend to create a rival worship site. Instead, they wanted a symbolic reminder for future generations that all Israel belongs to the same covenant community. Their territory on the eastern side of the Jordan River could have led some to believe they were no longer part of God’s chosen people, so this altar served as a witness of their shared faith. They insisted it was built “besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle” (v.29), clearly pointing out their intention to remain faithful to the prescribed sacrificial system in the place where God’s presence was recognized.
They faithfully maintain unity with the rest of Israel while residing in a region distinct from the majority of the tribes:
It reveals how misunderstandings can create discord, but open dialogue and reaffirming God’s commands can keep the community of faith intact.