Their steadfast commitment demonstrates how genuine faith is lived out through continued service and dedication to God’s mission.
Joshua, who succeeded Moses around 1406 BC and led the Israelites in conquering Canaan, addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the region east of the Jordan River—an area historically known as Gilead. He commends them by weaving these words: “You have not deserted your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God” (v.3). This praise follows their faithful collaboration in helping the other Israelite tribes secure their inheritances west of the Jordan, demonstrating the unity and love that should characterize God’s people. The phrase “have kept the charge” highlights their careful observance of the covenant commands that Moses first spoke (Deuteronomy 5:32), confirming they did precisely as God required.
When Joshua tells them, “You have not deserted your brothers” (v.3), he recognizes their steadfast support across a lengthy military campaign. Because they remained faithfully present, the other tribes benefited from their strength, resources, and manpower. This act of unity, bridging two sides of the Jordan River, also foreshadows Jesus’s teaching on oneness among His followers (John 17:21). It shows that while geographical boundaries may separate believers, they should stand together in fulfilling God’s purposes.
By stating, “these many days to this day” (v.3), Joshua underscores the perseverance that their service entailed. From the earliest days of Moses to the concluding days of Joshua’s leadership, roughly spanning forty years between 1446 BC (the date of the Exodus) and the later conquest period, they embraced God’s command and stayed loyal to their fellow Israelites. This verse ultimately praises the determination that God’s people displayed as they honored their covenant obligations, reminding believers that devotion to the Lord can strengthen communal bonds and establish righteous unity.
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Joshua 22:3 meaning
Joshua, who succeeded Moses around 1406 BC and led the Israelites in conquering Canaan, addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the region east of the Jordan River—an area historically known as Gilead. He commends them by weaving these words: “You have not deserted your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God” (v.3). This praise follows their faithful collaboration in helping the other Israelite tribes secure their inheritances west of the Jordan, demonstrating the unity and love that should characterize God’s people. The phrase “have kept the charge” highlights their careful observance of the covenant commands that Moses first spoke (Deuteronomy 5:32), confirming they did precisely as God required.
When Joshua tells them, “You have not deserted your brothers” (v.3), he recognizes their steadfast support across a lengthy military campaign. Because they remained faithfully present, the other tribes benefited from their strength, resources, and manpower. This act of unity, bridging two sides of the Jordan River, also foreshadows Jesus’s teaching on oneness among His followers (John 17:21). It shows that while geographical boundaries may separate believers, they should stand together in fulfilling God’s purposes.
By stating, “these many days to this day” (v.3), Joshua underscores the perseverance that their service entailed. From the earliest days of Moses to the concluding days of Joshua’s leadership, roughly spanning forty years between 1446 BC (the date of the Exodus) and the later conquest period, they embraced God’s command and stayed loyal to their fellow Israelites. This verse ultimately praises the determination that God’s people displayed as they honored their covenant obligations, reminding believers that devotion to the Lord can strengthen communal bonds and establish righteous unity.