Joshua 22:10 - When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar to look at.
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What does "Joshua 22:10" mean?
This verse from Joshua 22:10 describes a potentially volatile situation that arises after the Israelite tribes have conquered the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:
"When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan...": This sets the scene. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are traveling back to their allotted territory east of the Jordan River. While geographically separate, their land was still considered part of the region influenced by Canaan.
"...the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan...": The key action is the construction of a large altar near the Jordan River. This is the source of conflict and misunderstanding.
"...a great altar to look at.": The altar was impressive, both in size and possibly design. The phrase "to look at" implies visibility and prominence, suggesting a deliberate intention to make a statement.
Significance and potential interpretations:
Potential for religious division: The building of an altar outside of the designated tabernacle (the central place of worship) was seen as an act of rebellion and a challenge to the unity of worship. There was a clear understanding that sacrifices and worship were to be performed at the tabernacle to avoid pagan influences and to maintain fidelity to God.
Misunderstanding and conflict: The other tribes, living west of the Jordan, were alarmed and suspected that Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh were turning away from God and establishing a rival place of worship. This would lead to civil war if it wasn't addressed.
Preserving unity and remembrance: As the story unfolds in the rest of Joshua 22, the eastern tribes clarify that the altar was not for sacrifices but as a symbolic reminder and a witness that they were part of the covenant community of Israel. They feared that future generations in the west might forget their eastern brethren, so they built the altar as a tangible connection and a declaration of their shared faith.
The importance of communication: The episode highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding to prevent division and conflict. A hasty judgment based on appearances could have led to devastating consequences.
In essence, Joshua 22:10 introduces a situation where a seemingly pious act (building an altar) could have been interpreted as an act of rebellion and could have torn the newly established nation apart. The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which deals with resolving the misunderstanding and preserving unity.
Joshua 22:10 - When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar to look at.
What does "Joshua 22:10" mean?
This verse from Joshua 22:10 describes a potentially volatile situation that arises after the Israelite tribes have conquered the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:
"When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan...": This sets the scene. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are traveling back to their allotted territory east of the Jordan River. While geographically separate, their land was still considered part of the region influenced by Canaan.
"...the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan...": The key action is the construction of a large altar near the Jordan River. This is the source of conflict and misunderstanding.
"...a great altar to look at.": The altar was impressive, both in size and possibly design. The phrase "to look at" implies visibility and prominence, suggesting a deliberate intention to make a statement.
Significance and potential interpretations:
Potential for religious division: The building of an altar outside of the designated tabernacle (the central place of worship) was seen as an act of rebellion and a challenge to the unity of worship. There was a clear understanding that sacrifices and worship were to be performed at the tabernacle to avoid pagan influences and to maintain fidelity to God.
Misunderstanding and conflict: The other tribes, living west of the Jordan, were alarmed and suspected that Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh were turning away from God and establishing a rival place of worship. This would lead to civil war if it wasn't addressed.
Preserving unity and remembrance: As the story unfolds in the rest of Joshua 22, the eastern tribes clarify that the altar was not for sacrifices but as a symbolic reminder and a witness that they were part of the covenant community of Israel. They feared that future generations in the west might forget their eastern brethren, so they built the altar as a tangible connection and a declaration of their shared faith.
The importance of communication: The episode highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding to prevent division and conflict. A hasty judgment based on appearances could have led to devastating consequences.
In essence, Joshua 22:10 introduces a situation where a seemingly pious act (building an altar) could have been interpreted as an act of rebellion and could have torn the newly established nation apart. The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which deals with resolving the misunderstanding and preserving unity.