Joshua 22:15 - They came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them, saying,

Generated Verse: Joshua 22:15

What does "Joshua 22:15" mean?


This verse sets the stage for a tense and potentially violent conflict between the tribes of Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"They came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh...": This identifies the target audience. These three tribes had chosen to settle east of the Jordan River in the land of Gilead, which Joshua had conquered.

"...to the land of Gilead...": This specifies the location where the other tribes are going to confront Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh.

"...and they spoke with them, saying...": This indicates that a delegation from the rest of Israel has arrived in Gilead to have a formal discussion (likely an argument) with the eastern tribes. What they are about to say is crucial, as it reveals the reason for their visit and the accusations they are leveling. The following verses will reveal the content of their accusation, which is that these tribes have built an altar that is separate from the Tabernacle, and are therefore being disloyal to the unified God of the Israelites.

In essence, the verse describes a delegation from the other tribes of Israel traveling to Gilead to confront the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The verse is a setup for a crucial conversation about the eastern tribes' faithfulness to the covenant with God and the unity of Israel.

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