Joshua 22:16 - “Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh, ‘What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away today from following Yahweh, in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel today against Yahweh?
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Joshua 22:16" mean?
This verse, Joshua 22:16, captures a moment of extreme tension and potential conflict amongst the tribes of Israel. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had returned to their allotted territory east of the Jordan River after helping the other tribes conquer Canaan (west of the Jordan). Upon reaching the Jordan, they built a large altar. This action alarmed the other tribes.
"Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh...": This indicates that all the other tribes of Israel (the ones located in the promised land, west of the Jordan River) are speaking in unison. They see this as a collective crisis affecting the entire nation. "Congregation of Yahweh" emphasizes that they are a religious community and their actions are driven by their devotion to God.
"'What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel...'": The tribes are accusing Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh of a grave sin, a "trespass." They believe the eastern tribes' actions are not just a mistake, but a direct offense against Yahweh, the God of Israel.
"...to turn away today from following Yahweh...'": This highlights the core of their concern: apostasy, or turning away from the true worship of God. They fear the altar represents a move away from the central sanctuary and the divinely ordained way of worship at the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). They believe the eastern tribes are abandoning their covenant with God. "Today" emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The act is immediate and current in its perceived threat.
"...in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel today against Yahweh?'": The tribes view the construction of the altar as an act of rebellion against Yahweh's authority. They believe that building an unauthorized altar implies a rejection of the divinely prescribed place of worship (the Tabernacle/future Temple) and a potential establishment of rival forms of worship, ultimately rejecting God's established system. The phrase "to rebel today against Yahweh" reiterates the severity of the offense and emphasizes that it is a current act of defiance.
In essence, the verse means:
The tribes west of the Jordan are fiercely accusing the eastern tribes of committing a serious sin against God by building an altar. They believe this act demonstrates a departure from their covenant with Yahweh, a rejection of His authority, and a rebellion against His prescribed worship practices. They are deeply concerned about the potential for idolatry and division within the nation of Israel. They fear this action could bring God's judgment upon the entire nation.
The Fear:
The tribes' reaction stemmed from a strict understanding of the Mosaic Law, which prescribed a single place for sacrifice and worship. Having multiple altars suggested polytheism or at least a deviation from God's explicit instructions. They feared this could lead to God's wrath and a repetition of the sins that had plagued their ancestors. They believed that only one place of sacrifice was authorized.
The Result:
Fortunately, a civil war was averted. Upon investigation, the eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for sacrifice but as a witness to their shared faith and unity with the western tribes, a reminder that they too belonged to Israel and worshiped Yahweh. This explanation calmed the situation, and the altar became known as "Witness."
The passage in Joshua 22:16 therefore illustrates the importance of communication, understanding, and avoiding hasty judgment, as well as the central role of Yahweh in the life of the Israelites and the fear of breaking their covenant with Him.
Joshua 22:16 - “Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh, ‘What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away today from following Yahweh, in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel today against Yahweh?
What does "Joshua 22:16" mean?
This verse, Joshua 22:16, captures a moment of extreme tension and potential conflict amongst the tribes of Israel. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had returned to their allotted territory east of the Jordan River after helping the other tribes conquer Canaan (west of the Jordan). Upon reaching the Jordan, they built a large altar. This action alarmed the other tribes.
"Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh...": This indicates that all the other tribes of Israel (the ones located in the promised land, west of the Jordan River) are speaking in unison. They see this as a collective crisis affecting the entire nation. "Congregation of Yahweh" emphasizes that they are a religious community and their actions are driven by their devotion to God.
"'What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel...'": The tribes are accusing Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh of a grave sin, a "trespass." They believe the eastern tribes' actions are not just a mistake, but a direct offense against Yahweh, the God of Israel.
"...to turn away today from following Yahweh...'": This highlights the core of their concern: apostasy, or turning away from the true worship of God. They fear the altar represents a move away from the central sanctuary and the divinely ordained way of worship at the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). They believe the eastern tribes are abandoning their covenant with God. "Today" emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The act is immediate and current in its perceived threat.
"...in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel today against Yahweh?'": The tribes view the construction of the altar as an act of rebellion against Yahweh's authority. They believe that building an unauthorized altar implies a rejection of the divinely prescribed place of worship (the Tabernacle/future Temple) and a potential establishment of rival forms of worship, ultimately rejecting God's established system. The phrase "to rebel today against Yahweh" reiterates the severity of the offense and emphasizes that it is a current act of defiance.
In essence, the verse means:
The tribes west of the Jordan are fiercely accusing the eastern tribes of committing a serious sin against God by building an altar. They believe this act demonstrates a departure from their covenant with Yahweh, a rejection of His authority, and a rebellion against His prescribed worship practices. They are deeply concerned about the potential for idolatry and division within the nation of Israel. They fear this action could bring God's judgment upon the entire nation.
The Fear:
The tribes' reaction stemmed from a strict understanding of the Mosaic Law, which prescribed a single place for sacrifice and worship. Having multiple altars suggested polytheism or at least a deviation from God's explicit instructions. They feared this could lead to God's wrath and a repetition of the sins that had plagued their ancestors. They believed that only one place of sacrifice was authorized.
The Result:
Fortunately, a civil war was averted. Upon investigation, the eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for sacrifice but as a witness to their shared faith and unity with the western tribes, a reminder that they too belonged to Israel and worshiped Yahweh. This explanation calmed the situation, and the altar became known as "Witness."
The passage in Joshua 22:16 therefore illustrates the importance of communication, understanding, and avoiding hasty judgment, as well as the central role of Yahweh in the life of the Israelites and the fear of breaking their covenant with Him.