Joshua 22:19 - However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh’s tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us; but don’t rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us, in building an altar other than Yahweh our God’s altar.
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What does "Joshua 22:19" mean?
This verse from Joshua 22:19 is part of a larger narrative concerning the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who were allotted land east of the Jordan River. After helping the other tribes conquer Canaan, they built a large altar on their return journey. This caused great concern among the western tribes who feared it signified rebellion and a departure from the worship of Yahweh at the central sanctuary.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"However, if the land of your possession is unclean...": The western tribes, led by Phinehas, are addressing the eastern tribes. The phrase "unclean" likely refers to the fact that their land was outside the promised land and possibly influenced by foreign cultures and practices. They might have perceived it as less holy or pure than the land chosen by God for Israel.
"...then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh...": The western tribes are offering an alternative. They are suggesting that if the eastern tribes feel their land is unsuitable for proper worship, they should move west, into the "land of the possession of Yahweh," meaning the land already conquered and allotted in Canaan, considered under Yahweh's special blessing and governance.
"...in which Yahweh’s tabernacle dwells...": This is a key point. The tabernacle was the central place of worship for all Israel. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and was where sacrifices were offered to Yahweh. The presence of the tabernacle defined the holiness of the land and its connection to Yahweh.
"...and take possession among us...": The western tribes are inviting the eastern tribes to share their land, effectively becoming unified in their worship and allegiance to Yahweh.
"...but don’t rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us...": This is the core warning. The fear is that the eastern tribes have built the altar as an act of defiance against Yahweh and a rejection of the central place of worship. Building another altar suggests the establishment of a separate, unauthorized religious practice, which would be seen as rebellion against Yahweh's command to worship him in the designated place.
"...in building an altar other than Yahweh our God’s altar.": This explicitly states the problem. The existence of another altar, besides the one at the Tabernacle, implies a divided loyalty and a challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty.
In Summary:
The verse reflects the western tribes' deep concern about the unity of Israel and their commitment to worshiping Yahweh exclusively at the designated place. They are offering the eastern tribes an alternative to building their own altar, suggesting that they relocate to the western side of the Jordan and share in their land, where the tabernacle resides. The underlying message is a plea for unity and faithfulness to Yahweh, warning against any action that could lead to religious schism and rebellion. The verse underscores the importance of centralized worship and the potential dangers of unauthorized religious practices.
Joshua 22:19 - However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh’s tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us; but don’t rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us, in building an altar other than Yahweh our God’s altar.
What does "Joshua 22:19" mean?
This verse from Joshua 22:19 is part of a larger narrative concerning the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who were allotted land east of the Jordan River. After helping the other tribes conquer Canaan, they built a large altar on their return journey. This caused great concern among the western tribes who feared it signified rebellion and a departure from the worship of Yahweh at the central sanctuary.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"However, if the land of your possession is unclean...": The western tribes, led by Phinehas, are addressing the eastern tribes. The phrase "unclean" likely refers to the fact that their land was outside the promised land and possibly influenced by foreign cultures and practices. They might have perceived it as less holy or pure than the land chosen by God for Israel.
"...then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh...": The western tribes are offering an alternative. They are suggesting that if the eastern tribes feel their land is unsuitable for proper worship, they should move west, into the "land of the possession of Yahweh," meaning the land already conquered and allotted in Canaan, considered under Yahweh's special blessing and governance.
"...in which Yahweh’s tabernacle dwells...": This is a key point. The tabernacle was the central place of worship for all Israel. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and was where sacrifices were offered to Yahweh. The presence of the tabernacle defined the holiness of the land and its connection to Yahweh.
"...and take possession among us...": The western tribes are inviting the eastern tribes to share their land, effectively becoming unified in their worship and allegiance to Yahweh.
"...but don’t rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us...": This is the core warning. The fear is that the eastern tribes have built the altar as an act of defiance against Yahweh and a rejection of the central place of worship. Building another altar suggests the establishment of a separate, unauthorized religious practice, which would be seen as rebellion against Yahweh's command to worship him in the designated place.
"...in building an altar other than Yahweh our God’s altar.": This explicitly states the problem. The existence of another altar, besides the one at the Tabernacle, implies a divided loyalty and a challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty.
In Summary:
The verse reflects the western tribes' deep concern about the unity of Israel and their commitment to worshiping Yahweh exclusively at the designated place. They are offering the eastern tribes an alternative to building their own altar, suggesting that they relocate to the western side of the Jordan and share in their land, where the tabernacle resides. The underlying message is a plea for unity and faithfulness to Yahweh, warning against any action that could lead to religious schism and rebellion. The verse underscores the importance of centralized worship and the potential dangers of unauthorized religious practices.