Joshua 22:4 - Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your brothers, as he spoke to them. Therefore now return and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan.
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What does "Joshua 22:4" mean?
Joshua 22:4 is a key verse about the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh returning east of the Jordan River. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your brothers, as he spoke to them."
This refers to the completion of the conquest of Canaan. The other tribes of Israel (the "brothers" of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) have now been given the land promised to them by God. The "rest" signifies a period of relative peace and stability after years of warfare. This rest was also something God promised them through Moses.
"Therefore now return and go to your tents..."
Because the main task (conquering Canaan) is complete, Joshua is giving the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-Manassites permission to return to their own lands east of the Jordan. The "tents" represents their homes and possessions.
"...to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan."
This clarifies where they are going: back to the territory east of the Jordan River. Importantly, it emphasizes that this land was already allocated to them by Moses (under God's direction) before crossing the Jordan. This is a reminder that they fulfilled their commitment to help the other tribes conquer the land before returning to what was already their inheritance.
In essence, the verse means:
Because God has now helped your Israelite brothers conquer their land and find rest as He promised, you tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, may now return to your homes and families in the land that Moses assigned to you on the other side of the Jordan.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Promises: The verse shows God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to both the land of Canaan and to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh.
Completion of a Task: It marks the end of the military campaign to conquer Canaan and the beginning of a new phase of settling and developing the land.
Honoring Agreements: It highlights the importance of keeping agreements and fulfilling commitments. These tribes honored their promise to assist the other tribes, and now they are being allowed to return home.
Importance of Inheritance: It acknowledges the validity of their land claim east of the Jordan. This land was not an afterthought but a legitimate inheritance granted by God through Moses.
Potential for Future Conflict: While the verse is celebratory, the rest of chapter 22 highlights the potential for misunderstandings and conflict between the tribes on either side of the Jordan as they are all still prone to idolatry.
Joshua 22:4 - Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your brothers, as he spoke to them. Therefore now return and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan.
What does "Joshua 22:4" mean?
Joshua 22:4 is a key verse about the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh returning east of the Jordan River. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your brothers, as he spoke to them."
This refers to the completion of the conquest of Canaan. The other tribes of Israel (the "brothers" of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) have now been given the land promised to them by God. The "rest" signifies a period of relative peace and stability after years of warfare. This rest was also something God promised them through Moses.
"Therefore now return and go to your tents..."
Because the main task (conquering Canaan) is complete, Joshua is giving the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-Manassites permission to return to their own lands east of the Jordan. The "tents" represents their homes and possessions.
"...to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan."
This clarifies where they are going: back to the territory east of the Jordan River. Importantly, it emphasizes that this land was already allocated to them by Moses (under God's direction) before crossing the Jordan. This is a reminder that they fulfilled their commitment to help the other tribes conquer the land before returning to what was already their inheritance.
In essence, the verse means:
Because God has now helped your Israelite brothers conquer their land and find rest as He promised, you tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, may now return to your homes and families in the land that Moses assigned to you on the other side of the Jordan.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Promises: The verse shows God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to both the land of Canaan and to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh.
Completion of a Task: It marks the end of the military campaign to conquer Canaan and the beginning of a new phase of settling and developing the land.
Honoring Agreements: It highlights the importance of keeping agreements and fulfilling commitments. These tribes honored their promise to assist the other tribes, and now they are being allowed to return home.
Importance of Inheritance: It acknowledges the validity of their land claim east of the Jordan. This land was not an afterthought but a legitimate inheritance granted by God through Moses.
Potential for Future Conflict: While the verse is celebratory, the rest of chapter 22 highlights the potential for misunderstandings and conflict between the tribes on either side of the Jordan as they are all still prone to idolatry.