Joshua 22:24
No, but we did it from fear that in time to come your children might say to our children, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The real reason for building the altar wasn't rebellion, but a deep fear that their descendants might be cut off from God's covenant. They worried that the Jordan River would become so divisive that future generations of Israelites would literally tell their children, "You have no part in the LORD."
The eastern tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, have built a large altar on the west side of the Jordan River. This act caused immense alarm to the other Israelite tribes, who feared it signified a move toward idolatry and separation from God's covenant. The eastern tribes are now explaining that their intention was the opposite: to create a lasting memorial that would prevent future generations from saying they had no part in the God of Israel.
Ever worried about your kids losing touch with what matters most? The tribes east of the Jordan faced this very fear.
The building of the altar wasn't about rebellion, but about preservation. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, living in territory separated by the Jordan River, worried that future generations might forget their connection to the God of Israel.
The Fear of Estrangement
They feared that their children, and their children's children, would grow up hearing from their cousins west of the Jordan, 'What do you have to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?' This question implied exclusion, suggesting that because they lived apart, they were no longer part of the covenant community. It was a fear of being marginalized and, ultimately, of losing their spiritual heritage.
An Altar as a Memorial
So, they built the altar not for sacrifice, but as a memorial – a tangible reminder to all future Israelites that they, too, were descendants of Abraham and participants in God's covenant. It was a proactive step to ensure their lineage wouldn't be cut off from the blessings and identity found in worshipping the one true God.
Was this altar a sign of division or unity? The explanation reveals it was meant to be a powerful bridge.
In the eyes of those who first heard the news, the altar built by the tribes east of the Jordan looked like a direct violation of God's command. It seemed like they were setting up their own worship center, separate from the Tabernacle in Canaan, which could lead to idolatry and division.
Clarifying the Purpose
However, the leaders of Reuben and Gad clarified their intention. They explicitly stated, 'not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice' (Joshua 22:26). This wasn't a rival sanctuary; it was a witness.
A Symbol of Shared Faith
This altar was designed to serve as a permanent reminder that despite their geographic separation, they were still one people, united under the God of Israel. It was a physical testament to their shared history, their common worship, and their mutual covenant relationship. Their act was intended to division, not cause it, by ensuring that no one could later claim they were excluded from God's promises.
Understand the original words
de'agah · Hebrew Noun
A deep, reverent awe or dread regarding the consequences of sin, the holiness of God, or the potential loss of one's covenant connection.
This verse reveals a profound concern for theological continuity across generations. The fear isn't of present rebellion, but of future division and alienation from God's covenant people due to geographical separation.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan ends
After years of war and conquest under Joshua's leadership, the majority of Canaan is subdued. The land is then divided among the twelve tribes of Israel.
c. 1405 BC
Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settle east of Jordan
These tribes, having helped in the conquest, are granted lands east of the Jordan River. They promise to assist the other tribes in conquering and settling the west bank before returning home.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Altar construction sparks controversy
The Transjordanian tribes build a large, prominent altar on the west side of the Jordan River. This act is misinterpreted by the other tribes as a sign of rebellion and idolatry.
c. 1405 BC
Delegation confronts the Transjordanian tribes
Led by Phinehas, a delegation of priests and tribal leaders travels to confront the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh about the altar, fearing a breach in religious unity.
This passage establishes the principle that Israel was to worship God at a single, designated place, which is the underlying concern that leads to the dispute in Joshua 22. It highlights the theological importance of unity in worship and the potential for division over differing practices.
Judges 17:6This verse describes a period where 'everyone did what was right in his own eyes,' illustrating the chaos and spiritual decline that can result from a lack of centralized worship and adherence to God's commands. It serves as a cautionary tale that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan feared becoming a reality.
1 Samuel 15:22Samuel's rebuke to Saul, 'Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,' underscores the paramount importance of obedience to God's commands over outward religious acts. This principle directly addresses the fear of the tribes: that their actions, however well-intentioned, might be misinterpreted as disobedience.
Nehemiah 8:1-3This passage shows Ezra reading the Law to all the people, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared understanding of God's word for the entire community. It parallels the concern in Joshua 22 about maintaining a continuous spiritual heritage and identity across different geographical parts of Israel.
wesleyJoshua 22:24: "And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?"
22:24 With the Lord - You have no relation to him, nor interest in him, or his worship.
calvinJoshua 22:21-34: "Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,"
Si cogitavimus aedificare nobis altare, ut averteremur ne iremus post Jehovam, et si ad immolandum super illud holocausta et sacrificium, et si ad faciendum super illud sacrificia prosperitatum, Jehova ipse inquirat.
And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak u…
The real reason for building the altar wasn't rebellion, but a deep fear that their descendants might be cut off from God's covenant. They worried that the Jordan River would become so divisive that future generations of Israelites would literally tell their children, "You have no part in the LORD."
The eastern tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, have built a large altar on the west side of the Jordan River. This act caused immense alarm to the other Israelite tribes, who feared it signified a move toward idolatry and separation from God's covenant. The eastern tribes are now explaining that their intention was the opposite: to create a lasting memorial that would prevent future generations from saying they had no part in the God of Israel.
The eastern tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, have built a large altar on the west side of the Jordan River. This act caused immense alarm to the other Israelite tribes, who feared it signified a move toward idolatry and separation from God's covenant. The eastern tribes are now explaining that their intention was the opposite: to create a lasting memorial that would prevent future generations from saying they had no part in the God of Israel.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Joshua 22:24 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1405 BC
Explanation and reconciliation
The Transjordanian tribes explain that the altar was built as a memorial and a witness, to ensure future generations would not be excluded from Israel's covenant relationship with God due to their geographical separation.
c. 1405 BC
Peace restored
Convinced of the tribes' sincerity and their desire to remain faithful to the Lord, the delegation returns, and a potentially devastating conflict is averted. The altar is named 'Ed' (Witness).
"No, but we did it from fear that in time to come your children might say to our children, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?" — The real reason for building the altar wasn't rebellion, but a deep fear that their descendants might be cut off from God's covenant. They worried that the Jordan River would become so divisive that…
