The verse highlights that the "tents" are not military encampments but settled homes, emphasizing how familiar the word became after years of wilderness wandering. This detail shows that even as they return to their established lives, their past experiences have shaped their language and perspective.
And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After years of warfare, Joshua finally dismisses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, who had bravely fought alongside their brothers for the inheritance of Canaan. He assures them that God has granted rest to all Israel and permits them to return to their own lands east of the Jordan, which Moses had promised them. Before they go, Joshua gives them vital instructions to remain faithful to God's law and to love Him with all their hearts.
The battle is over, and peace has finally settled upon the land. But what does this 'rest' truly mean for God's people?
Joshua announces that God has granted 'rest' to the tribes who had fought alongside the others. This isn't just an absence of conflict; it's the fulfillment of God's promise to give His people a secure inheritance. This echoes the rest God gave after creation and the ultimate rest promised in the land. It signifies a time of peace and settled living, where God's people can thrive in the land He secured for them.
Joshua sends the warriors home, but their mission isn't truly over. What's the deeper instruction for their journey back?
Joshua dismisses the warriors who had fought for the conquest of Canaan. While they are physically returning to their homes east of the Jordan, Joshua reminds them of their ongoing spiritual duty. They are to 'take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law' given by Moses. This emphasizes that obedience to God's Word is paramount, not just during the heat of battle, but also in the settled peace of their homes. Their service to God continues, requiring love, faithfulness, and wholehearted devotion, regardless of their location.
They fought for their brothers' inheritance, but now it's time to return to the land already given to them. What does this signify?
Joshua specifically directs the warriors back to 'the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.' This highlights a crucial aspect of the conquest: not all tribes received their inheritance in the same way or at the same time. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had received their lands east of the Jordan from Moses before the main conquest began. While they bravely fought for their brethren in Canaan, their ultimate settlement and responsibility lay in the territory God had already appointed for them. This speaks to God's ordered provision and the unique responsibilities each part of His people has.
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Understand the original words
nuach · Hebrew Noun
A state of peace, security, and cessation from hostility or striving, given by God as a gracious blessing upon His people when they are in obedience to Him.
achuzzah · Hebrew Noun
An allotment of land or an inheritance granted by God, signifying the security and divine provision for His people within the context of their covenantal standing.
This verse marks the end of a long, arduous military campaign. The tribes east of the Jordan had fulfilled their promise to fight alongside their brothers, and Joshua is now releasing them to return to the homes and families they had left behind.
~1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin their military campaign to conquer the Promised Land after the death of Moses.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Grants Land East of Jordan
Moses assigns the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River before entering Canaan proper.
c. 1399 BC
Israelites Cross the Jordan River
The main Israelite tribes cross the Jordan River to begin the conquest of the land west of the Jordan.
c. 1390-1380 BC
Conquest of Canaan Nears Completion
Most of the land west of the Jordan has been conquered, and the tribes are settling into their allotted territories.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Joshua Dismisses Transjordanian Tribes
Joshua formally releases the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh, who had aided in the conquest, to return to their lands east of the Jordan.
This verse speaks of the promised rest and inheritance that God would give His people in the land, echoing Joshua's words about God granting rest and possession to the tribes.
Hebrews 4:8The concept of 'rest' here is directly linked to the Greek word used for the promised rest in the land of Canaan, highlighting a fulfillment of God's promises.
Joshua 21:44This earlier passage in Joshua confirms that God had indeed given the Israelites rest from their enemies and fulfillment of His promises, setting the stage for this dismissal.
2 Samuel 17:17This passage uses the word 'tent' to refer to settled habitations, aligning with the meaning of 'tents' in Joshua 22:4 as returning to their homes and lands.
Joshua 1:13This verse recalls the charge Moses gave to the tribes to help their brethren conquer the land, directly connecting to the land 'which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you'.
wesleyJoshua 22:4: "And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan."
22:4 Your tents - That is, to your settled habitations. Tho' their affections to their families could not but make them very desirous to return, yet like good soldiers, they would not move 'till they had orders from their general. So, tho…
pulpitJoshua 22:4: "And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan."
Verse 4. - Given rest. LXX. κατέπαυσε, the word used in Hebrews 4:8.
The verse highlights that the "tents" are not military encampments but settled homes, emphasizing how familiar the word became after years of wilderness wandering. This detail shows that even as they return to their established lives, their past experiences have shaped their language and perspective.
After years of warfare, Joshua finally dismisses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, who had bravely fought alongside their brothers for the inheritance of Canaan. He assures them that God has granted rest to all Israel and permits them to return to their own lands east of the Jordan, which Moses had promised them. Before they go, Joshua gives them vital instructions to remain faithful to God's law and to love Him with all their hearts.
After years of warfare, Joshua finally dismisses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, who had bravely fought alongside their brothers for the inheritance of Canaan. He assures them that God has granted rest to all Israel and permits them to return to their own lands east of the Jordan, which Moses had promised them. Before they go, Joshua gives them vital instructions to remain faithful to God's law and to love Him with all their hearts.
"And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan." — The verse highlights that the "tents" are not military encampments but settled homes, emphasizing how familiar the word became after years of wilderness wandering. This detail shows that even as they…
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Last reviewed October 2026
