Joshua Chapter 22 — The Altar of Witness
Joshua sends the eastern tribes home with a blessing, but a misunderstanding over a new altar nearly leads to war until its purpose as a witness is revealed.
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Notable Verses
Joshua 22:5
“Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
This verse contains Joshua's final spiritual exhortation to the eastern tribes as they depart for their own lands.
Joshua 22:34
“The children of Reuben and the children of Gad named the altar “A Witness Between Us that the LORD is God.””
This verse concludes the narrative by defining the purpose of the controversial altar and affirming the tribes' monotheistic faith.
Chapter Summary
Joshua 22 recounts the return of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to their territories east of the Jordan River. After years of assisting the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua commends their faithfulness and sends them home with much wealth and a charge to remain devoted to the Lord's commandments. Before crossing the border, these tribes construct a large altar by the Jordan. When the rest of Israel hears of this, they fear it is an act of apostasy or rebellion against God's central place of worship. Preparing for war, they send Phinehas the priest and ten tribal leaders to investigate. The eastern tribes explain that the altar is not for sacrifices, but serves as a 'witness' to ensure future generations recognize their shared inheritance and faith in the Lord despite the geographical barrier of the river. The explanation satisfies the assembly, and peace is preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
They built the altar as a memorial and witness for future generations. They were concerned that, over time, the western tribes might claim the eastern tribes had no connection to the Lord because the Jordan River separated their territories.
The western tribes believed the altar was intended for unauthorized sacrifices, which would have been a direct violation of God's command to offer sacrifices only at the Tabernacle. They feared that such rebellion would bring divine judgment upon the entire nation.
The congregation at Shiloh sent Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, accompanied by ten high-ranking princes, one from each of the tribal houses of Israel.
Study Note
The name given to the altar in verse 34, often referred to as 'Ed' (meaning witness), is supplied by context and ancient manuscripts to clarify the Hebrew text.
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