What does Joshua 22:11 mean?
"¶ And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel." - Joshua 22:11
The verse Joshua 22:11 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel."
This verse comes from the book of Joshua, which is the sixth book of the Old Testament and tells the story of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. At this point in the narrative, the Israelites had already crossed the Jordan River and had begun to settle in the Promised Land.
The context of this particular verse is important for understanding its significance. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh had been granted land on the east side of the Jordan River, outside the boundaries of the Promised Land. These tribes had fulfilled their commitment to help the other Israelite tribes conquer Canaan and were now returning to their allotted land. However, the other Israelite tribes became concerned when they heard that the eastern tribes had built an altar near the border of Canaan. They feared that the eastern tribes were starting to worship other gods, which was strictly forbidden by God.
This verse raises several important themes that are prominent throughout the Bible. One of the central themes is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. The Israelites were instructed to worship and make sacrifices only at the tabernacle, and the construction of an altar outside of these boundaries was seen as a direct violation of God's commands. This situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for fidelity to the covenant with God.
Another theme is the importance of communication and unity within the community of believers. The fact that the other Israelite tribes heard about the altar and immediately jumped to conclusions without verifying the situation led to unnecessary conflict and division. This highlights the dangers of making assumptions and the importance of open communication and understanding among believers.
Symbolism also plays a significant role in this verse. The altar built by the eastern tribes represents the potential for spiritual compromise and the allure of false gods. It symbolizes the tendency of humans to stray from God's commands and the constant need for vigilance and accountability in maintaining faithfulness to God.
Overall, Joshua 22:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands, communicating openly within the community of believers, and remaining vigilant against the temptations of false gods and spiritual compromise. It encourages believers to prioritize faithfulness and unity in their relationship with God and with one another. This verse is a valuable lesson in the ongoing spiritual journey and the need to remain steadfast in obedience and devotion to God.
Have questions about Joshua 22:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Joshua 22:11 Artwork
Joshua 22:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel."
"¶ And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel." - Joshua 22:11
Joshua 11:22 - "There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained."
Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"
"There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained." - Joshua 11:22
Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."
Joshua 11:18 - "Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
Joshua 15:22 - "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"
Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
Joshua 18:22 - "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,"
Rubenites buyilding alter in Joshua 22
"Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh," - Joshua 22:1
Joshua 11:9 - "And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire."
Joshua 24:22 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses."
Joshua 11:15 - "¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses."
Joshua 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"
Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."
Joshua 11:23 - "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war."
"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 11:10 - "¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms."
Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 22:22 - "The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)"
Joshua 22:7 - "¶ Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,"
"So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents." - Joshua 22:6
Joshua 11:16 - "So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;"
Rubenites building alter of "immense size" in Joshua 22
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
James 2:2-4