What does Joshua 22:32 mean?
“And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.” — Joshua 22:32
Joshua 22:32 (KJV): And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.
The book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Old Testament, and it follows the Israelites as they enter and conquer the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. The verse Joshua 22:32 comes at the end of a story in which the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar on the border of the Promised Land. This act caused concern among the other tribes of Israel, as they saw it as a potential turning away from the one true altar.
This verse speaks to the resolution of the conflict that arose as a result of the building of the altar. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, played a key role in resolving the conflict, as did the princes of the other tribes. The resolution of the conflict was important for the unity of the Israelites as they entered the land of Canaan.
The theme of unity is central to this verse. The construction of the altar by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh threatened to divide the nation of Israel, as it suggested a separation from the worship at the central sanctuary. However, through the efforts of Phinehas and the princes, the potential for division was averted, and the unity of the Israelites was reaffirmed. This theme of unity is a recurring one throughout the Bible, and it carries a message that the people of God must remain united in their worship and service to Him.
The context of this verse is also significant. The construction of the altar by the tribes on the eastern side of the Jordan River was not in violation of God's laws, but it did raise concerns among the other tribes. This incident provided an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of communication, understanding, and unity among the Israelites. By bringing word again from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Phinehas and the princes helped to clarify the situation and prevent a potential conflict.
The symbolism in this verse is found in the role of Phinehas and the princes as mediators and peacemakers. Phinehas was known for his zeal for the Lord, and he demonstrated that zeal in his efforts to maintain the unity of the Israelites. The princes also played an important role in resolving the conflict, showing wisdom and leadership in their actions. This symbolism points to the importance of individuals who are willing to act as peacemakers and mediators among God's people, working to resolve conflicts and maintain unity.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:32 highlights the theme of unity and the importance of communication, understanding, and leadership in maintaining that unity. The context of the verse provides a specific example of how potential division was averted through the efforts of Phinehas and the princes. The symbolism in the verse points to the role of individuals in maintaining unity and peace among God's people. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the role that individuals can play in preserving that unity.
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Artwork for Joshua 22:32
Joshua 22:32 - "¶ And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again."
"¶ And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again." - Joshua 22:32
Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"
Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."
Joshua 15:32 - "And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:"
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 19:32 - "¶ The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families."
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."
Numbers 32:12 - "Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD."
Joshua 13:32 - "These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward."
Exodus 32:17 - "And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp."
Joshua 8:32 - "¶ And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel."
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 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."
Luke 22:31-32 - "Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Numbers 32:28 - "So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:"
Joshua 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"
"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22
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,"
2 Samuel 22:32 - "For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?"
"So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents." - Joshua 22:6
Rubenites building alter of "immense size" in Joshua 22
Joshua 21:32 - "And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities."
Joshua 6:22 - "But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her."
Joshua 9:22 - "¶ And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?"