Joshua 22:22 (KJV) says, "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,)"

In order to fully understand the significance of this verse, it is necessary to examine its context within the larger narrative of the book of Joshua. The book of Joshua details the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. As the Israelites began to settle in the land, Joshua gave specific instructions to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had been allotted land on the east side of the Jordan River, to return to their own land after assisting their fellow Israelites in conquering the territory on the west side of the Jordan.

However, before returning home, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an impressive altar near the Jordan River. This act caused concern among the other Israelite tribes, who feared that the altar was a sign of apostasy and a departure from the worship of the one true God. They feared that the construction of the altar was a rebellious act in violation of the Law of Moses, which prohibited the construction of altars separate from the one designated for the worship of Yahweh.

In response to this perceived rebellion, the other tribes gathered together under the leadership of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to confront the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It is within this intense and volatile context that the verse in question is spoken.

The verse begins by affirming the Lord God as the supreme deity, the God of gods. This declaration serves to emphasize the sovereignty and authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all other gods and powers. The repetition of this phrase underscores the certainty and emphasis of the statement, driving home the point that there is no power or authority that surpasses that of the one true God.

The verse then states that the Lord God knows the hearts and intentions of both the tribes on the east side of the Jordan and the rest of Israel. This acknowledges the omniscience of God, who is aware of all things, including the motives behind the actions of his people. It serves as a reminder that nothing can be hidden from God, and that he will ultimately judge the true nature of their actions.

The verse then ends with a plea for deliverance from the consequences of rebellion or transgression. This plea is a recognition of the seriousness of the situation and a desperate cry for mercy in the face of potential judgment. The inclusion of this plea underscores the gravity of the potential transgression and the anxious desire for reconciliation and forgiveness.

The themes present in this verse include the sovereignty of God, the omniscience of God, the importance of faithful worship, the danger of rebellion, and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. The verse emphasizes the necessity of living in obedience to the commands of God and the consequences of straying from his precepts.

Symbolically, the verse serves as a reminder of the unchanging and unfailing nature of God's character. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dangers of deviating from his will. It also points towards the need for repentance and the assurance of God's mercy and forgiveness for those who turn back to him.

In conclusion, Joshua 22:22 (KJV) is a powerful and thought-provoking verse that holds significant meaning within the narrative of the book of Joshua. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful worship, the consequences of rebellion, and the assurance of God's mercy for those who turn back to him. It is a call to remain steadfast in our devotion to the one true God and a recognition of his sovereignty and omniscience.