What does Joshua 22:26 mean?
"Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:" - Joshua 22:26
Joshua 22:26 (KJV) reads, "Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:"
This verse is taken from the Old Testament, specifically from the book of Joshua. It is spoken by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh, who had been assigned land on the east side of the Jordan River. They had completed the conquest of the Promised Land alongside the other tribes of Israel, and now they were returning to their own land.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh built an altar as a memorial to their unity with the other tribes and as a witness of their belonging to the people of God. This altar was not for offering burnt offerings or sacrifices, as those were to be made only at the tabernacle, but rather for the purpose of reminding future generations of their shared faith and heritage.
The theme of unity and belonging is central to this verse. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh were part of the greater community of Israel, and their building of the altar was a testimony to their commitment to their shared faith and history. It reminds us that as believers, we are called to live in harmony with one another, just as the different tribes of Israel were united in their worship of God.
The verse also reminds us of the importance of symbols and memorials. The altar served as a physical reminder of the unity of the tribes, and it was intended to be a lasting symbol for future generations. It points to the significance of markers of faith and the need to pass on the stories and traditions of our spiritual heritage to our children and grandchildren.
Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the importance of intention and purpose in our actions. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh were deliberate in their decision to build the altar, specifying that it was not for making burnt offerings or sacrifices. Their intention was to create a visible symbol of their spiritual unity and to reinforce their connection to the rest of the Israelites.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse. The altar represents a tangible reminder of the shared history and faith of the tribes. It stands as a symbol of their commitment to God and to one another. The decision to refrain from offering sacrifices on the altar also carries symbolic weight, signifying the respect for the established religious practices and the unity of worship at the tabernacle.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:26 (KJV) is a powerful verse that speaks to the themes of unity, symbols, purposeful action, and spiritual heritage. It serves as a reminder for believers to value their interconnectedness with one another and to intentionally preserve and pass on their faith traditions. The imagery of the altar as a symbol of unity and commitment to God continues to hold relevance for modern-day believers, challenging us to build visible reminders of our shared faith and to live in harmony with one another.
Have questions about Joshua 22:26?
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 22:26 Artwork
Joshua 22:26 - "Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:"
"Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:" - Joshua 22:26
Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"
Joshua 18:26 - "And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,"
Joshua 15:26 - "Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,"
Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."
Joshua 24:26 - "¶ And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD."
Joshua 10:26 - "And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening."
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 8:26 - "For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai."
Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
"And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah," - Joshua 18:26
"Amam, and Shema, and Moladah," - Joshua 15:26
Joshua 19:26 - "And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihor-libnath;"
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 21:26 - "All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained."
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 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"
Jonah 2:2-6 Jonah sinking down in the deep blue water, with the whale about to swallow him.
"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22
Joshua 13:26 - "And from Heshbon unto Ramath-mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;"
Luke 16:22-26
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 9:26 - "And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not."