What does Joshua 22:31 mean?

Joshua 22:31 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the Lord is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the Lord: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord."

This verse comes at the end of a significant event in the history of the Israelites. The twelve tribes of Israel had just finished conquering the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. After the conquest, Joshua commanded that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh return to their allotted inheritance on the other side of the Jordan River. However, before they left, they erected a memorial altar near the Jordan River. This raised concerns among the other tribes, who feared that the altar would lead to idolatry and cause a division among the people of Israel. This led to a potentially disastrous conflict, as the other tribes viewed the construction of the altar as a violation of the covenant with God.

In verse 31, Phinehas the son of Eleazar, who was a priest and a leader in Israel, speaks to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. He commends them for their explanation of the purpose of the altar, assuring the other tribes that it was not intended for pagan worship, but rather as a memorial to symbolize their unity with the other tribes. Phinehas acknowledges that their explanation reassures him that the Lord is among them because they did not commit a trespass against the Lord. He recognizes that they have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord by avoiding a potentially disastrous division within the nation.

This verse is a powerful demonstration of the importance of communication and unity within the community of believers. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh took the initiative to explain the purpose and significance of their action to the other tribes. Their willingness to clarify their intentions and address the concerns of their fellow Israelites helped to avert a potential crisis and preserve the unity of the nation. Phinehas' recognition of their explanation as a demonstration of the presence of the Lord among them highlights the importance of understanding and trust within the community of believers.

The theme of unity and communication is a significant aspect of this verse. It serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and understanding in addressing potential conflicts within the community of faith. It emphasizes the need for open dialogue and a willingness to listen and explain to one another within the body of believers. It also highlights the role of leaders within the community in promoting unity and resolving conflicts by acknowledging the efforts of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh in promoting understanding and trust among the people of Israel.

Symbolically, this verse represents the potential for division within the community of believers and the importance of addressing concerns and misunderstandings to preserve unity. The construction of the memorial altar served as a catalyst for potential conflict, but the willingness of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to explain their intentions and the recognition of Phinehas ultimately helped to avert a crisis and preserve the unity of the nation. It serves as a reminder of the need for clarity, understanding, and trust within the community of faith to maintain a strong and united body of believers.

In conclusion, Joshua 22:31 in the King James Version of the Bible exemplifies the importance of unity, communication, and understanding within the community of believers. It serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict and division and the need for open dialogue and trust in addressing concerns and misunderstandings. It also highlights the role of leaders within the community in promoting unity and resolving conflicts by acknowledging the efforts of those who seek to promote understanding and trust among the people of God.

Artwork for Joshua 22:31

Joshua 22:31 - "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD."

"And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD." - Joshua 22:31

Joshua 15:31 - "And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,"

Joshua 10:31 - "¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:"

Joshua 24:31 - "And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel."

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."

"And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah," - Joshua 15:31

Joshua 21:31 - "Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities."

Joshua 19:31 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages."

Sirach 31:22

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."

Proverbs 8:22-31

Joshua 24: 29-31 An image including old Jushua

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."

Genesis 31:22 - "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled."

Joshua 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"

Deuteronomy 31:14 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation."

"¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:" - Joshua 10:31

"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22

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 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"

Proverbs 8:22-31 – Wisdom’s role in creation.

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,)"