Joshua 22 15

Joshua 22:15 kjv

And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying,

Joshua 22:15 nkjv

Then they came to the children of Reuben, to the children of Gad, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them, saying,

Joshua 22:15 niv

When they went to Gilead?to Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh?they said to them:

Joshua 22:15 esv

And they came to the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, and they said to them,

Joshua 22:15 nlt

When they arrived in the land of Gilead, they said to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 15 Meaning

Joshua 22:15 details the arrival of a significant delegation from the western Israelite tribes to their brethren—the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—in the land of Gilead. This marks the pivotal moment when the western tribes formally initiated dialogue concerning the large altar that the Transjordanian tribes had erected by the Jordan River. This meeting was driven by the grave concern that the altar signified a division from the unified worship of Yahweh at Shiloh, potentially inviting divine wrath upon all Israel. The verse sets the scene for the serious confrontation and subsequent resolution of a major inter-tribal crisis, emphasizing a preference for communication before resorting to conflict.

Joshua 22 15 Context

Joshua chapter 22 marks a critical transition period in Israel's history following the conquest and land division. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, having faithfully assisted their brethren in conquering Canaan, were now returning to their inheritance east of the Jordan. As they departed, they built a large, conspicuous altar near the Jordan River. This action immediately ignited profound alarm among the western tribes, who perceived it as an act of apostasy and a blatant violation of the Mosaic Law, which prescribed a single central sanctuary for sacrifice (at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood). Fearing divine judgment on all Israel for this perceived rebellion, the western tribes initially prepared for war (Josh 22:12). However, demonstrating wisdom and prudence, they first sent a high-level delegation, led by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to investigate and confront the Transjordanian tribes. Verse 15 introduces the crucial moment of this confrontation, as the delegation reaches Gilead and prepares to deliver their accusation.

Joshua 22 15 Word analysis

• And they came (וַיָּבֹאוּ, vayyāḇō’û): This verbal form indicates a deliberate and purposeful movement by the delegation. It emphasizes their journey from the central sanctuary at Shiloh, west of the Jordan, across the river to Gilead. This travel signifies the seriousness and urgency of their mission, covering significant distance to confront their brethren directly. The delegation represented all the western tribes, highlighting the unified concern within Israel.
• to the children of Reuben (אֶל־בְּנֵי־רְאוּבֵן֙, ʾel-bĕnê-rĕʾûḇēn): Refers to the descendants and tribe of Reuben. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, forfeited his preeminence (Gen 49:3-4). Along with Gad, this tribe initiated the request for land east of the Jordan (Num 32:1-5) due to their large herds, placing them geographically distinct from the main body of Israel west of the Jordan.
• and to the children of Gad (וְאֶל־בְּנֵי־גָ֔ד, wəʾel-bĕnê-ḡāḏ): Refers to the tribe of Gad, who, like Reuben, chose to settle east of the Jordan (Num 32:6-7). These tribes, though separate by the Jordan River, were still part of the united nation of Israel under the same covenant, which underscores the depth of concern regarding their perceived actions.
• and to the half tribe of Manasseh (וְלַחֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֣בֶט מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה, wəlaḥăṣî šēḇeṭ mənaššeh): While most of Manasseh settled west of the Jordan, a significant portion settled in the northern Transjordanian territory. Their presence on both sides of the Jordan provided a critical link between the eastern and western tribes, yet their perceived act caused immense anxiety for national unity.
• unto the land of Gilead (אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ הַגִּלְעָ֖ד, ʾel-ʾereṣ hagGileʿāḏ): Gilead is a geographical region located east of the Jordan River. It was fertile land, desirable for flocks, and formed a significant portion of the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It is also the specific location where the controversial altar was built. The mention of this distinct geographical area emphasizes the physical and, potentially, symbolic separation that the western tribes feared.
• and they spake with them, saying (וַֽיְדַבְּר֥וּ אִתָּ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר׃, wayəḏabberû ʾittām lēʾmōr): This phrase signifies the transition from the journey and arrival to the formal address and confrontation. The use of the Hebrew Piel verb "wayedabberu" (spoke) suggests a deliberate, often emphatic, or weighty discourse, setting the stage for the serious charges that are about to be laid forth. "Lēʼmōr" (saying) introduces the direct speech that follows in the subsequent verses, highlighting the pivotal nature of this verbal exchange in preventing conflict and resolving the misunderstanding.
• They came... and they spake...: This phrase-level analysis underscores the diplomatic approach taken by the western tribes. Despite their initial warlike intentions, the leadership chose prudent dialogue. This highlights a crucial principle of conflict resolution within the covenant community: seeking understanding before escalating to confrontation or judgment, reflecting a concern for brotherhood and truth.
• to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh: The enumeration of these three specific tribes emphasizes that the delegation's concern was precisely with those who had acted. It highlights the collective responsibility and identity of the Transjordanian tribes as a single unit, despite their distinct names and allotments.

Joshua 22 15 Bonus section

This incident in Joshua 22 is a profound illustration of intra-community conflict resolution, emphasizing:

• Zeal for God's Glory: The western tribes' intense reaction reflects their genuine fear of God's wrath and their profound commitment to monotheistic worship. Their concern was not merely political but deeply theological—safeguarding the integrity of Yahweh's unique worship among His chosen people.
• Proactive Peacemaking: Despite military preparations, the decision to send a delegation demonstrates spiritual maturity and wisdom. This pre-emptive communication embodies a "speak before you strike" mentality, seeking truth before action. This is a model for believers when facing alarming rumors or actions by fellow believers.
• The Power of Explanation: The full account of Joshua 22 reveals that the eastern tribes' explanation (the altar as a "witness" to their shared identity with western Israel, not for sacrifice) resolved the crisis entirely. This underlines the importance of transparency and clear communication in maintaining unity.
• Relevance to Today: This narrative holds practical implications for various Christian contexts: family, local church, or wider denominations. Misunderstandings, quick judgments, and actions without clear intent can cause deep rifts. The call is always to lovingly seek truth, engage in clear dialogue, and maintain the unity of the Spirit.

Joshua 22 15 Commentary

Joshua 22:15 succinctly describes the pivotal moment where misunderstanding gives way to crucial dialogue. The western tribes' delegation, led by Phinehas, reached the tribes east of the Jordan—Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh—in the land of Gilead. Their mission was not merely to observe but to actively confront them regarding the altar they had built. This act of speaking marks a turning point: a potentially devastating civil war born of misinterpretation was averted through direct communication. It powerfully illustrates that addressing perceived religious deviation, especially one impacting national covenant purity, required an immediate and official response. The passage, while detailing a past event, provides timeless instruction on prioritizing dialogue and seeking understanding to maintain unity and uphold truth within God's people.