Joshua 22 21

Joshua 22:21 kjv

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Joshua 22:21 nkjv

Then the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh answered and said to the heads of the divisions of Israel:

Joshua 22:21 niv

Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel:

Joshua 22:21 esv

Then the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel,

Joshua 22:21 nlt

Then the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the clans of Israel:

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 21 Meaning

Joshua 22:21 signifies the critical turning point in the severe misunderstanding between the eastern and western tribes of Israel. Following the intense accusations leveled by the western tribes concerning an altar built by Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, this verse marks the commencement of the accused tribes' formal defense and explanation. It highlights their decision to respond through their tribal leadership to the representatives of the accusing tribes, setting the stage for clarification and reconciliation instead of conflict.

Joshua 22 21 Context

Joshua chapter 22 details a severe inter-tribal crisis immediately following the conquest and land distribution. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, having helped their brethren conquer Canaan, are now dismissed by Joshua to return to their inheritance east of the Jordan River. On their journey, they build a large, prominent altar beside the Jordan. This act is gravely misunderstood by the western tribes (those residing west of the Jordan) who interpret it as an act of apostasy—either an attempt to establish a rival center of worship to the singular Tabernacle at Shiloh or an act of outright idolatry. This perceived betrayal ignites furious anger, leading the western tribes to assemble for what could have escalated into a devastating civil war. Verse 21 marks the decisive moment where, instead of battle, communication begins, as the eastern tribes respond formally to the charges brought by the collective leadership of the western tribes.

Historically, this period follows Moses' death and precedes the time of the Judges, characterized by the nascent nation of Israel settling into the Promised Land. The covenant established at Sinai, particularly the command to worship YHWH exclusively at the designated central sanctuary (Deut 12), was paramount for Israel's identity and continued blessing. Any perceived deviation was considered a profound national threat. The cultural context underscores the acute awareness of apostasy and its severe consequences, exemplified by past events like the golden calf or Baal-Peor incident, where national sin brought divine wrath. The structure of "heads of the thousands" represents the formal leadership framework established since the Exodus for judicial and military matters.

Joshua 22 21 Word analysis

• Then: (Hebrew: וַיִּפְנוּ - `vayyiphnu` - an unstated conjunction implying "and then they turned"). While not directly translated as "then," the Hebrew conjunctive Waw (ו) prefixes the verb, often indicating sequential action. Here, it signals the immediate and decisive response of the eastern tribes following the accusations.
• the children of Reuben: Refers to the descendants or tribal members of Reuben, one of the three tribes accused. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son.
• and the children of Gad: Refers to the tribal members of Gad, another accused tribe.
• and the half-tribe of Manasseh: Identifies the remaining portion of the tribe of Manasseh whose inheritance was east of the Jordan, collectively accused with Reuben and Gad.
• answered: (Hebrew: עָנוּ - `anu`, from the root עָנָה - `anah`, meaning to answer, respond, or testify). This word implies more than a simple reply; it suggests a formal, weighty response, as one would give in a judicial setting or when called upon to defend oneself against serious charges. It indicates their readiness to explain and clear their names.
• and said: (Hebrew: וַיֹּאמְרוּ - `vayyomeru`, from the root אָמַר - `amar`, meaning to say, speak). This verb continues the action initiated by "answered," specifically pointing to the verbal content of their response that follows in the subsequent verses. It signifies the direct communication of their defense.
• to the heads: (Hebrew: רָאשֵׁי - `rashei`, plural construct form of רֹאשׁ - `ro'sh`, meaning head, chief, leader). This denotes the authoritative representatives and principal men of the western tribes. Their response was not random but directed to the recognized leadership of the accusing party, showing proper respect and acknowledging the gravity of the delegation that confronted them.
• of the thousands: (Hebrew: אַלְפֵי - `alfei`, plural construct form of אֶלֶף - `elef`, meaning thousand, clan, family unit, or military contingent). In ancient Israel, an `elef` could denote a significant socio-military unit, perhaps several families or a company of soldiers, often led by a chief. This phrase therefore indicates that the accusers represented the major divisions and fighting strength of all Israel west of the Jordan.
• of Israel: Refers to the unified nation of twelve tribes, encompassing all those living west of the Jordan, emphasizing the collective identity and theological unity threatened by the dispute.

• "Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and said": This entire phrase underscores the unity and formality of the eastern tribes' response. It was not a hasty or individualistic reaction, but a collective and deliberated address from the representatives of all three accused groups. The repetition of "the children of" emphasizes their collective tribal identity and shared responsibility in the matter.
• "to the heads of the thousands of Israel": This highlights the formal, representative nature of the audience. The eastern tribes' response was addressed directly to the leadership of the entire western contingent, emphasizing that they acknowledged the legitimate authority and the serious, nationwide implications of the accusation. This demonstrates an understanding of proper protocol and a desire for official reconciliation among all the tribes.

Joshua 22 21 Bonus section

The immediate response of the western tribes in gathering for war (Josh 22:12) before seeking clarification highlights the profound importance they placed on covenant purity and the centralization of worship, reflecting both a zealous adherence to the Law and a potential for hasty judgment. The selection of Phinehas, the priest, to lead the delegation to the eastern tribes (Josh 22:13) underscores the spiritual gravity of the issue; it was a theological rather than merely a political dispute. His presence evokes the memory of his zealous act at Baal-Peor, where he interceded for Israel by justly punishing idolatry (Num 25), reinforcing the seriousness with which this potential transgression was viewed. This verse, by initiating the verbal response, implicitly sets a model for resolving internal conflict within the community of God's people: rather than resorting to violence or severing ties, the parties engage in a structured and accountable dialogue led by their spiritual and civil authorities.

Joshua 22 21 Commentary

Joshua 22:21 is the textual doorway to resolution. After a profound crisis, where misinterpretation almost led to fratricidal war, this verse signifies the eastern tribes' courageous and wise choice for communication over confrontation. Their formal "answer and said" to the "heads of the thousands of Israel" demonstrates their deep respect for the unity of the nation and their shared covenant with YHWH. They do not resort to defensiveness or retaliatory accusations, but rather prepare to offer a meticulous explanation for their actions, which subsequently proves their innocence. This pivotal moment underscores the biblical principle that genuine, open dialogue among believers, even under intense scrutiny and severe misunderstanding, is essential for preserving peace and unity within the community of faith and upholding the honor of God's name. It serves as a profound example of how truth and reconciliation can avert destruction, fostering unity where schism threatened to tear God's people apart.