Joshua 22 26

Joshua 22:26 kjv

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

Joshua 22:26 nkjv

Therefore we said, 'Let us now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering nor for sacrifice,

Joshua 22:26 niv

"That is why we said, 'Let us get ready and build an altar?but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.'

Joshua 22:26 esv

Therefore we said, 'Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice,

Joshua 22:26 nlt

"So we decided to build the altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices,

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 26 Meaning

Joshua 22:26 captures the core explanation from the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) for building the large altar at the Jordan River. It asserts their intent was purely to prevent a future theological separation from the main body of Israel west of the Jordan, ensuring their continued shared inheritance and identity as worshippers of the Lord, rather than establishing a rival sanctuary for sacrifices or offerings, which was strictly forbidden.

Joshua 22 26 Context

Joshua chapter 22 details a moment of profound crisis and misunderstanding in early Israel. After the successful conquest and division of the land, Joshua dismisses the eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—to return to their inheritance across the Jordan River. Before they departed, they constructed a large, prominent altar near the Jordan. This action was immediately perceived by the western tribes as an act of apostasy and rebellion against the Lord (vv. 10-12), as divine law prescribed a single, central place of worship and sacrifice for all Israel at the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). The western tribes, fearing corporate divine judgment like the plague at Baal Peor (Num 25), prepared for war. However, instead of immediately attacking, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas to confront the eastern tribes (vv. 13-20). Joshua 22:26 is part of the eastern tribes' eloquent defense and explanation, articulating their fear that future generations living beyond the geographical barrier of the Jordan might be considered distinct or excluded from the Lord's covenant and central worship, and that the altar was built specifically to counter this future theological exclusion, not as a place of illicit sacrifice.

Joshua 22 26 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - laken): This word indicates a logical consequence or a reason derived from what has just been stated. In this context (Josh 22:24-25), it signifies that the eastern tribes' fear for the spiritual inheritance of their children across the Jordan led them to this decisive action.

• we said (אָמַרְנוּ - ’amarnu): "We said" indicates a collective decision and consensus among the two-and-a-half tribes. It highlights their unity of purpose in addressing their spiritual concern, emphasizing that this was a deliberate, unified response to their worries.

• Let us now prepare (נָכִין - nāḵîn): The root means "to be firm, ready, establish." "Let us prepare" indicates careful thought, planning, and intentional action. It wasn't an impulsive act, but a well-considered plan to ensure their children’s inclusion in Israel’s covenant life.

• to build us (לִבְנוֹת לָנוּ - livnôt lānu): "To build" refers to the act of construction. The suffix "us" (for ourselves) is crucial. It underscores that the altar was built for their self-preservation of identity within Israel, for their own theological concerns, rather than for divine worship. It stresses the internal, communal purpose.

• an altar (מִזְבֵּחַ - mizbēaḥ): The standard Hebrew term for an altar, typically a structure for offering sacrifices to a deity. Its very name carries sacrificial connotations, which is precisely why it caused the immediate misunderstanding. The object itself was a catalyst for conflict due to its usual function.

• not for burnt offering (לֹא לְעֹלָה - lō' lĕ‘ōlâ): This explicitly negates the use of the altar for a ‘ōlâ, a whole burnt offering. A burnt offering represented total consecration and atonement, entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing dedication to God. This denial makes their intent unequivocally clear.

• nor for sacrifice (וְלֹא לְזֶבַח - vĕlō' lĕzevaḥ): This phrase further negates its use for zevaḥ, a broader term for sacrifices, including peace offerings (communion with God and fellow worshippers), sin offerings, or guilt offerings. By negating both the ‘ōlâ (total dedication) and zevaḥ (general sacrificial system), the eastern tribes leave no room for doubt about the altar's non-cultic function.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Therefore we said, Let us now prepare": This group of words indicates that the decision was a reasoned, collective one, not arbitrary. It highlights the careful deliberation and unity of the tribes across the Jordan in planning this significant act, driven by their deep-seated theological anxieties concerning future generations.
  • "to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice": This phrase directly addresses the perceived offense and provides the specific defense. It’s a direct response to the core misunderstanding, articulating the altar's symbolic, non-sacrificial purpose. The double negation ("not...nor") emphatically clarifies the purpose of the structure. The "altar" here functions purely as a "witness" or a "copy" of the true altar, signaling their continued loyalty to the Lord and connection to His central sanctuary.

Joshua 22 26 Bonus section

The incident described in Joshua 22 and this pivotal verse demonstrates several crucial theological and practical principles for the community of faith:

• Avoiding Hasty Judgment: The western tribes, though initially justified in their alarm given the serious implications of illicit worship, exemplify the danger of judging intentions based solely on outward appearances. Phinehas's wise decision to inquire first rather than immediately attack proved redemptive.
• The Power of Clear Communication: The eloquent defense offered by the eastern tribes was critical in diffusing a potential civil war. Their explicit statement about the altar's purpose prevented a bloody misunderstanding, emphasizing that clarity in doctrine and intent preserves unity.
• Symbolism vs. Substance: The altar of witness highlights that a physical object can carry significant meaning, but its ultimate value and acceptance depend on its true purpose and alignment with God's commands. While it looked like an altar for sacrifice, its substance was a monument to unity and a memorial.
• Covenant Fidelity for Future Generations: The deep concern for their children's inheritance and inclusion in the Lord's worship resonates as a call for current generations to live and act in ways that ensure the spiritual well-being and covenant fidelity of those who follow.

Joshua 22 26 Commentary

Joshua 22:26 serves as the pivotal moment of clarification and crisis resolution. The eastern tribes, having erected a conspicuous structure visually resembling an altar, faced a serious accusation of disloyalty and establishing a rival religious center, an act forbidden by Mosaic law that had historically brought divine wrath upon Israel. This verse reveals their true motivation: profound loyalty to the covenant and a preemptive measure to ensure their posterity would not be disenfranchised from their share in the Lord. By explicitly denying any sacrificial intent – "not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice" – they asserted that the altar was purely a monument or a "witness" (as seen in verse 27) to their continued unity with the rest of Israel under the one God and His central sanctuary. This incident underscores the importance of seeking understanding and good communication within the community of faith before leaping to accusations or conflict based on appearance. It champions spiritual unity and proper intent over superficial observance.