Joshua 22 28

Joshua 22:28 kjv

Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.

Joshua 22:28 nkjv

Therefore we said that it will be, when they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say, 'Here is the replica of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between you and us.'

Joshua 22:28 niv

"And we said, 'If they ever say this to us, or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the LORD's altar, which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.'

Joshua 22:28 esv

And we thought, 'If this should be said to us or to our descendants in time to come, we should say, "Behold, the copy of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you."'

Joshua 22:28 nlt

"If they say this, our descendants can reply, 'Look at this copy of the LORD's altar that our ancestors made. It is not for burnt offerings or sacrifices; it is a reminder of the relationship both of us have with the LORD.'

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 28 Meaning

Joshua 22:28 conveys the detailed defensive explanation given by the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) to the other Israelite tribes. It articulates that the altar they built by the Jordan River was deliberately constructed as a "copy" or likeness of the central Tabernacle altar. Crucially, its purpose was explicitly not for presenting burnt offerings or sacrifices, which were reserved for the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Instead, it was intended purely as a lasting visual "witness" or memorial to future generations, asserting their enduring fellowship with the LORD and their shared heritage with the tribes west of the Jordan. It was a visible reminder of their right to participate in Israel's worship, preventing any future claim that they were separate or outside the covenant community.

Joshua 22 28 Context

Joshua chapter 22 recounts a pivotal incident following the allocation of land and the dismissal of the Transjordanian tribes to their inheritance east of the Jordan River. As these tribes journeyed back, they constructed a strikingly large altar near the Jordan. This action immediately ignited a fiery misunderstanding among the tribes residing west of the Jordan (primarily Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, etc.), who feared that their brethren were creating a rival worship center, thereby violating the Mosaic Law which mandated a single, centralized place of worship for all Israel. They interpreted it as an act of apostasy, rebellion against the LORD, and a challenge to national unity, preparing for immediate punitive war.

Verse 28 is part of the crucial defense and explanation offered by the Transjordanian tribes. They send an envoy (Phinehas and ten chiefs) to hear their reasoning before escalating to war. The core fear of the western tribes was defection to idolatry (Deut 12:5-6), which would incur God's wrath upon all Israel. The eastern tribes' explanation in verses 21-29 explicitly addresses and assuages this fear, asserting their loyalty to YHWH and emphasizing the non-sacrificial, memorial nature of their altar. They were deeply concerned that future generations across the Jordan might be disowned or viewed as outsiders to the Israelite covenant simply due to geographical separation from the central sanctuary. This altar was a physical guarantee of their continuing share in the spiritual heritage of Israel.

Joshua 22 28 Word analysis

• Therefore, we said, 'If ever they should say this to us': Highlights a pre-emptive concern for future generations. The tribes east of Jordan considered hypothetical future challenges regarding their worship, demonstrating foresight and a proactive desire to safeguard their posterity's spiritual standing within Israel.
• 'If ever they should say this to us or to our generations in time to come': Emphasizes the deep concern for their descendants. This forethought shows pastoral care for their legacy and demonstrates the value of intergenerational continuity in faith. It acknowledges the challenges that distance from the Tabernacle might pose.
• 'then we shall say, "Behold, the copy (דְּמוּת, dĕmût) of the altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeaḥ) of the LORD"':
  • דְּמוּת (dĕmût): This Hebrew word means "likeness," "similitude," or "pattern." It is crucial. It does not mean "an altar for worship" in the sacrificial sense, but a replica in form. This precisely differentiates it from the actual sacrificial altar at Shiloh. The tribes were making a strong theological point: resemblance in form does not imply identity in function. It was to look like an altar, but not function as one.
  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeaḥ): While generally meaning "altar" (from a root "to slaughter/sacrifice"), here its function is immediately clarified as non-sacrificial. The object is visually an altar, but its purpose transforms it into a monument.
  • This phrase illustrates meticulous theological discernment and communication, designed to prevent spiritual misinterpretations and maintain orthodoxy.
• 'which our fathers made, not for burnt offering (עֹלָה, ʿōlāh), nor for sacrifice (זֶבַח, zevakh)':
  • עֹלָה (ʿōlāh): A whole burnt offering, completely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
  • זֶבַח (zevakh): A general term for sacrifice, often referring to fellowship or peace offerings where part was eaten by the worshipper.
  • Explicitly negates the sacrificial purpose of the structure. This categorical denial underscores their unwavering commitment to the singularity of YHWH's authorized worship at the Tabernacle. It serves as a strong declaration against any form of polytheism, syncretism, or divided loyalty, which was forbidden under the Mosaic Law.
• 'but for a witness (עֵד, ʿēd) between us and you':
  • עֵד (ʿēd): This word means "witness" or "testimony." This is the sole and ultimate purpose of the altar. It’s a tangible, visible reminder.
  • This clarifies its function as a memorial stone, similar to the pile of stones set up by Joshua (Josh 4:1-7) or Jacob and Laban (Gen 31:48). It serves as tangible evidence of shared identity and allegiance to YHWH, bridging the geographical divide. This "witness" functions primarily in human terms, assuring perpetual recognition of their unity.

Joshua 22 28 Bonus section

• Linguistic Precision: The selection of dĕmût (likeness/copy) rather than just mizbeaḥ (altar) without qualification, or a word suggesting sacrifice, shows profound care in distinguishing form from function. This highlights a nuanced understanding of symbolic objects within religious practice, preventing sacrilege or idolatry while preserving a valid communal purpose.
• Role of Dialogue: This verse exemplifies the power of open dialogue and clear articulation in preventing schism. Had the Transjordanian tribes not been prepared with such a detailed and theologically sound explanation, or had the western tribes not been willing to listen, a destructive war would have ensued.
• "Witness" (ʿēd): The term ʿēd often carries a legal or testimonial weight in the Bible. Here, the altar effectively functions as a legal exhibit or proof, forever testifying to the allegiance and shared faith of the two groups, bridging geographical and potentially social divides.
• Anti-pagan Polemic: While not a direct polemic against pagan beliefs, the narrative indirectly champions the singular worship of YHWH. The zealous reaction of the western tribes to any perceived deviation, and the swift correction through clear communication, reinforces the strict monotheism and rejection of altars for other gods, or competing altars to YHWH.

Joshua 22 28 Commentary

Joshua 22:28 provides a remarkable lesson in conflict resolution, theological clarity, and maintaining unity within the covenant community. The verse is part of the Transjordanian tribes' eloquent defense, born out of concern for their descendants' spiritual identity. They foresightfully considered a scenario where future generations, separated by the Jordan River from the main sanctuary, might be challenged regarding their right to participate in Israel's worship. The constructed altar, a visual "copy" of the Tabernacle's altar, served as a crucial symbolic link, not a functional one for sacrifice. This distinction, carefully articulated, demonstrated their astute understanding of Israelite theology.

Their denial that it was "for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice" directly refutes any perceived deviation from God's law regarding centralized worship (Deut 12). Instead, it served as a clear, enduring "witness" – a tangible testimony to their shared faith in the LORD and their integral membership within the unified nation of Israel. This event prevented an unnecessary civil war born of misunderstanding and demonstrates the importance of communication, intentional clarity in matters of faith, and prioritizing the spiritual well-being and unity of God's people above hasty judgment. It teaches us to seek understanding and to give clear explanations to preserve peace and common identity in faith.