Joshua 22 29

Joshua 22:29 kjv

God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle.

Joshua 22:29 nkjv

Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn from following the LORD this day, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle."

Joshua 22:29 niv

"Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings and sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle."

Joshua 22:29 esv

Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away this day from following the LORD by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle!"

Joshua 22:29 nlt

Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD or turn away from him by building our own altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices. Only the altar of the LORD our God that stands in front of the Tabernacle may be used for that purpose."

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 29 Meaning

Joshua 22:29 expresses the vehement denial by the trans-Jordanian tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh) of any rebellious intent against the LORD by their building of a large altar. They declare unequivocally that they would never deviate from God's covenant by offering unauthorized sacrifices, reaffirming their commitment to the one legitimate altar before the LORD's Tabernacle at Shiloh. This statement highlights their fervent loyalty to YHWH and His prescribed form of worship, emphasizing their shared identity and adherence to the divine law.

Joshua 22 29 Context

Joshua chapter 22 details the journey of the trans-Jordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) back to their inheritance east of the Jordan River, having faithfully assisted the other tribes in conquering Canaan. Before their departure, Joshua commends them and sends them off. Upon their arrival near the Jordan, they build a large, prominent altar. This act immediately causes great alarm and suspicion among the western tribes (gathered at Shiloh), who fear that their brethren have rebelled against the LORD by establishing a rival place of worship, akin to pagan practices, thereby potentially bringing divine wrath upon the entire nation as seen previously in Achan's sin (Josh 7).

In response, the western tribes dispatch a delegation led by Phinehas (son of Eleazar the priest) to confront them. Phinehas reminds them of past transgressions and warns against provoking God's anger. It is in this high-tension setting, to dispel the grave misunderstanding and clear their names, that the trans-Jordanian tribes offer the impassioned defense found in Joshua 22:23-29. This specific verse (22:29) represents the climax of their earnest plea and definitive statement of loyalty, asserting their intention was not for rival sacrifices but as a "witness" (Josh 22:27) to their shared identity and access to the central sanctuary. Historically, this event emphasizes the crucial importance of unified worship, adherence to the covenant, and avoiding syncretism as Israel settled in the Promised Land amidst pagan cultures. It showcases how misunderstandings, even among the faithful, can lead to severe conflict and the importance of clear communication guided by biblical principles.

Joshua 22 29 Word analysis

• "Far be it from us" (חָלִילָה - ḥālîlâ): This is a powerful and emphatic interjection meaning "God forbid!" "Never!" or "By no means!" It expresses a strong, vehement rejection or abhorrence of an idea or action. It signifies total disapproval and the deepest moral repugnance at the thought of the implied transgression. In its original context, it's used to unequivocally state that the very thought of such an act (rebellion) is anathema to them. This term emphasizes the utter impossibility and detestation of the accused deed.
• "that we should rebel" (לִמְרֹוד - limrōḏ): From the root מָרַד (marad), meaning "to rebel," "to revolt," "to apostatize." This word describes an act of open defiance, an insurrection against authority. In a covenant context, it means breaking away from God's sovereignty and His established order. It’s not just a casual disobedience but a fundamental rupture of allegiance.
• "against the LORD" (בַּיהוָה - ba-YHWH): Against the personal covenant name of God, indicating rebellion against Him who has delivered, sustained, and covenanted with Israel. This highlights the vertical dimension of the perceived offense—an act against the divine ruler of their nation, impacting their unique relationship.
• "and turn away" (וְלָשׁוּב מֵאַחֲרֵי - wə-lāshūv mēʾaḥărê): Literally, "and to return from behind," or "to turn back from following." This phrase indicates apostasy, desertion, or defection from walking in obedience to YHWH. It implies a rejection of His guidance and His ways, a severance from the path He has commanded them to follow. It’s an act of forsaking divine truth.
• "this day": Emphasizes the immediate, present moment of decision and declaration, making their denial forceful and timely. It implies a commitment now and perpetually.
• "from following the LORD": Reaffirms their commitment to YHWH's authority and commands, stressing their desired allegiance.
• "by building an altar": The specific action that caused the misunderstanding. An altar was central to ancient worship, a place of sacrifice and communion with deity. Its construction carried immense religious weight and symbolism. For Israel, there was one divinely authorized altar for national worship.
• "for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice": These are the three main types of offerings specified in the Mosaic Law for propitiation, dedication, and thanksgiving (Leviticus 1-7). By explicitly denying that their altar was for these, they emphasize its non-sacrificial purpose, ensuring the delegates understand their strict adherence to the Law concerning the single, central place of legitimate national worship.
• "other than the altar" (מִבַּלְעֲדֵי מִזְבַּח - mi-bal‘ăḏê mizbaḥ): This phrase emphasizes exclusivity and separation. It unequivocally states that their altar is distinct from, and not meant to rival, the one legitimate altar prescribed by God. It directly contrasts their "witness" altar with the sole, consecrated altar for sacrificial worship.
• "of the LORD our God": "Our God" signifies their communal relationship with YHWH, highlighting their shared covenant identity with the western tribes. This underscores that they serve the same God and are under the same covenant.
• "that is before his tabernacle": This specific geographical and cultic reference points to the central sanctuary at Shiloh, which was the established place of legitimate worship at this time (Josh 18:1). It definitively locates the only proper place for Israel's sacrifices, thereby nullifying any suspicion that their altar was meant for rival sacrificial worship. It demonstrates their understanding and acceptance of the Deuteronomic law of centralizing worship.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away this day from following the LORD": This powerful opening emphasizes total renunciation of rebellion and apostasy. It encapsulates their utter devotion and revulsion towards betraying their God. The repetition of "the LORD" stresses the object of their allegiance. It’s a spiritual commitment as much as a political one.
  • "by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle!": This part addresses the specific accusation and clarifies the intent behind their altar's construction. It demonstrates their thorough understanding of the Mosaic Law concerning sacrifices and the centrality of worship. Their adherence to the precise regulations of offerings and the designated single location for these rituals underlines their faithfulness and dismisses the fears of polytheism or unauthorized worship. It served as a powerful polemic against any accusation that they intended to establish an alternative system of worship akin to Canaanite practices of multiple local altars. They confirm their unwavering loyalty to the unique Israelite worship system ordained by YHWH alone.

Joshua 22 29 Bonus section

• The Altar of Witness ("Ed"): Although not explicitly named "Ed" (meaning "witness") in verse 29, Joshua 22:34 clarifies that the trans-Jordanian tribes indeed named the altar "Ed" because "it is a witness between us that the LORD is God." This underlines that the altar's purpose was commemorative, not sacrificial, functioning as a permanent symbol to affirm their spiritual connection and claim to a share in YHWH's worship despite their geographical separation. It was a visible reminder to future generations that the tribes across the Jordan had the same access to YHWH as those in Canaan, emphasizing unity of identity and faith over geographical divide.
• Importance of Due Diligence and Communication: The resolution of this crisis highlights the necessity of investigation and dialogue before accusations. The western tribes, though initially ready for war, first sent representatives to inquire. This critical step, allowing the eastern tribes to explain their true intentions as presented in verse 29, averted a devastating conflict and exemplified how misunderstandings can be reconciled through patience, careful listening, and prioritizing the truth of God's Word.
• Shared Ownership of God: The phrase "the LORD our God" in this verse is highly significant. It demonstrates the trans-Jordanian tribes' insistence on their shared covenant relationship with YHWH, reinforcing their national and religious unity with the other Israelite tribes. It combats any notion that their physical separation implied a religious disjunction. They asserted a collective ownership of God and His covenant, underpinning their right to a portion in the land and a place in Israel.

Joshua 22 29 Commentary

Joshua 22:29 serves as the climax of the trans-Jordanian tribes' fervent defense, transforming a grave misunderstanding into a powerful reaffirmation of unity and devotion. Their declaration, beginning with the emphatic "Far be it from us," underscores their profound detestation for rebellion or apostasy against YHWH. They are not merely denying an action but articulating a spiritual impossibility—their very nature as covenant people rejects such disloyalty.

This verse clarifies that the concern was not merely the building of an altar but the purpose for which it was built: offerings. By meticulously listing "burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice," they explicitly state that their altar was not for these holy rituals. This demonstrated their precise knowledge of the Mosaic Law and their deep respect for the exclusivity of the one central altar at the Tabernacle. This adherence to divine protocol was vital for maintaining the theological purity and unity of Israel, protecting against syncretism with surrounding pagan practices which encouraged local, unauthorized altars. The swift and articulate communication prevented what could have escalated into civil war, showing the importance of hearing, understanding, and resolving differences based on theological truth within the community of faith. It's a profound statement of unwavering faithfulness to YHWH and His commandments, establishing a precedent for zeal for God's glory and the integrity of His worship among His people.