Joshua 22 3

Joshua 22:3 kjv

Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God.

Joshua 22:3 nkjv

You have not left your brethren these many days, up to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God.

Joshua 22:3 niv

For a long time now?to this very day?you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you.

Joshua 22:3 esv

You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the LORD your God.

Joshua 22:3 nlt

During all this time you have not deserted the other tribes. You have been careful to obey the commands of the LORD your God right up to the present day.

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 3 Meaning

Joshua 22:3 speaks of the two-and-a-half tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) who faithfully remained with their brethren, the other Israelite tribes, throughout the years of the conquest. It highlights their unwavering commitment to the command given by Moses and affirmed by Joshua, prioritizing the shared national and spiritual endeavor of securing the land for all Israel before returning to their own allotted territory east of the Jordan River. It signifies the fulfillment of their oath and their devotion to the unity of Israel and the Lord's mission.

Joshua 22 3 Context

Joshua 22 is a pivotal chapter marking the formal dismissal of the Transjordan tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) back to their inheritance across the Jordan River. After years of fighting alongside their brethren in the conquest of Canaan, their sworn obligation was fulfilled. Joshua, on behalf of the Lord, blesses them, commending their unwavering faithfulness and reminding them to continue obeying God’s law. The immediate preceding verses (22:1-2) describe Joshua gathering these tribes and acknowledging their steadfast obedience to Moses and himself. This verse (22:3) explicitly states how they obeyed—by remaining loyal and actively participating in the conquest, effectively delaying their own rest for the benefit of the whole nation. Historically, this moment signifies a milestone in Israel's early history in the land, celebrating unity and corporate responsibility under the covenant.

Joshua 22 3 Word analysis

• "You have not left": The Hebrew term for "left" is azab (עָזַב), which means to abandon, forsake, or loosen. Its negation here emphatically affirms their enduring commitment. They did not desert their post or abandon their covenant obligation. This contrasts sharply with numerous instances in Israel's history where they did forsake God or one another.

• "your brethren": The Hebrew 'aḥ (אָח) refers to kinsmen, fellow Israelites, or brothers. This emphasizes the tribal unity and the familial bond of the nation. Their service was not just for Joshua, but for the entire family of Israel, highlighting the communal aspect of their covenant responsibilities.

• "these many days": The Hebrew phrase is yamim rabim (יָמִים רַבִּים), literally "days numerous/great." This signifies a prolonged period, implying the entire duration of the conquest campaign, which scholars estimate to be around 7-10 years. This highlights the sustained effort and patience required of them. It wasn't a temporary commitment but a lengthy dedication.

• "to this day": This phrase confirms that their faithfulness endured throughout the entire period until the present moment of their dismissal. It marks the culmination of their specific charge.

• "but have kept the charge": The Hebrew shamar mishmeret (שָׁמַר מִשְׁמֶרֶת) literally means "kept the guard" or "observed the observance." Mishmeret refers to a watch, a charge, or a duty. It implies a sacred obligation, often a divine command. They not only refrained from leaving but actively maintained their post and fulfilled their divine duty. This term is often used in the context of keeping God’s commands (e.g., Lev 18:30).

• "You have not left your brethren" (phrase): This underscores their relational fidelity. They prioritized the corporate good over individual desire for immediate settlement. This stands in contrast to the frequent internal strifes and divisions later seen in Israel's history (e.g., Judges, the divided kingdom). It's a testament to the power of shared purpose.

• "these many days to this day" (phrase): This emphasizes the endurance of their obedience. It wasn't a momentary burst of zeal but a steadfast commitment that stood the test of time, fatigue, and temptation. This prolonged dedication sets a high standard for faithfulness in service.

• "but have kept the charge of the commandment of the Lord your God" (phrase): This consolidates their actions as direct obedience to a divine mandate. Their service to their brethren was not merely a favor, but the fulfillment of God’s expressed will through Moses (Num 32:20-22) and Joshua (Josh 1:16-18). It elevates their military service to a spiritual act of worship and obedience. This phrase links their physical actions to the spiritual command, making it a sacred obligation rather than merely a human promise.

Joshua 22 3 Bonus section

The exemplary obedience of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh served as a powerful witness to the other tribes about the importance of covenant keeping and national unity. Their commitment mitigated potential tribal resentments that could arise from their receiving an earlier land allotment, while simultaneously fighting on behalf of others. This selfless act underscored the principle that all Israel was one under Yahweh, transcending geographical division. Their story also highlights that the Lord remembers and commends sustained faithfulness, even in tasks that are lengthy and arduous. Their "charge" (mishmeret) wasn't just a military one, but a sacred duty within the context of God's redemptive plan for His people. This established a precedent of mutual responsibility essential for the young nation's cohesion and strength against external and internal threats.

Joshua 22 3 Commentary

Joshua 22:3 celebrates a profound example of covenant fidelity and inter-tribal solidarity in early Israel. The Transjordanian tribes could have, immediately after crossing the Jordan, insisted on settling their own land. Instead, they honored their commitment, fighting tirelessly for years to secure the inheritance of their kinsmen before their own. This long-standing commitment, spanning "these many days," signifies not just their patience, but their unwavering understanding of their corporate responsibility under God's covenant. Their action wasn't just passive presence but actively "keeping the charge"—a term often associated with diligently performing a sacred duty. This period of shared struggle fostered unity and demonstrated the power of selflessness within the community of faith, illustrating that true prosperity for one part of the body comes only after the well-being of the whole is secured. It stands as a testament to the rewards of perseverance in obedience, showing how faithfulness in difficult or prolonged tasks leads to divine commendation and a blessed return to one's heritage. This passage sets an enduring standard for mutual aid, commitment to promises, and humble service within God's people.

Examples for practical usage:

• Supporting fellow believers through prolonged difficult seasons (illness, financial hardship) even when it costs time or resources.
• Honoring commitments and promises made, especially when it is inconvenient.
• Prioritizing the collective mission of the church or ministry over personal preferences or immediate comfort.