Old Testament
Joshua 22:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Israelites learn that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have constructed an altar near the Jordan River, close to the land of Canaan.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
The Israelites heard that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar near the land of Canaan, by the Jordan, at the crossing point of the Israelites.
And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites learn that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have constructed an altar near the Jordan River, close to the land of Canaan. This news raises concerns among the other Israelites because they fear that this altar might signify a break from their shared worship of God in the central sanctuary at Shiloh. The act of building an altar could be interpreted as a rebellion or a sign of divided loyalty, which could lead to conflict among the tribes. The location of the altar, at a crossing point, is significant as it symbolizes a potential division between the tribes on either side of the Jordan. This situation highlights the importance of unity and communication among the Israelites, as misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences. The tribes will need to clarify their intentions to prevent any division or strife within the community.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 22:11 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of clear communication in our communities. When misunderstandings arise, it is crucial to address them openly to maintain unity and prevent conflict. We should strive to clarify our intentions and ensure that our actions align with our shared values.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 22:11 mean?
Joshua 22:11 describes how the Israelites learned that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar near the Jordan River. This raised concerns among the other Israelites about possible division in their worship and community.
What is the significance of the altar in Joshua 22:11?
The altar built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh symbolizes a potential division among the Israelites. It raised fears that these tribes might be breaking away from the central worship practices, which could lead to conflict.
Why did the Israelites worry about the altar in Joshua 22:11?
The Israelites worried that the altar might indicate a rebellion or a split in their loyalty to God. They feared it could disrupt their unity and lead to misunderstandings among the tribes.
What themes are present in Joshua 22:11?
Key themes in Joshua 22:11 include unity, communication, and conflict resolution. The verse highlights the need for clear dialogue to prevent misunderstandings that could harm community relationships.
The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
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