Old Testament
Joshua 22:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If we built this altar to turn away from the LORD, or to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings on it, let the LORD himself hold us accountable.
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That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;
What Joshua 22:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are addressing a concern about an altar they built. They clarify that their intention is not to turn away from worshiping the LORD or to offer sacrifices that would go against His commands. Instead, they emphasize their commitment to the LORD by stating that if they are found guilty of such actions, they are willing to let the LORD hold them accountable. This shows their dedication to maintaining their relationship with God and their desire to avoid any actions that could be seen as disloyal. The verse highlights the seriousness of their intentions and the importance of accountability in their faith. It serves as a reminder that worship should be sincere and aligned with God's will, and that any deviation from that can have serious consequences. The Israelites are making it clear that their actions are not meant to replace or undermine the worship of the true God, but rather to express their unity and commitment to Him.
How to apply Joshua 22:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our intentions in our worship and actions. We should ensure that our practices align with our faith and commitment to God. Being accountable for our actions helps maintain a sincere relationship with Him and fosters unity within our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Joshua 22:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 22:23 mean?
Joshua 22:23 addresses the Israelites' concern about an altar they built. They clarify that their intention is not to turn away from the LORD or offer sacrifices against His commands, emphasizing their commitment to accountability in their worship.
What is the significance of accountability in Joshua 22:23?
In Joshua 22:23, accountability is highlighted as the Israelites express their willingness to be held responsible for any actions that might suggest disloyalty to the LORD. This underscores the importance of sincerity in worship and the seriousness of maintaining a faithful relationship with God.
How does Joshua 22:23 relate to worship practices?
Joshua 22:23 emphasizes that worship should be sincere and aligned with God's will. The verse serves as a reminder that any actions taken in worship must reflect true devotion and should not deviate from God's commands.
What themes are present in Joshua 22:23?
Key themes in Joshua 22:23 include accountability, worship, faithfulness, and intentions. The verse highlights the importance of sincere worship and the need for unity within the community of believers.
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