Old Testament
Joshua 22:26
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"So we said, 'Let's build an altar — not for burnt offerings or sacrifices,
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Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:
What Joshua 22:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 22:26, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh explain their intention to build an altar. They clarify that this altar is not meant for traditional sacrifices or burnt offerings, which were typically performed at the central sanctuary in Shiloh. Instead, their purpose is to create a memorial or a symbol of their shared faith with the other tribes of Israel. This act is significant as it reflects their desire to maintain unity and a connection to God, despite being separated geographically from the main worship site. The tribes feared that their descendants might be excluded from the worship practices of the rest of Israel, so they sought to establish a visible reminder of their commitment to the covenant with God. This verse highlights the importance of communication and intention in religious practices, as well as the need for unity among believers, even when they are physically apart.
How to apply Joshua 22:26 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of clear communication in our relationships, especially regarding faith and beliefs. It encourages us to express our intentions openly to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, it reminds us to find ways to maintain our spiritual identity and connections, even when we are apart from 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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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 22:26 mean?
In Joshua 22:26, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh explain their intention to build an altar that is not for sacrifices. They want to create a symbol of their faith and unity with the other tribes of Israel, despite being geographically separated from the main worship site.
What is the significance of the altar in Joshua 22:26?
The altar mentioned in Joshua 22:26 serves as a memorial to maintain the tribes' connection to God and their shared faith. It reflects their concern that future generations might feel excluded from worship practices, emphasizing the importance of unity among the tribes.
Why did the tribes build an altar according to Joshua 22:26?
The tribes built an altar in Joshua 22:26 to symbolize their commitment to God and to ensure their descendants would not be excluded from the worship of Israel. They aimed to communicate their intentions clearly to avoid misunderstandings about their faith.
What themes are present in Joshua 22:26?
Joshua 22:26 highlights themes of unity, faith, communication, and identity. It shows the importance of maintaining spiritual connections and the need for clear intentions in religious practices.
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