Old Testament

Joshua 22:34

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 tribes of Reuben and Gad built an altar and named it 'Ed,' which means 'witness.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan
CBTClear Bible Translation

The children of Reuben and the children of Gad named the altar 'Ed,' saying, 'It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.'

KJVKing James Version

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the tribes of Reuben and Gad built an altar and named it 'Ed,' which means 'witness.' They declared that this altar would serve as a reminder and testimony that the LORD is the true God. This act was significant because it symbolized their commitment to God and their unity with the other tribes of Israel, even though they settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The altar was not meant for sacrifices but rather as a sign of their faith and a way to prevent misunderstandings with the other Israelites. By naming it 'Ed,' they emphasized the importance of remembering God's presence and authority in their lives. This moment highlights the importance of communication and shared faith among God's people, ensuring that all tribes remained united in their worship and acknowledgment of the LORD.

Key themes

Related topics

unity, testimony, commitment

How to apply Joshua 22:34 to your life

This verse encourages us to establish reminders of our faith and commitment to God in our lives. Just as the altar served as a witness, we can create symbols or practices that help us remember and share our faith with others, fostering unity and understanding within our communities.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 22:34 mean?

Joshua 22:34 describes how the tribes of Reuben and Gad built an altar named 'Ed' as a witness to their faith in the LORD. It symbolizes their commitment to God and serves as a reminder of their unity with the other tribes of Israel.

What is the significance of the altar named 'Ed' in Joshua 22:34?

The altar named 'Ed' signifies a witness to the relationship between the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the LORD. It emphasizes their intention to maintain communication and unity with the other tribes despite living on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Why did the tribes of Reuben and Gad build an altar in Joshua 22:34?

The tribes built the altar to prevent misunderstandings with the other Israelites and to declare their commitment to the LORD. It was meant as a symbol of their faith rather than a place for sacrifices.

What does the name 'Ed' mean in Joshua 22:34?

In Joshua 22:34, 'Ed' means 'witness.' The tribes chose this name to signify that the altar would serve as a reminder of their shared faith and the presence of God among them.

The Book of Joshua
Book Summary

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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