Old Testament
Joshua 22:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now the LORD your God has given your brothers rest, as He promised them. So return to your tents and to the land of your possession, which Moses, the servant of the LORD, gave you on the other side of the Jordan.
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And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.
What Joshua 22:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is reminding the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh that they have fulfilled their commitment to help their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land. God has granted rest to their brothers, meaning they can now return to their own land, which was given to them by Moses. This rest signifies a time of peace and stability after years of wandering and conflict. The instruction to return to their tents emphasizes the importance of home and the fulfillment of God's promises. It also highlights the unity among the tribes, as they worked together to achieve a common goal. The mention of Moses as the servant of the Lord underscores the continuity of God's plan through His chosen leaders. Overall, this verse encapsulates themes of faithfulness, fulfillment of promises, and the importance of community in achieving God's purposes.
How to apply Joshua 22:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and celebrate the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives. It reminds us to return to our own responsibilities and communities after helping others. We should also appreciate the importance of unity and support among believers as we work towards common goals.
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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Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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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 22:4 mean?
Joshua 22:4 means that God has fulfilled His promise by granting rest to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh after they helped their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land. They are now instructed to return to their own land, emphasizing the importance of home and community.
What is the significance of rest in Joshua 22:4?
The rest mentioned in Joshua 22:4 signifies a time of peace and stability for the Israelites after years of conflict. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of returning to one's own responsibilities and community.
Who is Moses in Joshua 22:4?
In Joshua 22:4, Moses is referred to as the servant of the Lord who gave the land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. His mention underscores the continuity of God's plan through His chosen leaders.
How does Joshua 22:4 relate to community?
Joshua 22:4 relates to community by highlighting the cooperation among the tribes in achieving a common goal. It encourages believers to support one another and return to their responsibilities after working together.
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