Old Testament
Joshua 22:4
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, 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.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related sabbath.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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