Old Testament
Joshua 22:9
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And the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh returned and departed from the children of Israel at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, which they possessed according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
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And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
What Joshua 22:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are returning to their land after helping the other Israelites conquer Canaan. They had settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in Gilead, which was their promised land as instructed by God through Moses. Their departure from Shiloh, a central place of worship and gathering for the Israelites, signifies a transition back to their own territory. This moment highlights their commitment to their inheritance while also fulfilling their duty to assist their fellow Israelites in battle. The mention of Shiloh emphasizes the importance of community and shared faith among the tribes, even as they take different paths. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of obedience to His word, as they return to the land that was designated for them.
How to apply Joshua 22:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor our commitments while also recognizing our individual paths. Just as the tribes returned to their inheritance after serving others, we should balance our responsibilities to our community with our personal callings and blessings from God.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Keep studying Joshua 22:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 22:9 mean?
Joshua 22:9 describes the return of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to their land in Gilead after helping the other Israelites conquer Canaan. It highlights their commitment to their inheritance and the fulfillment of God's promise through Moses.
What is the significance of Shiloh in Joshua 22:9?
Shiloh is significant in Joshua 22:9 as it was a central place of worship and gathering for the Israelites. The tribes' departure from Shiloh marks a transition back to their own territory while emphasizing the importance of community and shared faith.
What does the phrase 'according to the word of the LORD' mean in Joshua 22:9?
The phrase 'according to the word of the LORD' in Joshua 22:9 indicates that the tribes' possession of the land was based on God's promise and instructions given through Moses. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands.
How does Joshua 22:9 relate to community and individual paths?
Joshua 22:9 illustrates the balance between community responsibilities and individual paths, as the tribes return to their inheritance after serving others. It encourages recognizing personal callings while maintaining a commitment to the broader community.
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