Joshua 22:8

saying, "Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies."

Study Bible

saying
The word "saying" introduces a direct command or instruction, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. In the Hebrew context, this word often signifies a formal declaration, underscoring the weight of Joshua's words as a leader appointed by God. It reflects the continuity of God's promises and commands through His chosen leaders.

Return to your homes
This phrase signifies a transition from a period of warfare and conquest to one of peace and settlement. The Hebrew root for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) often implies repentance or turning back, suggesting a restoration to a state of normalcy and blessing. The directive to return home highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites rest in the land He had promised their ancestors.

with great wealth
The mention of "great wealth" indicates the material blessings that accompany obedience to God's commands. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor. This wealth was not just for personal gain but was to be shared, reflecting the communal nature of Israelite society and the importance of supporting one another.

with very much livestock
Livestock was a primary measure of wealth and prosperity in ancient times. The abundance of livestock signifies God's provision and the successful conquest of the land. It also points to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites, where livestock played a crucial role in their economy and daily life.

with silver, gold, bronze, and iron
These metals were valuable commodities in the ancient world, used for trade, crafting, and as symbols of wealth and power. Their mention here underscores the tangible rewards of faithfulness and the spoils of victory that God provided. Each metal had its own significance, with gold and silver often associated with wealth and divinity, while bronze and iron were linked to strength and durability.

and with a great quantity of clothing
Clothing in the ancient world was a significant asset, often representing status and wealth. The "great quantity" suggests abundance and God's provision beyond mere survival. It also reflects the cultural importance of garments, which could be used for trade or as gifts to solidify alliances and relationships.

Divide the spoil of your enemies
This command to "divide the spoil" emphasizes fairness and the importance of community. The spoils of war were not to be hoarded by a few but shared among all, reflecting the biblical principle of justice and equity. It also serves as a reminder of the collective effort in achieving victory and the shared blessings that result from obedience to God.

with your brothers
The phrase "with your brothers" highlights the unity and familial bonds within the Israelite community. It underscores the importance of sharing blessings with fellow believers, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support. This reflects the broader biblical theme of community and the call to love and care for one another as members of God's family.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, who led the people into the Promised Land. In this passage, he is addressing the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

2. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes had settled on the east side of the Jordan River but had crossed over to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The conquest of this land is a central theme in the book of Joshua.

4. The Spoil of War
The wealth and goods taken from defeated enemies, which in this context includes livestock, precious metals, and clothing.

5. The Jordan River
A significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites, symbolizing the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Unity and Brotherhood
The command to share the spoils underscores the importance of unity and mutual support among God's people. We are called to share our blessings with others, recognizing that all we have is from God.

Faithfulness to Commitments
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh honored their commitment to help their fellow Israelites. This teaches us the importance of being faithful to our promises and responsibilities.

God's Provision
The wealth and resources gained in battle are a testament to God's provision. We should acknowledge God's hand in our successes and be generous with what He has given us.

Stewardship of Resources
The distribution of the spoil is a reminder of the responsibility to manage resources wisely and justly, ensuring that all members of the community are cared for.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to share the spoils of war with their brothers reflect the broader biblical principle of community and sharing? Can you think of other biblical examples where this principle is evident?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of faithfulness to commitments in our own lives, especially in our relationships and responsibilities?

3. How does recognizing God's provision in our lives change our perspective on wealth and resources? What practical steps can we take to be more generous?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh about balancing personal desires with communal responsibilities?

5. How can the concept of stewardship, as seen in the distribution of the spoil, be applied to modern-day issues of wealth distribution and social justice within the church and society?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:14
This verse provides instructions on dividing the spoil of war, which aligns with Joshua's command to share the wealth with their brothers.

Numbers 32
This chapter details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh regarding their settlement and responsibilities.

1 Samuel 30:24
This passage emphasizes the principle of sharing the spoils of victory equally among those who fight and those who support, reflecting a similar spirit of unity and fairness.