Joshua 22:21
New International Version
Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel:

New Living Translation
Then the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the clans of Israel:

English Standard Version
Then the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel,

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:

King James Bible
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

New King James Version
Then the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh answered and said to the heads of the divisions of Israel:

New American Standard Bible
Then the sons of Reuben, the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel.

NASB 1995
Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel.

NASB 1977
Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel.

Amplified Bible
Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and said to the heads of the families of Israel,

Christian Standard Bible
The Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the Israelite clans,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the Israelite clans, “

American Standard Version
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spake unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Contemporary English Version
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh answered:

English Revised Version
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and spake unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the divisions of Israel.

Good News Translation
The people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh answered the heads of the families of the western tribes:

International Standard Version
The descendants of Reuben, descendants of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the officials of the tribes of Israel,

Majority Standard Bible
Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:

NET Bible
The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the Israelite clans:

New Heart English Bible
Then the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and said to the heads of the thousands of Israel,

World English Bible
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, answer and speak with the heads of the thousands of Israel:

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, answer and speak with the heads of the thousands of Israel:

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh will answer and will speak to the heads of the thousands of Israel,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Ruben, and of Gad, and of the half tribe of Manasses answered the princes of the embassage of Israel:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the sons of Reuben, and of Gad, and of the one half tribe of Manasseh responded to the leaders of the delegation from Israel:

New American Bible
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the Israelite clans:

New Revised Standard Version
Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the Reubenites the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh answered and said to Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest and to the heads of the armies of Israel,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Rubil and the sons of Gad and the half of the tribe of Menasheh answered and they spoke with Phinkhas, son of Eliazer the Priest, and with the Captains of the armies of Israel, and they said to them:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke unto the heads of the thousands of Israel:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Ruben, and the sons of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasse answered, and spoke to the captains of the thousands of Israel, saying,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Offensive Altar
20Was not Achan son of Zerah unfaithful regarding what was set apart for destruction, bringing wrath upon the whole congregation of Israel? Yet it was not only Achan who perished because of his sin!’ ” 21Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel: 22“The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today.…

Cross References
Numbers 32:1-5
Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. / So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, / “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, ...

Deuteronomy 12:5-14
Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. ...

Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

1 Kings 12:26-30
Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” ...

2 Kings 17:9-12
The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. ...

Psalm 133:1
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

Isaiah 66:1-2
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? / Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Jeremiah 7:9-11
Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? / Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:39-40
And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols. / For on My holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land. There I will accept them and will require your offerings and choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices.

Hosea 8:11-14
Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning. / Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange. / Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to Me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. ...

Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

John 4:20-24
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...

Acts 15:1-2
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Romans 14:13-19
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. / I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. / If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said to the heads of the thousands of Israel,

answered

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

heads

Exodus 18:21-25
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: …

Micah 5:2
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

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Children Clans Half Half-Tribe Heads Israel Manasseh Manas'seh Reuben Reubenites Speak Thousands Tribe
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Children Clans Half Half-Tribe Heads Israel Manasseh Manas'seh Reuben Reubenites Speak Thousands Tribe
Joshua 22
1. The two tribes and a half with a blessing are sent home,
10. They build the altar of testimony in their journey
11. The Israelites are offended thereat
21. They vindicate their conduct, and give them good satisfaction














Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
This phrase identifies the eastern tribes of Israel who settled on the east side of the Jordan River. These tribes were granted land by Moses before the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land (Numbers 32). Their decision to settle outside the main territory of Israel was significant, as it set them apart geographically and culturally. This separation sometimes led to misunderstandings, as seen in this passage. The tribes' location made them vulnerable to external influences and potential isolation from the rest of Israel, which is a recurring theme in their history.

answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:
The leaders of the eastern tribes are responding to an accusation from the rest of Israel. The context here is a misunderstanding regarding an altar built by these tribes, which the other Israelites feared was for idolatrous purposes (Joshua 22:10-20). This response is crucial as it demonstrates the importance of communication and unity among God's people. The leaders of the clans of Israel, representing the western tribes, were concerned about maintaining the purity of worship and the unity of the nation. This interaction highlights the need for discernment and dialogue within the community of faith to prevent division and maintain covenantal faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Reubenites, Gadites, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh
These are the tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. They were given this land by Moses and had fulfilled their obligation to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

2. Heads of the Clans of Israel
These are the leaders from the other tribes of Israel who were concerned about the altar built by the eastern tribes, fearing it represented rebellion against God.

3. The Altar of Witness
The altar built by the eastern tribes near the Jordan River, which caused concern among the other Israelites. It was intended as a witness between the tribes, not for sacrifices.

4. Shiloh
The place where the main tabernacle was located at the time, serving as the central place of worship for Israel.

5. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar the priest, who was sent with the delegation to address the issue of the altar with the eastern tribes.
Teaching Points
Unity in the Body of Believers
The tribes of Israel were concerned about maintaining unity and faithfulness to God. This teaches us the importance of addressing potential divisions within the church with grace and truth.

Intentions Matter
The eastern tribes had pure intentions in building the altar, which reminds us to seek understanding and clarity before making judgments about others' actions.

Communication and Reconciliation
The resolution of this conflict highlights the importance of open communication and seeking reconciliation when misunderstandings arise.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The concern of the western tribes reflects a commitment to God's commands regarding worship, reminding us to remain faithful to biblical teachings.

Witness to Future Generations
The altar was meant as a witness to future generations, emphasizing the importance of leaving a legacy of faith for those who come after us.Verse 21. - The thousands. See above, ver. 14.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Reubenites,
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

the Gadites,
וּבְנֵי־ (ū·ḇə·nê-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and the half-tribe
וַחֲצִ֖י (wa·ḥă·ṣî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

of Manasseh
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (ham·naš·šeh)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites

answered
וַֽיַּעֲנוּ֙ (way·ya·‘ă·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

the leaders
רָאשֵׁ֖י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the clans
אַלְפֵ֥י (’al·p̄ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: Joshua 22:21 Then the children of Reuben and (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 22:20
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