Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If we have built our own altar to turn away from the LORD and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD himself call us to account. New Living Translation If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn away from the LORD or to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings, may the LORD himself punish us. English Standard Version for building an altar to turn away from following the LORD. Or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself take vengeance. Berean Standard Bible If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. Berean Literal Bible If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn from following YHWH, or if to offer on it burnt offerings or grain offerings, or if to offer on it peace offerings, YHWH Himself will require it. King James Bible That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; New King James Version If we have built ourselves an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer on it burnt offerings or grain offerings, or if to offer peace offerings on it, let the LORD Himself require an account. New American Standard Bible If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself demand it. NASB 1995 “If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it. NASB 1977 “If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it. Legacy Standard Bible If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from following Yahweh, or if to perform a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may Yahweh Himself require it. Amplified Bible If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn away from following the LORD, or if [we did so] to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it [of us and hold us responsible]. Berean Annotated Bible If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him {YHWH} and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. Christian Standard Bible that we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from him. May the LORD himself hold us accountable if we intended to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it. Holman Christian Standard Bible that we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him. May the LORD Himself hold us accountable if we intended to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it. American Standard Version that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Jehovah; or if to offer thereon burnt-offering or meal-offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace-offerings thereon, let Jehovah himself require it; Contemporary English Version and we ask the LORD to punish us if we are lying. We didn't build it so we could turn our backs on the LORD. We didn't even build it so we could offer animal or grain sacrifices to please the LORD or ask his blessing. English Revised Version that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; GOD'S WORD® Translation don't spare us today. If we built an altar with the intention of no longer following him, and if we built it for making burnt offerings, grain offerings, or fellowship offerings, let the LORD punish us. Good News Translation If we disobeyed the LORD and built our own altar to burn sacrifices on or to use for grain offerings or fellowship offerings, let the LORD himself punish us. International Standard Version If we have built an altar for ourselves intended to turn us away from following the LORD, or to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself demand an accounting from us! NET Bible If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn back from following the LORD by making burnt sacrifices and grain offerings on it, or by offering tokens of peace on it, the LORD himself will punish us. New Heart English Bible that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings, let the LORD himself require it. Webster's Bible Translation That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer on it burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or if to offer peace-offerings on it, let the LORD himself require it; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. World English Bible that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Yahweh; or if to offer burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings, let Yahweh himself require it. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version[If we] are building an altar for ourselves to turn back from after YHWH, and if to cause burnt-offering and present to go up on it, and if to make peace-offerings on it—YHWH Himself requires [it]. Berean Literal Bible If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn from following YHWH, or if to offer on it burnt offerings or grain offerings, or if to offer on it peace offerings, YHWH Himself will require it. Young's Literal Translation we are building for ourselves an altar to turn back from after Jehovah, and if to cause to go up on it burnt-offering and present, and if to make on it peace-offerings -- Jehovah Himself doth require it. Smith's Literal Translation To build to us an altar to turn back from after Jehovah, and if to bring up upon it a burnt-offering and a gift, and if to do upon it sacrifices of peace Jehovah he will search; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if we did it with that mind, that we might lay upon it holocausts, and sacrifice, and victims of peace offerings, let him require and judge: Catholic Public Domain Version And if we have acted with a mind so that we might present upon it holocausts, and sacrifice, and victims of peace offerings, let him inquire and judge. New American Bible and if we have built an altar of our own to turn from following the LORD, or to sacrifice burnt offerings, grain offerings, or communion sacrifices upon it, the LORD himself will exact the penalty. New Revised Standard Version for building an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or offerings of well-being on it, may the LORD himself take vengeance. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if we have built us an altar to turn from the worship of the LORD, or to offer upon it burnt offerings, or use it for any other service, let the LORD himself seek vengeance against us; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated If we build for ourselves an altar that we would turn from the worship of LORD JEHOVAH or that we would offer on it sacrifices or we serve another, LORD JEHOVAH shall be avenged against us OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer thereon burnt-offering or meal-offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace-offerings thereon, let the LORD Himself require it; Brenton Septuagint Translation And if we have built to ourselves an altar, so as to apostatize from the Lord our God, so as to offer upon it a sacrifice of whole-burnt-offerings, so as to offer upon it a sacrifice of peace-offering, - the Lord shall require it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Offensive Altar…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. 23If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. 24But in fact we have done this for fear that in the future your descendants might say to ours, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?… Cross References If we have built for ourselves an altar Deuteronomy 12:13-14 Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; / you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you. 1 Kings 12:28-30 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.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. Exodus 20:24-25 You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. / Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with stones shaped by tools; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it. to turn away from Him Deuteronomy 29:18-19 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit, / because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. Deuteronomy 13:5 Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you. Deuteronomy 30:17-18 But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, / I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, Numbers 28:3-8 And tell them that this is the food offering you are to present to the LORD as a regular burnt offering each day: two unblemished year-old male lambs. / Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight, / along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives. … Leviticus 1:3-4 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. Leviticus 2:1-2 “When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, / and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, Leviticus 3:1-5 “If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar. / From the peace offering he is to bring a food offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, … Leviticus 7:11-15 Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: / If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. / Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. … Deuteronomy 27:7 There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God. may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. Deuteronomy 18:19 And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. Ezekiel 33:6-8 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ / As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. Genesis 9:5 And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: Leviticus 17:8-9 Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice / but does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD, that man must be cut off from his people. Treasury of Scripture That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; let the Lord Genesis 9:4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Deuteronomy 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 1 Samuel 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. Jump to Previous Altar Building Built Burnt Burnt-Offering Cereal Meal Meat Meat-Offering Offer Offering Offerings Peace Peace-Offerings Require Sacrifice Sacrifices Thereon TurnJump to Next Altar Building Built Burnt Burnt-Offering Cereal Meal Meat Meat-Offering Offer Offering Offerings Peace Peace-Offerings Require Sacrifice Sacrifices Thereon TurnJoshua 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 If we have built for ourselves an altar In the context of Joshua 22, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan River. This act raised concerns among the other Israelite tribes, as it seemed to suggest a division in worship practices. In ancient Israel, the construction of altars was significant, as altars were central to worship and sacrifice. The Israelites were commanded to worship at the tabernacle, and later the temple, as the central place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). Building a separate altar could imply a break from the unified worship of Yahweh. to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it or to sacrifice peace offerings on it may the LORD Himself hold us accountable Persons / Places / Events 1. The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)These tribes settled on the east side of the Jordan River and built an altar, which led to a misunderstanding with the other Israelite tribes. 2. The Altar of Witness A large altar built by the Eastern tribes near the Jordan River, intended as a witness between them and the other tribes of Israel that they all serve the same God. 3. Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest Sent by the Israelites to confront the Eastern tribes about the altar, fearing it was a sign of rebellion against God. 4. The Jordan River The geographical boundary that separated the Eastern tribes from the rest of Israel, symbolizing potential division. 5. The Assembly of Israel The collective body of the remaining tribes who were concerned about the potential idolatry or rebellion represented by the altar. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe altar was a potential source of division, but it was intended as a symbol of unity. In our communities, we must ensure that our practices and symbols promote unity in worship rather than division. Intentions Matter The Eastern tribes' intentions were misunderstood. This teaches us the importance of clear communication and understanding others' intentions before jumping to conclusions. Accountability to God The tribes were willing to be held accountable by God if their actions were wrong. We should also live with a mindset of accountability to God for our actions and decisions. Avoiding Assumptions The initial reaction of the Israelites was based on assumptions. We should be cautious about making assumptions about others' actions without seeking clarification. Symbolic Reminders The altar served as a reminder of their shared faith. We can use symbols and practices in our lives to remind us of our commitments to God and each other. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 22:23?2. How does Joshua 22:23 emphasize the importance of loyalty to God alone? 3. What lessons on unity can we learn from Joshua 22:23's context? 4. How does Joshua 22:23 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we guard against false worship in our lives today? 6. How can Joshua 22:23 inspire us to maintain faithfulness in our communities? 7. What is the historical context of Joshua 22:23? 8. How does Joshua 22:23 address the issue of idolatry? 9. What theological implications arise from the actions described in Joshua 22:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 22? 11. What does the Bible teach about worship? 12. How do we reconcile the building of a separate altar in Joshua 22:10 with earlier commands to worship at one central sanctuary? 13. In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God? 14. Numbers 23:1-2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam's elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? What Does Joshua 22:23 Mean If we have built for ourselves an altar• The eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) had just returned home across the Jordan and erected a large altar (Joshua 22:10). • God had already set the pattern of one central altar at the tabernacle (Exodus 20:24; Deuteronomy 12:5-7). Any additional altar could appear to challenge that command. • By saying “if we have built,” they acknowledge the physical fact while leaving open the question of motive—inviting investigation rather than hiding their actions (Proverbs 28:13). to turn away from Him • “Turn away” signals the danger of apostasy—abandoning the LORD for convenience or new worship styles (Deuteronomy 29:18-20; Joshua 22:16). • The tribes insist they have no intention of defecting; they know from recent history (Numbers 25; Joshua 7) how quickly sin brings judgment. • Genuine faith remains loyal even when misunderstood (1 Samuel 12:20-22). and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it • Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1) symbolized total surrender; grain offerings (Leviticus 2) expressed gratitude. Both belonged at God’s chosen altar—now at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). • Setting up a rival site would undermine the priesthood and fracture national unity (Deuteronomy 12:13-14). • The tribes stress that they have not attempted to create a new worship center or invent “optional” ways to approach God (Isaiah 1:11-15 for the danger of unauthorized sacrifice). or to sacrifice peace offerings on it • Peace (fellowship) offerings celebrated communion with God and with one another (Leviticus 3; 7:11-15). • An altar for peace offerings away from God’s appointed place would imply a separate covenant community, breeding division (Psalm 133:1). • By mentioning peace offerings, they cover every major category of sacrifice—burnt, grain, peace—showing complete transparency (Acts 24:16 for a clear conscience). may the LORD Himself hold us accountable • They invoke God as immediate Judge, agreeing to suffer His wrath if their motives are wrong (Genesis 31:49-53; Deuteronomy 19:16-19). • This oath highlights confidence in their innocence and submission to divine authority (Hebrews 10:30). • Accountability before God is the ultimate safeguard for purity in worship (2 Corinthians 5:10). summary Joshua 22:23 records the eastern tribes’ solemn declaration: if their altar was meant as a rival place of sacrifice, they invite God’s judgment. In reality, the altar was a memorial witness to future generations, not an act of rebellion (Joshua 22:27-29). The verse teaches that true worship refuses any hint of competing with God’s prescribed way, values unity of the covenant community, and willingly submits to divine accountability. Verse 23. - Let the Lord himself require it. Or, the Lord, He shall exact, i.e., the penalty.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew If we have builtלִבְנ֥וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1129: To build for ourselves an altar מִזְבֵּ֔חַ (miz·bê·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar to turn away לָשׁ֖וּב (lā·šūḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again from מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י (mê·’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition-m Strong's 310: The hind or following part Him יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not to offer לְהַעֲל֨וֹת (lə·ha·‘ă·lō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively burnt offerings עוֹלָ֣ה (‘ō·w·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering and grain offerings וּמִנְחָ֗ה (ū·min·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering on it, עָלָ֜יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against or וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not to sacrifice לַעֲשׂ֤וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make fellowship שְׁלָמִ֔ים (šə·lā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8002: A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offering offerings זִבְחֵ֣י (ziḇ·ḥê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice on it, עָלָיו֙ (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against may the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Himself ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are hold us accountable. יְבַקֵּֽשׁ׃ (yə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after Links Joshua 22:23 NIVJoshua 22:23 NLT Joshua 22:23 ESV Joshua 22:23 NASB Joshua 22:23 KJV Joshua 22:23 BibleApps.com Joshua 22:23 Biblia Paralela Joshua 22:23 Chinese Bible Joshua 22:23 French Bible Joshua 22:23 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 22:23 That we have built us an altar (Josh. Jos) |
    |