Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings and sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle.” New Living Translation Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD or turn away from him by building our own altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices. Only the altar of the LORD our God that stands in front of the Tabernacle may be used for that purpose.” English Standard Version Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away this day from following the LORD by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle!” Berean Standard Bible Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.” Berean Literal Bible Far be it from us that we should rebel against YHWH and turn this day from following YHWH to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, and for sacrifice, besides the altar of YHWH our God which is before His tabernacle.” King James Bible God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle. New King James Version Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn from following the LORD this day, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle.” New American Standard Bible Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle.” NASB 1995 “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle.” NASB 1977 “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle.” Legacy Standard Bible Far be it from us to rebel against Yahweh and turn away from following Yahweh this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of Yahweh our God which is before His tabernacle.” Amplified Bible Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle [in Shiloh].” Berean Annotated Bible Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD {YHWH} and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God {YHWH Elohenu}, which stands before His tabernacle. Christian Standard Bible We would never ever rebel against the LORD or turn away from him today by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which is in front of his tabernacle.” Holman Christian Standard Bible We would never rebel against the LORD or turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which is in front of His tabernacle.” American Standard Version Far be it from us that we should rebel against Jehovah, and turn away this day from following Jehovah, to build an altar for burnt-offering, for meal-offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of Jehovah our God that is before his tabernacle. English Revised Version God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn away this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offering, for meal offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle. GOD'S WORD® Translation It would be unthinkable for us to rebel against the LORD or to turn back today from following the LORD by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices in addition to the altar of the LORD our God that is in front of his tent." Good News Translation We would certainly not rebel against the LORD or stop following him now by building an altar to burn offerings on or for grain offerings or sacrifices. We would not build any other altar than the altar of the LORD our God that stands in front of the Tent of his presence." International Standard Version May we never rebel against the LORD today by building an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifice to replace the altar of the LORD our God which stands before his Tent."'" NET Bible Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD by turning back today from following after the LORD by building an altar for burnt offerings, sacrifices, and tokens of peace aside from the altar of the LORD our God located in front of his dwelling place!" New Heart English Bible Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn away this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offering, for meal offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle." Webster's Bible Translation Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt-offerings, for meat-offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFar be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.” World English Bible “Far be it from us that we should rebel against Yahweh, and turn away today from following Yahweh, to build an altar for burnt offering, for meal offering, or for sacrifice, besides Yahweh our God’s altar that is before his tabernacle!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFar be it from us to rebel against YHWH, and to turn back from after YHWH today, to build an altar for burnt-offering, for present, and for sacrifice, apart from the altar of our God YHWH, which [is] before His Dwelling Place.” Berean Literal Bible Far be it from us that we should rebel against YHWH and turn this day from following YHWH to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, and for sacrifice, besides the altar of YHWH our God which is before His tabernacle.” Young's Literal Translation Far be it from us to rebel against Jehovah, and to turn back to-day from after Jehovah, to build an altar for burnt-offering, for present, and for sacrifice, apart from the altar of Jehovah our God, which is before His tabernacle.' Smith's Literal Translation Wo to us from him to rebel against Jehovah, and to turn back this day from after Jehovah to build an altar for burnt-offering, for a gift and for sacrifice beside the altar of Jehovah our God which is before his tent. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGod keep us from any such wickedness that we should revolt from the Lord, and leave off following his steps, by building an altar to offer holocausts, and sacrifices, and victims, beside the altar of the Lord our God, which is erected before his tabernacle. Catholic Public Domain Version May this wickedness be far from us, such that we would withdraw from the Lord, and would forsake his paths, by constructing an altar to offer holocausts, and sacrifices, and victims, contrary to the altar of the Lord our God, which was built before his tabernacle.” New American Bible Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD or to turn now from following the LORD by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice in addition to the altar of the LORD, our God, which stands before his tabernacle.” New Revised Standard Version Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn away this day from following the LORD by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleGod forbid that we should reject the worship of the LORD, and turn away from revering him, and build for ourselves an altar for burnt offerings, for gift offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the LORD God of Israel that is before his tabernacle. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated God forbid us that we would reject the worship of LORD JEHOVAH and we would turn from the awe of LORD JEHOVAH and that we would build for ourselves an altar for burnt peace offering or for an offering or for a sacrifice apart from the altar of LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel that is in front of his Tabernacle!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn away this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt-offering, for meal-offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God that is before His tabernacle.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Far be it from us therefore that we should turn away from the Lord this day so as to apostatize from the Lord, so as that we should build an altar for burnt-offerings, and for peace-offerings, besides the altar of the Lord which is before his tabernacle. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Offensive Altar…28Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ 29Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.” 30When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation—the heads of Israel’s clans who were with him—heard what the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had to say, they were satisfied.… Cross References Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD Joshua 24:16 The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” Deuteronomy 9:7 Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD. and turn away from Him today Deuteronomy 29:18 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, Deuteronomy 30:17 But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 1 Kings 11:9 Now the LORD grew angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, 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. 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. 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. other than the altar of the LORD our God, Deuteronomy 12:5-6 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. 1 Kings 18:30-32 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. / And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 1 Chronicles 21:26 And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called upon the LORD, who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering. which stands before His tabernacle.” Exodus 40:29 He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him. Exodus 29:42 For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you. Leviticus 1:5 And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Deuteronomy 13:12-18 If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said / that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), / then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, … Treasury of Scripture God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle. God forbid Joshua 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; Genesis 44:7,17 And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing: … 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: to build Joshua 22:23,26 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; … Deuteronomy 12:13,14 Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: … 2 Kings 18:22 But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem? Jump to Previous Altar Besides Build Building Burnt Burnt-Offering Burnt-Offerings Meal Meal-Offering Meat Meat-Offerings Offering Offerings Rebel Sacrifice Sacrifices Tabernacle TurnJump to Next Altar Besides Build Building Burnt Burnt-Offering Burnt-Offerings Meal Meal-Offering Meat Meat-Offerings Offering Offerings Rebel Sacrifice Sacrifices Tabernacle 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 Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of rebellion against God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament. Rebellion against God is seen as a grave sin, often leading to severe consequences, as seen in the stories of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) and the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 14). The phrase reflects a deep commitment to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices other than the altar of the LORD our God which stands before His tabernacle. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)These tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River and were returning to their inheritance after helping the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan. 2. Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest He was sent by the Israelites to confront the Eastern tribes about the altar they built, fearing it was an act of rebellion against God. 3. The Altar of Witness The altar built by the Eastern tribes near the Jordan River, intended as a witness between them and the other Israelites that they all serve the same God. 4. The Tabernacle The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the altar of the LORD was located, signifying the proper place for sacrifices and offerings. 5. The Land of Canaan The Promised Land west of the Jordan River, where the majority of the Israelite tribes settled. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe altar was a symbol of unity among the tribes, reminding us of the importance of maintaining unity in our worship practices today. Guarding Against Idolatry The Israelites' concern over the altar reflects the need to guard against idolatry and ensure our worship aligns with God's commands. Zeal for God's Honor Phinehas' involvement shows the importance of being zealous for God's honor and purity in worship, a trait we should emulate. Communication and Understanding The resolution of the conflict through dialogue highlights the importance of communication and understanding in resolving disputes within the faith community. Witness to Future Generations The altar served as a witness to future generations, reminding us of the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 22:29?2. How does Joshua 22:29 emphasize the importance of loyalty to God's commands? 3. What can we learn about unity among tribes from Joshua 22:29? 4. How does this verse connect to the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. How can we apply the commitment shown in Joshua 22:29 to our lives? 6. What steps can we take to avoid "rebelling against the LORD"? 7. How does Joshua 22:29 address the issue of loyalty to God versus cultural pressures? 8. What historical context influenced the tribes' decision in Joshua 22:29? 9. How does Joshua 22:29 reflect the theme of unity among the Israelites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 22? 11. How did early Israelites fulfill the centralized requirement of bringing firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26) before a formal temple or priesthood was consistently established? 12. What evidence exists that these extensive rituals, detailed in Numbers 29, were historically observed or feasible at that scale? 13. How do we reconcile the building of a separate altar in Joshua 22:10 with earlier commands to worship at one central sanctuary? 14. Does Solomon's sacrifice at high places (1 Kings 3:2-3) conflict with scriptural bans on worship outside the central sanctuary? What Does Joshua 22:29 Mean Far be it from us to rebel- The eastern tribes immediately distance themselves from any hint of insurrection. Their language mirrors Moses’ warning that rebellion against the LORD invites swift judgment (Deuteronomy 13:12-15, “then you must investigate thoroughly…”). - “Far be it from us” reveals a heart posture: loyalty to covenant comes first; reputation before people is secondary (1 Samuel 12:23; Psalm 19:13). - True faith treasures obedience even when motives are misunderstood, echoing Peter’s resolve: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). and turn away from Him today - “Today” underscores urgency; drifting begins in a moment (Hebrews 3:12, “See to it… that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God”). - Joshua had just charged all Israel, “But if you ever turn away… you will perish” (Joshua 23:12-13). The tribes show they took that charge to heart. - Walking with the LORD is a present-tense commitment renewed daily (Luke 9:23). by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices - They specify the kind of altar forbidden: one that would host sacrificial worship. God allowed only one such altar for the nation (Leviticus 17:8-9). - Their newly built structure was intended as a witness, not a place of offerings (Joshua 22:27). Motive matters; deeds divorced from God’s design become offense (1 Corinthians 13:3). other than the altar of the LORD our God - Exclusivity safeguards purity. “You are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose… There bring your burnt offerings” (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). - Creating alternatives would fracture unity and invite syncretism, as later seen with Jeroboam’s golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). - The one altar anticipates the one Mediator: “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). which stands before His tabernacle - At this time the tabernacle rested in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). God’s tangible presence dwelt there: “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34). - Worship centers on where God dwells, not where people prefer (Psalm 84:1-4). - In Christ, the true tabernacle (John 1:14), believers now draw near “through the new and living way” (Hebrews 10:19-22). summary Joshua 22:29 records the eastern tribes’ firm denial of rebellion and their wholehearted affirmation of God’s exclusive worship pattern. They reject any altar that competes with the one at the tabernacle, choosing covenant faithfulness over convenience or appearance. The verse reminds believers today to guard against subtle drift, honor God’s prescribed means of worship, and keep Christ—the single, sufficient altar—in clear focus. Verse 29. - God forbid. Literally, profane or accursed to us be it from Him. So Keil, Gesenius, and Knobel. That we should rebel against the Lord. The embassy had the effect not only of eliciting an explanation, but of showing how earnest, at that time at least, the tribes of Israel were in the service of God. And we may learn here, as Robertson remarks of St. Paul's frank and explicit vindications of himself, the value of explanations. Many a misunderstanding would be averted, many a feeling of rankling displeasure, culminating in an inexcusable explosion of anger, might be avoided, nay, many an unjust suspicion against a fellow Christian's honesty and sincerity of purpose might be dispelled, if men would but follow the example of the ten tribes on this occasion, or lay to heart the words of our Lord in St. Matthew 18:15, "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Far be it from usחָלִילָה֩ (ḥā·lî·lāh) Interjection | third person feminine singular Strong's 2486: For, a profaned thing, far be it! to rebel לִמְרֹ֣ד (lim·rōḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 4775: To rebel against the LORD בַּֽיהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and turn away וְלָשׁ֤וּב (wə·lā·šūḇ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again from מִמֶּ֜נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of Him יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel today הַיּוֹם֙ (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day by building לִבְנ֣וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1129: To build an altar מִזְבֵּ֔חַ (miz·bê·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar for burnt offerings, לְעֹלָ֖ה (lə·‘ō·lāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering grain offerings, לְמִנְחָ֣ה (lə·min·ḥāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering or sacrifices, וּלְזָ֑בַח (ū·lə·zā·ḇaḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice other than מִלְּבַ֗ד (mil·lə·ḇaḏ) Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of the altar מִזְבַּח֙ (miz·baḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4196: An altar of the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel our God, אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative which [stands] אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face His tabernacle.” מִשְׁכָּנֽוֹ׃ (miš·kā·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle Links Joshua 22:29 NIVJoshua 22:29 NLT Joshua 22:29 ESV Joshua 22:29 NASB Joshua 22:29 KJV Joshua 22:29 BibleApps.com Joshua 22:29 Biblia Paralela Joshua 22:29 Chinese Bible Joshua 22:29 French Bible Joshua 22:29 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 22:29 Far be it from us that we (Josh. 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