If indeed the land of your inheritance is unclean, then cross over to the land of the LORD's possession, where the LORD's tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God. If indeed the land of your inheritance is uncleanThe phrase "land of your inheritance" refers to the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan River. In the Hebrew context, "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) signifies a divinely ordained portion, emphasizing God's sovereign distribution of the land. The concern about the land being "unclean" reflects a deep-seated fear of idolatry or practices that could defile the land, as seen in Levitical laws. This highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and fidelity to God’s commandments. then cross over to the land of the LORD’s possession where the LORD’s tabernacle stands and take a possession among us But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is addressing the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in this passage. 2. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh These tribes had settled on the east side of the Jordan River and were being questioned about their intentions in building an altar. 3. The Land of the LORD’s Possession Refers to the land west of the Jordan River, where the majority of the Israelites settled and where the tabernacle was located. 4. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, representing the central place of worship. 5. The Altar The central altar at the tabernacle was the only place where sacrifices were to be made, symbolizing unity in worship and obedience to God’s commands. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe passage underscores the importance of maintaining unity in worship practices. Just as the Israelites were to worship at one altar, Christians are called to unity in their faith and practices. Obedience to God’s Commands The concern about building another altar highlights the need for obedience to God’s instructions. Believers today are reminded to adhere to biblical teachings and not deviate from them. Community Accountability The tribes’ willingness to confront their brethren shows the importance of holding each other accountable in the faith community. Christians should lovingly address concerns within their church family. Purity of Worship The fear of rebellion against God by building another altar points to the need for purity in worship. Believers are encouraged to examine their worship practices to ensure they align with Scripture. Reconciliation and Understanding The passage encourages seeking understanding and reconciliation when conflicts arise. Open communication and seeking God’s guidance are vital in resolving misunderstandings. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Joshua 22:19 teach us about the importance of unity in worship, and how can we apply this principle in our church communities today?2. How does the concern for obedience to God’s commands in this passage relate to the way we approach Scripture in our daily lives? 3. In what ways can we practice community accountability within our faith communities, and why is it important? 4. How can we ensure that our worship remains pure and aligned with biblical teachings in a world with diverse religious practices? 5. What steps can we take to promote reconciliation and understanding when conflicts or misunderstandings arise within our church or community? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 12This chapter emphasizes the importance of having a central place of worship and warns against setting up unauthorized altars, which connects to the concern in Joshua 22:19 about maintaining unity and purity in worship. Leviticus 17 Discusses the regulations for sacrifices and the prohibition against offering sacrifices outside the designated place, reinforcing the idea of a single altar for worship. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul’s exhortation for unity among believers can be seen as a New Testament parallel to the call for unity in worship and obedience in Joshua 22:19.
People Achan, Eleazar, Gad, Gadites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Phinehas, Reuben, Reubenites, ZerahPlaces Bashan, Canaan, Gilead, Heshbon, Jordan River, Peor, ShilohTopics FALSE, Altar, Amongst, Beside, Besides, Building, Cross, Defiled, Dwelleth, Dwells, Heritage, Howbeit, However, Lord's, Midst, Notwithstanding, Pass, Possess, Possession, Rebel, Rebels, Share, Stands, Surely, Tabernacle, Tabernacled, Unclean, Wherein, Withstanding, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 22:19 5704 inheritance, material 6718 reconciliation, believers Library Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"Coming down from Syria, it would have been difficult to fix the exact spot where, in the view of the Rabbis, "the land" itself began. The boundary lines, though mentioned in four different documents, are not marked in anything like geographical order, but as ritual questions connected with them came up for theological discussion. For, to the Rabbis the precise limits of Palestine were chiefly interesting so far as they affected the religious obligations or privileges of a district. And in this respect … Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Third Sunday after Epiphany Trials of the Christian And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Joshua Links Joshua 22:19 NIVJoshua 22:19 NLT Joshua 22:19 ESV Joshua 22:19 NASB Joshua 22:19 KJV Joshua 22:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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