Joshua 22:2

and told them, "You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you.

Study Bible

and told them
This phrase indicates a direct communication from Joshua to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Joshua, as the leader of Israel after Moses, is addressing these tribes who had settled on the east side of the Jordan River. This moment is significant as it reflects the unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, despite geographical separation.

“You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you
Moses, referred to as the "servant of the LORD," highlights his role as a faithful leader and prophet. The tribes had been given specific instructions by Moses to assist their fellow Israelites in conquering the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance. This obedience to Moses' command demonstrates their faithfulness to God's covenant and the importance of following divine leadership. It also reflects the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua, ensuring that God's plans are fulfilled.

and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you
Joshua commends the tribes for their obedience to his leadership, which was a continuation of Moses' authority. This obedience is crucial for maintaining the unity and success of the Israelite nation. It underscores the importance of following God's appointed leaders and the blessings that come from such obedience. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's commands as a pathway to blessing and prosperity, as seen throughout the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Moses
The servant of the LORD who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He gave the initial commands that Joshua refers to in this verse.

3. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes had settled on the east side of the Jordan River but had promised to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary for the Israelites, separating the land of Canaan from the territories east of the river.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Leadership
The tribes' obedience to both Moses and Joshua exemplifies the importance of respecting and following godly leadership. This obedience is a model for how Christians should respond to spiritual leaders today.

Faithfulness to Commitments
The tribes kept their promise to assist their fellow Israelites, demonstrating the value of faithfulness and integrity in fulfilling commitments.

Unity in Purpose
Despite geographical separation, the tribes worked together for a common goal, illustrating the power of unity within the body of Christ.

God's Faithfulness
The successful completion of their mission reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to trust in God's plans.

Legacy of Obedience
The obedience of these tribes set a precedent for future generations, reminding us that our actions can have lasting impacts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to Moses and Joshua challenge us in our own obedience to spiritual authority?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness to our commitments, both to God and to others, in our daily lives?

3. How can the unity displayed by these tribes serve as a model for unity within the church today?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. How does this encourage you to trust Him more?

5. What legacy of obedience are you leaving for future generations, and how can you be intentional about this?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage records Moses' command to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to help their fellow Israelites in battle, which Joshua references in Joshua 22:2.

Numbers 32:20-22
This passage details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad regarding their commitment to assist in the conquest of Canaan.

Hebrews 11:8-10
This New Testament passage highlights the faith and obedience of the patriarchs, which parallels the obedience of the tribes in Joshua 22:2.