Joshua 22:22

"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.

Study Bible

The LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, He knows
This phrase begins with a powerful declaration of God's identity and omniscience. The repetition of "The LORD, the Mighty One, God" emphasizes the supreme authority and power of Yahweh. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal presence and faithfulness. "Mighty One" translates to "El," a term denoting strength and might, often used to describe God's power in creation and deliverance. The repetition underscores the seriousness of the declaration and the acknowledgment of God's ultimate knowledge and judgment. This phrase sets the tone for the sincerity and gravity of the statement that follows, as the tribes appeal to God's omniscience to affirm their innocence.

and may Israel also know!
Here, the plea extends to the nation of Israel, seeking their understanding and acknowledgment of the truth. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. The speakers desire that Israel, as a community, recognizes their intentions and actions as pure and aligned with God's will. This reflects a deep concern for unity and integrity within the covenant community, emphasizing the importance of transparency and mutual understanding among God's people.

If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the LORD
The phrase introduces a conditional statement, acknowledging the possibility of wrongdoing. "Rebellion" and "disobedience" are serious charges, indicating a breach of covenant loyalty. In Hebrew, "rebellion" is "mara," suggesting a willful defiance against God's authority, while "disobedience" is "ma'al," often associated with treachery or unfaithfulness. The speakers are willing to confront these accusations head-on, demonstrating their commitment to uphold God's covenant and their readiness to be held accountable if found guilty.

do not spare us today
This phrase is a bold declaration of accountability and submission to divine justice. The speakers express their willingness to accept the consequences if they have indeed acted against God's commands. The Hebrew concept here is one of complete surrender to God's righteous judgment, trusting in His fairness and mercy. This reflects a profound faith in God's justice and a desire to maintain the purity and holiness of the community, even at personal cost. It underscores the seriousness with which they regard their covenant relationship with God and their fellow Israelites.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is acknowledged as the supreme God above all.

2. The Transjordan Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)
These tribes settled east of the Jordan River and built an altar, which led to a misunderstanding with the other tribes of Israel.

3. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar the priest, who was sent to investigate the intentions behind the altar built by the Transjordan tribes.

4. Israel
The collective nation of God's chosen people, who were concerned about potential rebellion against God.

5. The Altar
Constructed by the Transjordan tribes as a witness between them and the other Israelites, not for sacrifices, but as a symbol of unity and shared faith.

Teaching Points

God's Omniscience
God knows the intentions of our hearts. We should live transparently before Him, understanding that nothing is hidden from His sight.

Unity Among Believers
Misunderstandings can arise even among God's people. It is crucial to seek clarity and maintain unity, as the Transjordan tribes did by explaining their actions.

The Importance of Intentions
Our actions should align with our intentions to honor God. We must regularly examine our motives to ensure they are pure and God-honoring.

Accountability
Being accountable to one another in the faith community helps prevent rebellion and encourages righteousness. The Israelites' approach to the Transjordan tribes exemplifies this principle.

Reconciliation
When conflicts arise, seek reconciliation through open communication and a shared commitment to God's truth, as demonstrated by the resolution between the tribes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the acknowledgment of God as "the God of gods" in Joshua 22:22 influence our understanding of His sovereignty in our lives?

2. What steps can we take to ensure that our intentions align with our actions in our daily walk with God?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking clarity and understanding in our relationships with fellow believers when misunderstandings occur?

4. In what ways can we hold each other accountable within our faith communities to prevent spiritual rebellion?

5. How does the resolution between the Transjordan tribes and the rest of Israel in Joshua 22 inform our approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
The Shema, which emphasizes the oneness of God and the call to love Him with all one's heart, soul, and strength, relates to the acknowledgment of God as supreme in Joshua 22:22.

1 Samuel 16:7
God's ability to see the heart, as He knows the true intentions behind actions, connects to the plea for God to know the truth in Joshua 22:22.

Psalm 44:21
This verse speaks of God knowing the secrets of the heart, reinforcing the idea that God is aware of the true motives behind the actions of the Transjordan tribes.