Joshua 22:1

KJV

¶ Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Joshua {H3091} called {H7121} the Reubenites {H7206}, and the Gadites {H1425}, and the half {H2677} tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Y'hoshua called the Re'uveni, the Gadi and the half-tribe of M'nasheh,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh

American Standard Version

Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:1 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history, depicting Joshua's formal summons of the Transjordanian tribes—the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh—for their dismissal. This action signifies the successful completion of their military obligations in the conquest of Canaan, fulfilling a solemn vow made years earlier to their brethren and to God. It initiates their return to their inherited territories east of the Jordan River, underscoring themes of covenant fidelity, national unity, and the culmination of a significant phase in the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 22:1 opens the final major section of the book of Joshua, transitioning from the division of the land (Joshua 13-21) to the formal dismissal of the Transjordanian tribes and the subsequent challenge to national unity. Chapters 1-12 detail the conquest of Canaan, while chapters 13-21 describe the allocation of land among the twelve tribes. Chapter 21 concludes with a summary of God's faithfulness in granting Israel rest and fulfilling all His promises. Joshua 22:1 immediately follows this summary, setting the stage for the return of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to their inheritance east of the Jordan, an arrangement first made with Moses in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - Settlement of Reuben and Gad") and reiterated by Joshua in [Joshua 1:12-18](/joshua/1-12 "Joshua 1:12-18 - Joshua's Charge to the Transjordanian Tribes"). The subsequent narrative in [Joshua 22:10-34](/joshua/22-10 "Joshua 22:10-34 - The Altar of Witness") details the misunderstanding and conflict that arises from their building of an altar, highlighting the ongoing challenges to maintaining unity and proper worship within the newly settled nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, during the late Bronze Age (roughly 1400-1200 BC). Israel was transitioning from a nomadic confederation to a settled nation, establishing its presence among various Canaanite city-states. The concept of tribal identity and inheritance was paramount, deeply intertwined with their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Jordan River served as a significant geographical and, at times, symbolic boundary. The Transjordanian tribes had chosen land on the eastern side, a decision made before the main conquest, but they had sworn an oath to participate in the conquest of the western side first. This oath was a critical cultural and religious commitment, binding them to the rest of the Israelite confederation. Joshua's formal summons and dismissal would have been a public, official act, akin to a military discharge, recognizing their service and releasing them to their homes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Joshua and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the **Fulfillment of Covenant and Promise**, as the Transjordanian tribes honor their commitment to fight alongside their brethren, echoing God's own faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel regarding the land, as seen in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Fulfillment of Promises"). It also underscores the crucial theme of **National Unity and Solidarity** among the twelve tribes, emphasizing that despite geographical separation, they remained one people under God, bound by common purpose and covenant. Their participation in the conquest was a tangible expression of this unity. Finally, the verse highlights **Joshua's Leadership**, demonstrating his role as the divinely appointed successor to Moses, exercising authority to dismiss troops, give counsel, and maintain order within the nascent nation, reflecting the charge given to him in [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The Hebrew verb קָרָא (_qara'_) here signifies more than a casual invitation; it denotes a formal summons, a proclamation, or a convocation. This suggests an official assembly, highlighting the gravity and importance of the occasion. Joshua, as the leader, is exercising his authority to gather these specific tribes for a significant public address, marking a formal conclusion to their shared military campaign and their release from service.
* **Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (Hebrew, _Re'uveni, Gadi, chatzi shevet Menasheh_):** These are the tribal names of the two and a half tribes who had chosen their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River (Transjordan). Their specific mention underscores their distinct identity within Israel while simultaneously emphasizing their integral role in the unified conquest. Their inclusion here serves as a reminder of their unique geographical position and the solemn oath they took to assist their brethren before settling their own land, a commitment detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Tribes' Request").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Joshua called":** This phrase establishes Joshua's decisive action and leadership at a critical juncture. "Then" indicates a temporal progression, following the successful completion of the land's division. Joshua, as the divinely appointed leader, takes the initiative to formally address these tribes, signifying the culmination of their shared military endeavor and the transition to a new phase of national life.
* **"the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh":** This enumeration precisely identifies the specific tribes being addressed. Their collective summons highlights their unique status as the tribes whose inheritance lay outside the primary land of Canaan west of the Jordan. Their presence signifies the fulfillment of their long-standing pledge to their fellow Israelites, a testament to their faithfulness and the unity of the twelve tribes.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 22:1 functions primarily as a **Narrative Transition**, marking a distinct shift in the book's focus from conquest and land division to the challenges of maintaining national and religious unity. The verse employs **Enumeration** by explicitly listing the three specific tribes, drawing attention to their distinct identity and their collective participation in the preceding events. This enumeration also serves to remind the reader of the long-standing covenant made with these tribes regarding their commitment to the conquest. The act of "calling" itself, as performed by Joshua, highlights **Leadership** and **Authority**, underscoring Joshua's role in orchestrating the final stages of Israel's settlement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 22:1 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness and the importance of keeping one's word. The dismissal of the Transjordanian tribes, after their loyal service, is a testament to the integrity of both the tribes in fulfilling their solemn vow and of Joshua in acknowledging their contribution and releasing them. This act emphasizes that obedience to God's commands and faithfulness to human commitments are foundational to a thriving community and a right relationship with the divine. It foreshadows the ongoing challenge for Israel to remain united and faithful to Yahweh, even as they settle into their distinct tribal inheritances. The unity displayed in their shared military effort serves as a powerful model for the solidarity required to maintain the spiritual and national identity of God's people.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Righteous Who Keep Their Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 22:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding integrity, commitment, and the strength found in corporate unity. The unwavering faithfulness of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in fulfilling their arduous military service, despite their homes being across the Jordan, challenges us to consider our own commitments. Are we as diligent in honoring our vows, whether to God, to family, or to community? This passage reminds us that true integrity is demonstrated not just in making promises, but in seeing them through, even when it requires significant sacrifice or prolonged effort. Furthermore, the solidarity displayed by these tribes in fighting for the entire nation underscores the vital importance of unity within the body of Christ. Our individual callings and gifts, though diverse, are meant to serve the common good and advance the kingdom of God collectively. We are called to bear one another's burdens and to work together, reflecting the unified purpose of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments have I made to God or others that I need to faithfully see through, even if it requires personal sacrifice?**
* **How can I better contribute to the unity and solidarity of my faith community, even when my personal circumstances might seem to pull me in a different direction?**
* **In what ways does Joshua's leadership in this verse inspire or challenge my own leadership or followership within my spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh dismissed separately?**

Answer: These tribes had a unique arrangement whereby they received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, a decision made during Moses' leadership as recorded in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Tribes' Request for Land"). However, they made a solemn vow to join the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan (west of the Jordan) before returning to their own land. Joshua's dismissal in [Joshua 22:1](/joshua/22-1 "Joshua 22:1 - Joshua Dismisses the Transjordanian Tribes") formally acknowledges the fulfillment of this vow and releases them from their military obligations, allowing them to return home. Their separate dismissal highlights their distinct geographical inheritance while affirming their integral role in the unified Israelite nation.

**What was the significance of their service in the conquest?**

Answer: The service of the Transjordanian tribes was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated their **faithfulness to their covenant vow** made to Moses and their brethren, reinforcing the importance of integrity and keeping one's word within the Israelite community, as emphasized in passages like [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows"). Second, their participation ensured **national unity and solidarity** during a critical period. Despite having their land already secured, they fought alongside the other tribes, signifying that Israel was one people with a common purpose under God, not merely a collection of independent tribal entities. This unity was crucial for the successful and complete conquest of the Promised Land, as detailed throughout [Joshua 1-12](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 22:1, while a historical account of tribal dismissal, subtly points to Christ in its underlying themes of faithfulness, fulfillment, and unity. Joshua, as the leader who brings Israel into their promised rest, serves as a type of Christ, the greater Joshua who leads His people into an eternal rest and inheritance. Just as the Transjordanian tribes faithfully fulfilled their commitment to fight alongside their brethren, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and every divine promise, not for His own inheritance, but for ours, ultimately securing our eternal dwelling place. His obedience, even unto death on the cross, is the ultimate act of faithfulness, as seen in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"). The unity of Israel, though imperfectly maintained, foreshadows the perfect unity found in the body of Christ, the Church, where believers from every tribe and nation are gathered into one family through His reconciling work, as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). Christ is the one who "calls" His disciples, not to a temporary military campaign, but to an eternal mission of making disciples of all nations, promising His presence until the very end, as stated in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all promises, the one who brings His people into their true and everlasting inheritance, a rest far greater than any earthly land, as promised in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 32:18

We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.

Numbers 32:33

And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

Deuteronomy 29:7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

Deuteronomy 29:8

And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.