Joshua 22:16

KJV

Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass [is] this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the whole congregation {H5712} of the LORD {H3068}, What trespass {H4604} is this that ye have committed {H4603} against the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, to turn away {H7725} this day {H3117} from following {H310} the LORD {H3068}, in that ye have builded {H1129} you an altar {H4196}, that ye might rebel {H4775} this day {H3117} against the LORD {H3068}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is what the whole community of ADONAI is saying: 'What is this treachery that you have committed against the God of Isra'el, turning away today from following ADONAI, in that you have built yourselves an altar, thus rebelling today against ADONAI?

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day?

American Standard Version

Thus saith the whole congregation of Jehovah, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following Jehovah, in that ye have builded you an altar, to rebel this day against Jehovah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:16 captures the intense accusation leveled by the western tribes of Israel against their eastern counterparts. Having observed the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) building a large altar upon their return to their inheritance east of the Jordan, the western tribes, led by Phinehas, immediately feared an act of grave apostasy and rebellion against the LORD. This verse articulates their profound concern that such a "trespass" would jeopardize the spiritual purity and covenant relationship of the entire nation, potentially inviting divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 22:16 is situated within a pivotal narrative marking the conclusion of Israel's conquest and the division of the land. The eastern tribes, having faithfully assisted their brethren in securing the promised land west of the Jordan, are now returning to their own inheritance. Before crossing the river, they construct a prominent altar (as detailed in [Joshua 22:10](/joshua/22-10 "Joshua 22:10 - The Eastern Tribes Build an Altar")). This act, misunderstood by the western tribes, triggers an immediate and severe reaction. The western tribes dispatch a delegation, led by [Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest](/joshua/22-13 "Joshua 22:13 - Phinehas Leads the Delegation"), to confront what they perceive as a direct violation of God's law and a threat to the unity and purity of Israel's worship. The accusation in this verse sets the stage for the eastern tribes' subsequent explanation of their true intentions, found later in the chapter (e.g., [Joshua 22:28](/joshua/22-28 "Joshua 22:28 - The Eastern Tribes' Explanation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early period of Israelite settlement in Canaan, following the Mosaic Law given at Sinai. Central to this law was the command for a single, centralized place of worship and sacrifice, initially the Tabernacle (later the Temple), as prescribed in [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Prescribed Place of Worship"). Building an altar outside this designated sanctuary was strictly forbidden, as it could lead to idolatry, syncretism, or unauthorized worship practices, all of which were anathema to Yahwistic monotheism. The western tribes' intense reaction stems from a deep-seated fear of corporate judgment, vividly remembered from past transgressions like [Achan's sin](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences"), where one individual's disobedience brought severe consequences upon the entire nation. Their concern reflects the tribal and national identity inextricably linked to covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in the book of Joshua and the Deuteronomic history. Firstly, it highlights **The Seriousness of Apostasy**, revealing Israel's profound fear of turning away from the LORD, which was considered the ultimate betrayal of their covenant with God. Secondly, it emphasizes **Corporate Responsibility**, demonstrating that the "whole congregation" felt a collective duty for the spiritual well-being of all tribes, viewing the perceived sin of the eastern tribes as a direct threat to the entire nation's relationship with God and a potential trigger for divine wrath. Thirdly, the narrative, beginning with this accusation, perfectly illustrates the dangers of **Misunderstanding and Presumption**, as the western tribes immediately assumed the worst intentions without seeking clarification, leading to significant inter-tribal tension. Finally, it showcases **Zeal for God's Exclusivity**, reflecting the Israelites' fervent commitment to worshiping the LORD alone and preventing any perceived deviation into idolatry or unauthorized religious practice, which was a constant struggle throughout Israel's history, as seen in subsequent narratives like [1 Kings 12:25-33](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Jeroboam's Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ma'al'_):** This term (מַעַל) signifies an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or sacrilege, often involving a violation against God or holy things. It implies a deliberate act of turning away from covenant obligations, a profound disloyalty that defiles the community and can incur divine wrath. It is a serious charge, suggesting a profound spiritual offense against the very nature of God's covenant.
* **Rebel (Hebrew, _marad'_):** The word (מָרַד) means to revolt, to be rebellious, or to renounce allegiance. In this context, it strongly conveys the idea of defiance against established authority, specifically the divine authority of the LORD and His laws concerning worship. To "rebel" against the LORD is to challenge His sovereignty and reject His commands, an act of high treason in the covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD":** This opening phrase establishes the gravity and authority of the accusation. It is not merely an individual complaint but a collective declaration from the entire unified body of Israel, indicating a shared concern for covenant fidelity and national purity. This underscores the corporate nature of their faith and responsibility.
* **"What trespass [is] this that ye have committed against the God of Israel":** This is a rhetorical question, functioning as a direct and forceful accusation. The use of "trespass" (ma'al) immediately labels the eastern tribes' action as a profound act of unfaithfulness and sacrilege, a direct offense against the very God who delivered Israel and established the covenant with them.
* **"to turn away this day from following the LORD":** This clause specifies the nature of the perceived trespass: an immediate and deliberate act of apostasy. "Turning away" implies a conscious decision to abandon their loyalty and obedience to Yahweh, breaking the foundational command of the covenant to follow Him alone.
* **"in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?":** This final clause identifies the specific action that triggered the accusation – the construction of an altar – and interprets its intent as an act of rebellion. The repetition of "this day" emphasizes the perceived immediacy and audacity of their defiance, linking the physical act of building the altar directly to a spiritual act of rebellion against God's exclusive authority and prescribed worship.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 22:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the tension and gravity of the moment. The verse is framed as a **Rhetorical Question**, "What trespass [is] this... that ye might rebel...?", which is not posed to elicit information but to express a vehement accusation and condemnation. This rhetorical device emphasizes the outrage and certainty of the western tribes in their judgment. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience (and the eastern tribes themselves) knows the true, innocent purpose of the altar, while the western tribes remain tragically misinformed, creating suspense and highlighting the dangers of presumption. The repetition of phrases like "this day" and "against the LORD" serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the perceived immediacy and direct affront to God. Furthermore, the language used by the western tribes, particularly the terms "trespass" and "rebel," might be seen as **Hyperbole** or exaggeration, reflecting their heightened fear and zeal, which, though rooted in genuine concern for God's honor, leads them to jump to the worst possible conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 22:16 powerfully illustrates the profound importance of covenant fidelity and the dangers of perceived apostasy within the Israelite community. The western tribes' reaction, though based on a misunderstanding, underscores the theological principle that God demands exclusive worship and that any deviation from His prescribed ways is considered a grave offense. This incident highlights the corporate nature of Israel's covenant with God: the sin of a few could bring judgment upon the many, fostering a deep sense of collective responsibility for maintaining national purity. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of hasty judgment and the vital need for clear communication within the community of faith, demonstrating how assumptions can lead to severe conflict and threaten unity. The zeal for God's honor, while commendable, must be tempered with wisdom and a willingness to understand.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Command for Centralized Worship")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1-kings/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Warning Against Willful Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intense confrontation in Joshua 22:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder of the importance of seeking understanding and clarification before making accusations or passing judgment within the community of faith. Miscommunication, fueled by assumptions and a lack of charity, can lead to serious conflict and division, even among those who share the same core beliefs. While a fervent commitment to upholding God's commands and maintaining pure worship is commendable, this zeal must be exercised with discernment, humility, and a willingness to listen. The narrative underscores the interconnectedness of believers, reminding us that the actions of one part of the body can affect the whole, emphasizing the need for unity, accountability, and a spirit of grace in addressing perceived wrongs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we balance a zealous commitment to biblical truth with a charitable and understanding approach to others, especially when their actions are unclear or seem questionable?**
* **What are the dangers of presumption and miscommunication in our relationships, both within the church and outside of it? How can we cultivate a culture of open dialogue and clarification?**
* **In what ways does the concept of corporate responsibility, as seen in Israel, apply to the Christian community today? How do our individual actions impact the spiritual well-being of the whole?**
* **Reflecting on the western tribes' fear of "turning away from following the LORD," in what subtle or overt ways might we unintentionally "turn away" from Him in our daily lives or in our pursuit of spiritual practices?**

### FAQ
**Why were the western tribes so quick to assume the worst intentions from their brethren?**

Answer: The western tribes' swift and severe reaction stemmed from a combination of factors rooted in their recent history and the Mosaic Law. Firstly, they had a vivid memory of [Achan's sin](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences"), where one man's transgression brought devastating corporate judgment upon the entire nation. This instilled a deep fear of divine wrath for communal sin. Secondly, the Mosaic Law strictly prohibited building altars for sacrifice outside the designated central sanctuary, which at this time was the Tabernacle at Shiloh (see [Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Law of Centralized Worship")). Any deviation was seen as a direct act of apostasy or idolatry, threatening the purity of their worship and their unique covenant relationship with the LORD. Their zeal for God's exclusivity and their national identity as His chosen people led them to jump to the worst possible conclusion, prioritizing immediate confrontation over initial inquiry.

**What was the actual purpose of the altar built by the eastern tribes, if not for illicit sacrifice?**

Answer: As revealed later in the narrative (specifically [Joshua 22:27-28](/joshua/22-27 "Joshua 22:27-28 - The Eastern Tribes' Explanation of the Altar")), the eastern tribes built the altar not for sacrifice, but as a "witness" (Hebrew: *'ed*) between themselves and the western tribes. Their concern was that in future generations, their descendants, living across the Jordan, might be perceived as separate from the main body of Israel and thus denied access to the central sanctuary and the LORD's worship. The altar was intended as a permanent, visible reminder and testimony that they, too, were part of the LORD's people and had a share in His covenant and worship, ensuring their future generations would not be cut off from the God of Israel. It was a monument to unity, not division.

**Does this story teach us anything about church unity or conflict resolution today?**

Answer: Absolutely. The narrative of Joshua 22:16 and the ensuing resolution offers profound lessons for church unity and conflict resolution. It highlights the critical importance of clear communication and the dangers of hasty judgment based on assumptions. The western tribes' initial reaction demonstrates how zeal, even for a righteous cause, can lead to misunderstanding and division if not tempered with a spirit of inquiry and charity. The story underscores the need for believers to listen to one another, seek clarification, and prioritize understanding over immediate condemnation when disagreements or perceived offenses arise. It teaches that unity is preserved not by ignoring potential issues, but by addressing them directly, yet with patience, humility, and a commitment to seeking the truth and preserving the bonds of fellowship (cf. [Ephesians 4:2-3](/ephesians/4-2 "Ephesians 4:2-3 - Preserving Unity in the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intense fear of "trespass" and "rebellion" against the LORD, so palpable in Joshua 22:16, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very problem of humanity's turning away from God, our inherent rebellion and unfaithfulness (as described in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), is addressed not by human altars or fearful accusations, but by the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus, as our Great High Priest, offered Himself once for all, becoming the ultimate altar and the perfect atonement for our sins, thereby removing the corporate guilt that Israel so dreaded (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). He is the true "witness" (as seen in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")) who testifies to God's grace and brings all believers, regardless of their earthly divisions, into one unified body, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Unifier")). The zeal for God's purity, once expressed through strict adherence to the Law and fear of external altars, is now fulfilled in the spiritual purity and righteousness found only through faith in Christ, who makes us holy and blameless before God ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 12:13

Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:

Deuteronomy 12:14

But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.