Joshua 22:19

KJV

Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession [be] unclean, [then] pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding {H389}, if the land {H776} of your possession {H272} be unclean {H2931}, then pass ye over {H5674} unto the land {H776} of the possession {H272} of the LORD {H3068}, wherein the LORD'S {H3068} tabernacle {H4908} dwelleth {H7931}, and take possession {H270} among {H8432} us: but rebel {H4775} not against the LORD {H3068}, nor {H408} rebel {H4775} against us, in building {H1129} you an altar {H4196} beside {H1107} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the land you have taken possession of is unclean, then cross back over into the land which belongs to ADONAI, where the tabernacle of ADONAI is located, and take a possession among us. But don't rebel against ADONAI, and don't rebel against us, by building yourselves an altar other than the altar of ADONAI our God.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Howbeit, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of Jehovah, wherein Jehovah’s tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against Jehovah, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:19 captures a pivotal moment of inter-tribal tension within Israel, where the western tribes, led by Phinehas, confront the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) regarding the construction of a large altar east of the Jordan. This verse articulates the western tribes' profound concern for Israel's spiritual purity and unity, offering the Transjordanian tribes the option to resettle in the "clean" land west of the Jordan, where the Tabernacle resided, if their own inheritance was deemed ritually impure. Simultaneously, it delivers a stark warning against rebellion against the LORD and the collective covenant, emphasizing the gravity of establishing a rival place of worship that could fracture the nation's allegiance to its one true God and central sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 22 marks a critical transition point in the book of Joshua. Following the successful conquest of Canaan and the division of the land among the tribes, the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—are honorably discharged by Joshua to return to their inheritance east of the Jordan River, having fulfilled their vow to assist their brethren in battle ([Joshua 22:1-6](/joshua/22-1 "Joshua 22:1-6 - Joshua's Charge to the Eastern Tribes")). As they depart, they erect a large, conspicuous altar by the Jordan. This act immediately provokes alarm and outrage among the western tribes, who perceive it as an act of apostasy and rebellion against the LORD, a direct violation of the Mosaic Law's injunction for a single central sanctuary ([Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Central Place of Worship")). Joshua 22:19 is part of the delegation's stern rebuke, led by Phinehas, sent from Shiloh to confront the eastern tribes, expressing their fear that this act would bring God's wrath upon the entire community, echoing past national sins.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law, centered on the worship of Yahweh as the one true God, with a singular, divinely appointed place for sacrificial worship—first the Tabernacle (at Shiloh during this period, as seen in [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")), and later the Temple in Jerusalem. This centralization was crucial for maintaining theological purity, national unity, and preventing syncretism or idolatry, which were constant temptations from surrounding pagan cultures. The land itself could be considered ritually "clean" or "unclean" based on its association with God's presence or the practices of its inhabitants. The western tribes' offer to share their "clean" land underscores their deep concern for ritual purity and their belief that the Transjordanian land might be considered "unclean" due to its distance from the Tabernacle or its proximity to pagan influences, thus hindering proper worship.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates the themes of **national and spiritual unity** under God, emphasizing the imperative of a single, unified worship system to prevent fragmentation and apostasy. It highlights the profound **fear of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness** that permeated Israelite consciousness, stemming from historical precedents like the [golden calf incident](/exodus/32-8 "Exodus 32:8 - The Golden Calf") and the consequences of Baal worship. The western tribes' concern for the eastern tribes' spiritual well-being, even to the point of offering shared land, demonstrates a strong commitment to **communal responsibility and inter-tribal solidarity** in upholding the covenant. Finally, the repeated warning against "rebellion" underscores the gravity with which any deviation from God's prescribed worship was viewed, not merely as disobedience but as a direct challenge to divine authority and a threat to the entire nation's standing before God, echoing the consequences seen in the [incident at Peor](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1 - The Sin at Peor") or the rebellion of Korah ([Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭāmē'_):** This term (טָמֵא) denotes ritual impurity, a state that renders a person, object, or place unfit for sacred use or for approaching God's presence. It's a broad concept encompassing various forms of defilement (e.g., contact with a corpse, certain skin diseases, bodily discharges). In this context, the western tribes are suggesting a theological possibility: that the land east of the Jordan, being geographically separated from the Tabernacle and potentially influenced by pagan territories, might be considered ritually "unclean" in a way that would impede proper covenant worship. This highlights the deep Israelite understanding of land purity as tied to God's presence and prescribed worship.
* **Rebel (Hebrew, _mārad'_):** The verb (מָרַד) is a strong term signifying open defiance, revolt, or apostasy. It implies a deliberate breaking away from legitimate authority, whether human or divine. Here, it is used twice, first in "rebel not against the LORD," indicating a direct affront to God's sovereignty and covenant commands, and then "nor rebel against us," implying a rebellion against the unified Israelite community and its established religious order. The repetition underscores the gravity of the perceived offense and the severe consequences associated with such an act in Israelite theology.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession [be] unclean, [then] pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us:"** This clause reveals the western tribes' profound concern and their proposed solution to what they perceived as a spiritual crisis. They offer a radical alternative: if the Transjordanian land is somehow ritually defiled or unsuitable for proper worship due to its distance from the central sanctuary, then the eastern tribes should abandon their inheritance and resettle among the western tribes. This demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the centrality of the Tabernacle (then at Shiloh, the "land of the possession of the LORD") as the sole legitimate place for national worship and atonement, believing that proximity to God's dwelling was essential for covenant faithfulness.
* **"but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God."** This is the core accusation and warning. The construction of a second altar is explicitly equated with "rebellion" (מָרַד), a term carrying immense theological weight. To "rebel against the LORD" means to defy His direct commands regarding worship and His unique sovereignty over Israel. To "rebel against us" implies a breaking of national unity and a challenge to the collective covenant relationship with God. The phrase "beside the altar of the LORD our God" highlights the perceived rivalry—not merely another altar, but one that stands in opposition or competition to the one legitimate altar at the Tabernacle, threatening to splinter Israel's worship and allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Address** and **Rhetorical Question** (implied in the accusation) are used by Phinehas to directly confront the eastern tribes, creating a sense of urgency and gravity. The repeated use of the word "rebel" (מָרַד) serves as a powerful **Repetition** (or Anaphora if it were at the start of clauses), emphasizing the severe nature of the perceived offense and its implications for both divine authority and national unity. The phrase "land of the possession of the LORD" functions as a **Metonymy** for the land where the Tabernacle resides and where God's presence is uniquely manifested, contrasting it with the potentially "unclean" Transjordanian territory. The entire speech, of which this verse is a part, is a form of **Exhortation** and **Warning**, designed to persuade the eastern tribes to abandon their perceived rebellion and return to covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 22:19 profoundly underscores the Old Testament emphasis on the singularity and centrality of worship for the people of Israel. The construction of a rival altar, even if intended for good, was seen as a direct challenge to God's command for one central sanctuary, a principle vital for maintaining the nation's spiritual purity and unity. This incident highlights the deep concern within Israel for covenant fidelity and the severe consequences of perceived apostasy, demonstrating how quickly a misunderstanding could escalate into a theological crisis. The western tribes' offer to share their "clean" land reveals a profound understanding of the land's sacred character as intrinsically linked to God's dwelling place and the proper performance of atonement. Ultimately, the passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of clear communication, communal accountability, and unwavering devotion to God's prescribed ways of worship to preserve the integrity of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Central Place of Worship")
* [Leviticus 17:8-9](/leviticus/17-8 "Leviticus 17:8-9 - Prohibition of Sacrifices Outside the Tabernacle")
* [Numbers 16:1-3](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1-3 - Korah's Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The confrontation in Joshua 22:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today concerning unity, understanding, and faithful worship. Just as the western tribes were zealous for the honor of God and the purity of Israel's worship, we are called to be vigilant against anything that might compromise biblical truth or create unnecessary division within the body of Christ. This passage reminds us that our actions, even those with good intentions, can be misinterpreted and cause significant strife if not communicated clearly and aligned with established biblical principles. It challenges us to prioritize the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, seeking understanding and reconciliation before judgment. We are invited to reflect on whether our own "altars" of personal preference or secondary issues ever threaten to overshadow the central "altar" of Christ's sacrifice and the shared worship of God. Our ultimate allegiance must be to the Lord and His revealed will, always striving to build up the church in love and truth, rather than creating fractures or undermining the collective witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the western tribes' concern for unity and pure worship resonate with the challenges facing the church today?**
* **What "altars" or practices in our lives or communities might be perceived as divisive or contrary to God's established ways?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of communication and understanding to prevent misunderstandings from escalating into conflict within our spiritual communities?**
* **In what ways does our commitment to a "clean" or holy life reflect our proximity to the "Tabernacle" of God's presence today?**

### FAQ

**Why was building another altar considered "rebellion" if the eastern tribes claimed it was for remembrance?**

Answer: The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Centralization of Worship"), explicitly commanded Israel to worship God at one designated central sanctuary where the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) resided. This was to prevent idolatry, syncretism, and the fragmentation of worship that could lead to spiritual apostasy. Building another altar, regardless of intent, was perceived by the western tribes as a direct violation of this command, an act of defiance against God's established order, and a move towards establishing a rival place of worship. Even if the eastern tribes' intentions were pure (which they later explained in [Joshua 22:26-29](/joshua/22-26 "Joshua 22:26-29 - The Explanation of the Altar")), the act itself carried the appearance of rebellion and threatened the theological and national unity of Israel.

**What does "if the land of your possession be unclean" mean in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite thought, "unclean" (Hebrew: _ṭāmē'_) referred to a state of ritual impurity that rendered a person or place unfit for sacred activities or for approaching God. The western tribes' offer in [Joshua 22:19](/joshua/22-19 "Joshua 22:19 - The Offer of Clean Land") suggests a theological concern that the land east of the Jordan, being geographically distant from the Tabernacle and potentially influenced by surrounding pagan nations, might be considered ritually compromised or less conducive to proper covenant worship. They were offering to share their "clean" land (west of the Jordan, where the Tabernacle was located at Shiloh, as mentioned in [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")) as a solution, demonstrating their belief that proximity to God's dwelling place was essential for maintaining ritual purity and covenant faithfulness. It wasn't necessarily an accusation of actual defilement, but a hypothetical scenario presented out of deep spiritual concern.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 22:19, with its emphasis on a singular, central place of worship and the grave warning against rebellion, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Testament Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as a type and shadow of the ultimate "dwelling place of the LORD" found in Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect [Tabernacle](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very presence of God "tabernacling" among us. The concern for a "clean" land, where God's presence resided and atonement was made, is fulfilled in Christ, who, through His perfect sacrifice, cleanses us from all sin and makes us holy, enabling us to approach God directly ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ Our High Priest")). Furthermore, the unity of Israel, so fiercely protected in this passage, is realized in the New Testament church, which is the [body of Christ](/ephesians/4-4 "Ephesians 4:4 - One Body, One Spirit"), built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Any "rebellion" against God's established way of worship, which in the Old Covenant was building a rival altar, is now understood as a rejection of Christ, who is the [only way to the Father](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Our worship is no longer tied to a physical location but is to be offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), centered entirely on the person and work of Jesus, who is both our High Priest and our ultimate sacrifice, forever uniting us to God.

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

Joshua 18:1

¶ And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

2 Chronicles 11:13

¶ And the priests and the Levites that [were] in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.

Exodus 15:17

Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, [in] the place, O LORD, [which] thou hast made for thee to dwell in, [in] the Sanctuary, O Lord, [which] thy hands have established.

Acts 10:14

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

Acts 10:15

And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Deuteronomy 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: