Joshua 22:21

¶ Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Then the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205} and the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410} and the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519} answered {H6030}, and said {H1696} unto the heads {H7218} of the thousands {H505} of Israel {H3478},

Then the descendants of Re'uven, the descendants of Gad and the half-tribe of M'nasheh answered the leaders of the thousands of Isra'el:

Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spake unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Commentary

Context of Joshua 22:21

This verse marks a pivotal moment in a significant dispute among the Israelite tribes shortly after their conquest of Canaan and the distribution of the land. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had inherited land east of the Jordan River, had built a large, conspicuous altar near the Jordan on their return journey. This act was immediately perceived by the other Israelite tribes, who settled west of the Jordan, as an act of apostasy and rebellion against the Lord, threatening to break the covenant and invite divine wrath upon all Israel. The western tribes, fearing a repeat of past disobedience (like the incident at Peor, Numbers 25:3), had gathered for war and sent a powerful delegation led by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, along with ten princes, to confront the eastern tribes. Joshua 22:12 shows their readiness for conflict. Joshua 22:21 begins the long-awaited response from the accused tribes, setting the stage for their defense and clarification.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Communication: This verse initiates a crucial dialogue that prevents civil war. It underscores the importance of open communication and seeking clarification before judgment, especially when deeply held beliefs or communal laws are perceived to be violated.
  • Unity and Allegiance to God: The immediate and strong reaction of the western tribes highlights the paramount importance of maintaining Israel's unity under God and strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly regarding proper worship at the tabernacle. Any deviation was seen as a threat to the entire nation's relationship with Yahweh.
  • Addressing Misunderstanding: The dramatic tension built up in the preceding verses (Joshua 22:10-20) is poised for resolution here. The verse shows the accused parties stepping forward to address the serious accusations leveled against them, emphasizing the need to correct misunderstandings that can lead to division and conflict.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "heads of the thousands of Israel" refers to the principal leaders or representatives of the various tribal divisions. In ancient Israel, the population was often organized into units of "thousands," "hundreds," "fifties," and "tens," with "heads" or chiefs overseeing them. This indicates that the delegation sent from the western tribes was highly official and representative of the entire congregation of Israel, emphasizing the gravity of the accusation and the formal nature of the confrontation. The response from the Transjordanian tribes is therefore directed to the highest levels of authority from the other side.

Practical Application

Joshua 22:21 offers valuable lessons for today. It reminds us of the dangers of drawing hasty conclusions based on appearances or incomplete information. The western tribes assumed the worst, nearly leading to bloodshed. Instead, the eastern tribes were given the opportunity to explain their intentions (as revealed in Joshua 22:26-29). This narrative encourages believers to:

  • Seek Understanding Before Judgment: Always strive to understand another person's motives and actions before making accusations or passing judgment.
  • Value Dialogue: Prioritize open and honest communication, especially in times of disagreement or perceived offense, to resolve conflicts and maintain unity within families, communities, and the church.
  • Protect Unity: Recognize that unity within a community of faith is precious and requires intentional effort to preserve, often through humble listening and clear explanation.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 15:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

  • Exodus 18:21 (2 votes)

    Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

  • Exodus 18:25 (2 votes)

    And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

  • 1 Peter 3:15 (2 votes)

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

  • Proverbs 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.

  • Proverbs 18:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

  • Micah 5:2 (2 votes)

    But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.