Joshua 22:22

KJV

The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} God {H410} of gods {H430}, the LORD {H3068} God {H410} of gods {H430}, he knoweth {H3045}, and Israel {H3478} he shall know {H3045}; if it be in rebellion {H4777}, or if in transgression {H4604} against the LORD {H3068},(save {H3467} us not this day {H3117},)

Complete Jewish Bible

"The Mighty One, God, is ADONAI! He knows, and Isra'el will know - if we acted in rebellion or treachery against ADONAI, don't vindicate us today!

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

The Mighty One, God, Jehovah, the Mighty One, God, Jehovah, he knoweth; and Israel he shall know: if it be in rebellion, or if in trespass against Jehovah (save thou us not this day),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:22 captures the fervent and dramatic declaration of innocence from the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) to the rest of Israel. Accused of rebellion and idolatry for erecting a large altar by the Jordan River, which was misinterpreted as a rival worship site, these tribes passionately appeal to the omniscient God of Israel as their ultimate witness. Their emphatic, repeated invocation of "The LORD God of gods" serves as a solemn oath, affirming their unwavering loyalty to Yahweh and their willingness to face divine judgment if their intentions were indeed rebellious or faithless, thereby seeking vindication before both God and their brethren.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 22 marks a pivotal transition point in the book of Joshua, following the successful conquest and division of the land of Canaan. The chapter details the dismissal of the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—who had faithfully assisted their brethren in the western campaigns. As they return to their inheritance east of the Jordan River, they construct a large, prominent altar. This act immediately provokes alarm and suspicion among the western tribes, who perceive it as a grave act of apostasy, a challenge to the singular worship centered at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, and a direct violation of the covenant. The narrative builds tension as the western tribes gather for war, sending a delegation led by Phinehas to confront the accused. Joshua 22:22 is the emotional and theological climax of the Transjordanian tribes' impassioned defense, a desperate plea for understanding and a profound appeal to divine omniscience. The resolution of this conflict, based on clear communication and shared understanding, underscores the importance of unity within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was replete with polytheistic religions, making the Israelites' monotheistic covenant with Yahweh utterly unique. Central to this covenant was the command for exclusive worship of Yahweh, often symbolized by a single, authorized place of sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12). At this time, the Tabernacle in Shiloh served as the central sanctuary for all Israel. Any unauthorized altar was therefore seen not merely as a minor infraction but as a direct challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty, a potential lure to idolatry, and a threat to the fragile unity of the nascent Israelite nation. The memory of past national sins, such as the apostasy at [Baal-Peor](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"), which resulted in a devastating plague, loomed large in the collective consciousness. The Jordan River, while a geographical boundary, also held symbolic significance, potentially dividing the unified people of God. The western tribes' swift and severe reaction reflects their profound concern for maintaining the purity of Yahweh worship and avoiding any action that could provoke divine wrath upon the entire community, as seen in the aftermath of [Achan's sin](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Transgression").
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 22:22 powerfully articulates several core themes crucial to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute knowledge of human hearts and motives, even when intentions are misunderstood by others. The repeated invocation of "The LORD God of gods" underscores Yahweh's supreme authority over all creation and His role as the ultimate judge, a truth echoed in [Psalm 139](/psalm/139 "Psalm 139 - God's Omniscience and Omnipresence"). Secondly, the verse underscores the paramount importance of **Purity of Worship and Loyalty** to Yahweh. The Transjordanian tribes' vehement denial of "rebellion" or "transgression" demonstrates their deep commitment to exclusive worship of the covenant God and their abhorrence of idolatry or spiritual compromise. This concern for covenant fidelity is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch and the historical books. Finally, the desperate plea, "(save us not this day,)" vividly portrays the **Seriousness of Apostasy** and covenant breaking. It reveals the profound understanding that turning away from Yahweh, whether through idolatry or unfaithfulness, carried severe, even existential, consequences for the individual and the nation, a warning consistently found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The incident ultimately champions **National Unity** under Yahweh, demonstrating how communication and shared commitment to God's covenant can overcome division.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God of gods (Hebrew, _ʾĒl ʾĔlōhîm Yahweh'_):** This powerful, emphatic phrase, literally "God, God, Yahweh," uses a superlative construction to declare Yahweh's absolute supremacy. It is an invocation of the highest possible authority, emphasizing that Yahweh is not merely *a* god, but the ultimate, sovereign God above all other gods, powers, or earthly authorities. It functions as a solemn oath, calling upon the supreme Deity as the ultimate witness and judge of their intentions, underscoring the gravity and truthfulness of their subsequent declaration.
* **rebellion (Hebrew, _mered'_):** This term signifies an act of revolt, defiance, or insurrection against an established authority, whether human or divine. In this context, it refers to a political and religious act of breaking allegiance with Yahweh and the unified Israelite confederacy. The accusation implied that the Transjordanian tribes were attempting to establish a rival religious system or a separate national identity, directly challenging the covenant and the divinely ordained order.
* **transgression (Hebrew, _maʿal'_):** This word denotes an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or sacrilege, particularly a breach of trust or a violation of sacred things or duties owed to God. It carries the nuance of acting deceptively or secretly against a covenant obligation. Unlike "rebellion" which might imply open revolt, _maʿal_ often points to a hidden or insidious act of disloyalty, such as misusing consecrated items or failing to fulfill a sacred vow. The Transjordanian tribes vehemently deny this specific charge, highlighting their commitment to the sanctity of Yahweh's worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods,"**: This emphatic repetition serves as a solemn, profound invocation. It is a desperate and reverent appeal to Yahweh, the supreme God, as the ultimate witness and judge. The doubling underscores the gravity of their oath and their complete reliance on God's perfect knowledge.
* **"he knoweth,"**: This clause directly asserts God's omniscience. The Transjordanian tribes are confident that Yahweh, who sees all hearts and motives, knows their true, innocent intentions behind building the altar, even when their brethren misunderstand. It is an appeal to divine vindication.
* **"and Israel he shall know;"**: This expresses their hope and prayer that just as God knows their innocence, He will also make that truth known to the rest of Israel. It implies a desire for reconciliation and the restoration of trust, believing that God will ultimately reveal the truth and clear their name before the entire nation.
* **"if [it be] in rebellion,"**: This introduces a conditional statement, directly addressing the primary accusation leveled against them. They are asserting that if their act was indeed a deliberate revolt against Yahweh's authority or the unity of Israel, then they deserve the most severe consequences.
* **"or if in transgression against the LORD,"**: This second part of the conditional statement addresses the accusation of unfaithfulness or sacrilege. They are denying any hidden disloyalty or violation of sacred covenant obligations, reinforcing their commitment to the purity of Yahweh's worship.
* **"(save us not this day,)"**: This is a powerful, almost hyperbolic, plea that underscores the extreme gravity with which they view the sin of rebellion or transgression. They are essentially saying, "If we are truly guilty of such a heinous act against the LORD, then let us face the full, unmitigated judgment; do not spare us." It is a desperate declaration of their integrity, willing to forfeit their lives if their intentions were impure, thereby demonstrating the depth of their commitment to Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 22:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological weight. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the doubling of "The LORD God of gods." This emphatic reiteration serves to underscore the profound solemnity of the moment and the absolute supremacy of the God to whom they appeal. It functions as a powerful **Invocation** and a solemn **Oath**, calling upon the highest divine authority to bear witness to their truthfulness. The structure of the verse also employs a **Conditional Statement** ("if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD"), which sets up a stark contrast between their alleged guilt and their fervent denial, leading to a dire consequence. The concluding plea, "(save us not this day,)" is a striking example of **Hyperbole**, an intentional overstatement designed to convey the extreme sincerity and depth of their commitment. By inviting divine judgment upon themselves if they are guilty, they dramatically assert their innocence and unwavering loyalty to Yahweh, making their plea incredibly impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 22:22 profoundly articulates the foundational theological truth of God's omniscience and His role as the ultimate judge of human hearts. The Transjordanian tribes' appeal to "The LORD God of gods" demonstrates a deep understanding that while human judgment can be flawed and based on outward appearances or misunderstandings, God alone knows the true intentions and motives of the heart. This incident underscores the extreme gravity with which the Israelites viewed covenant fidelity and the abhorrence of idolatry or any act that could splinter the unity of God's people. It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship is not merely about outward acts but about the purity of intention and unwavering allegiance to Yahweh, and that the consequences of spiritual rebellion are dire, demanding either repentance or judgment.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 13:12-18](/deuteronomy/13-12 "Deuteronomy 13:12-18 - Consequences of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intense drama of Joshua 22:22 offers enduring lessons for believers today, particularly concerning communication, integrity, and our relationship with God. In a world prone to misunderstanding and quick judgment, this passage highlights the critical importance of clear, charitable communication. The entire conflict arose from a misinterpretation of intentions; had the Transjordanian tribes communicated their purpose earlier, or had the western tribes inquired before assuming the worst, the brink of civil war could have been avoided. This reminds us to seek understanding, ask clarifying questions, and extend grace rather than immediately assuming ill intent in our relationships, whether in family, church, or community. Furthermore, when our motives are questioned or we are falsely accused, this verse provides immense comfort and a model for integrity. We can rest in the profound truth that God, "The LORD God of gods," knows our hearts perfectly, even when others do not or cannot. Our ultimate vindication rests not in human approval but in divine omniscience. This should motivate us to live with integrity, knowing that our true allegiance and intentions are transparent before Him. Finally, the verse serves as a sober reminder of the profound seriousness of spiritual rebellion and unfaithfulness to God. The Transjordanian tribes' willingness to face judgment if guilty underscores that our allegiance must be solely to the Lord, and any deviation or compromise is a grave matter that demands our utmost attention and repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like the Transjordanian tribes, ensure our actions are not misunderstood by others, especially in matters of faith or community?**
* **When you feel misunderstood or falsely accused, how does the truth that "The LORD God of gods, he knoweth" provide comfort and strength?**
* **In what areas of your life might there be a subtle "transgression" or "rebellion" against the Lord that needs to be brought before His knowing presence?**
* **How does the unity of believers, as demonstrated by the resolution in Joshua 22, reflect God's desire for His church today?**

### FAQ

**Why did the other tribes react so strongly to the altar, even preparing for war?**

Answer: The western tribes reacted with such intensity because they interpreted the construction of a large altar by the Transjordanian tribes as a direct violation of God's covenant commands, specifically the prohibition against building rival altars or engaging in idolatry. According to Mosaic Law, particularly [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws of Worship"), there was to be only one central place of worship and sacrifice for all Israel, which was the Tabernacle in Shiloh at that time. Any deviation was seen as an act of "rebellion" (Hebrew: _mered_) and "transgression" (Hebrew: _ma'al_) against Yahweh, which could provoke divine wrath upon the entire nation, as had happened with [Achan's sin](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Transgression") or the apostasy at [Baal-Peor](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). Their fear was not just of a localized sin but of a national catastrophe, leading them to prepare for preemptive action to cleanse the land and avert God's judgment.

**What was the actual purpose of the altar built by the Transjordanian tribes?**

Answer: The Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) built the altar not for sacrifice or rival worship, but as a "witness" or "memorial" (Joshua 22:27-28). They intended it to be a visible sign to future generations on both sides of the Jordan River that they shared in the same covenant with Yahweh and were part of the unified nation of Israel. They feared that in the future, the western tribes might deny their eastern brethren a share in the worship of the LORD because of the geographical barrier of the Jordan River. The altar was meant to be a permanent reminder of their shared heritage and their right to worship at the central sanctuary, ensuring their descendants would not be cut off from the covenant community. This purpose is clearly articulated in their defense, found in [Joshua 22:23-29](/joshua/22-23 "Joshua 22:23-29 - The Explanation of the Altar").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 22:22, with its fervent appeal to God's omniscience and the desperate plea for vindication from accusations of rebellion and transgression, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Transjordanian tribes' cry, "The LORD God of gods, he knoweth," foreshadows the perfect knowledge of God embodied in Christ, who truly knows the hearts of all men, as demonstrated in [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People"). He is not only the ultimate witness but also the final Judge, before whom all intentions and actions are laid bare ([Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")). The fear of "rebellion" and "transgression" against the LORD, which threatened national unity and divine wrath in Joshua's day, points to humanity's universal sinfulness and our inherent rebellion against God's holy standard ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, entered into our human condition to bear the full weight of this "transgression" and "rebellion" on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")), offering the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). Through His atoning work, He reconciles us to God, bridging the chasm of sin and establishing a new covenant where true worship is no longer bound to physical altars or geographical locations, but is offered in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Christ Himself is the ultimate "witness" of God's covenant faithfulness and the perfect means by which humanity can be truly vindicated and united with God, overcoming the ultimate division caused by sin.

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

1 Kings 8:39

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Psalms 44:21

Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Job 10:7

Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and [there is] none that can deliver out of thine hand.

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

John 2:24

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.