Joshua 22:26

KJV

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore we said {H559}, Let us now prepare {H6213} to build {H1129} us an altar {H4196}, not for burnt offering {H5930}, nor for sacrifice {H2077}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So we said, 'Let us now make preparations and build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices,

Berean Standard Bible

That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.

American Standard Version

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:26 captures the eastern tribes' (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) explanation for building a large altar by the Jordan River. Faced with accusations of apostasy from the western tribes, who feared divine judgment, the eastern tribes clarify their true intentions: the altar was not for illicit sacrifices or burnt offerings, but rather a monumental witness to their shared covenant identity with the Lord God of Israel and their right to participate in the central worship, ensuring future generations would not be alienated by the geographical barrier of the Jordan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the dramatic confrontation in [Joshua 22](/joshua/22 "Joshua 22 - The Altar of Witness"). After assisting their brethren in the conquest of Canaan, the eastern tribes were honorably dismissed by Joshua to return to their inheritance east of the Jordan ([Joshua 22:1-6](/joshua/22-1 "Joshua 22:1-6 - Eastern Tribes Return Home")). Their construction of a large, conspicuous altar on their journey home immediately sparked alarm among the western tribes, who interpreted it as a grave act of rebellion and idolatry, reminiscent of past apostasies that brought divine wrath upon Israel ([Joshua 22:10-12](/joshua/22-10 "Joshua 22:10-12 - Western Tribes Prepare for War")). This fear led to the assembly of the entire congregation at Shiloh and the dispatch of a high-level delegation, led by Phinehas, to confront the eastern tribes ([Joshua 22:12-15](/joshua/22-12 "Joshua 22:12-15 - Phinehas Confronts the Eastern Tribes")). Joshua 22:26 marks the beginning of the eastern tribes' defense, where they explicitly deny any sacrificial intent, setting the stage for their full explanation of the altar's purpose as a "witness" in the subsequent verses ([Joshua 22:27-29](/joshua/22-27 "Joshua 22:27-29 - The Altar's True Purpose")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the conquest of Canaan was one of transition, as the tribes settled into their respective inheritances and established their national and religious identity under the Mosaic Covenant. Central to this identity was the exclusive worship of Yahweh at a single, divinely appointed sanctuary, initially the Tabernacle at Shiloh ([Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Central Place of Worship")). Building any other altar for sacrifice was a direct violation of this command, constituting apostasy and inviting severe divine judgment, as seen in the narratives of Baal Peor ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal Peor")) or Achan's sin ([Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai")). The Jordan River, while a geographical boundary, also carried symbolic weight, potentially separating the eastern tribes from the spiritual and communal heart of Israel. The eastern tribes' concern for future generations reflects the strong emphasis in ancient Israel on passing down covenant loyalty and heritage.
* **Key Themes:** This narrative powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **unity and covenant loyalty** are paramount, as the entire nation is bound by a shared covenant with Yahweh, demanding adherence to His laws and a unified approach to worship. The fear of division and apostasy drives the western tribes' strong reaction. Secondly, the passage highlights the critical importance of **clear communication and preventing misunderstanding**. What appears to be an act of rebellion is, in fact, an act of foresight and devotion, underscoring how quickly misinterpretations can escalate into conflict. Thirdly, it distinguishes between **legitimate worship and symbolic acts**, emphasizing that while the Tabernacle was the sole place for sacrifice, monuments could serve as memorials to identity and covenant. Finally, the eastern tribes' concern for their descendants underscores the theme of **preserving spiritual heritage** for future generations, ensuring their inclusion in the covenant community despite geographical separation, a concern echoed in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, מִזְבֵּחַ, _mizbeach'_):** This noun is derived from the verb זָבַח (_zabach_), meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." Thus, _mizbeach_ inherently means "a place of sacrifice." The eastern tribes' explicit denial that their structure was for "burnt offering, nor for sacrifice" is crucial. By using this term and immediately negating its primary function, they acknowledge the conventional understanding of an altar while simultaneously redefining its purpose in this specific context, emphasizing its non-sacrificial nature.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, עֹלָה, _olah'_):** This term refers to a specific type of sacrifice where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement ([Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - The Burnt Offering")). It was one of the most common and significant offerings. The explicit mention of _olah_ underscores the western tribes' gravest fear: that the eastern tribes were establishing an alternative, illicit cult that would draw people away from the central sanctuary and incur God's wrath.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, זֶבַח, _zevach'_):** This is a more general term for an offering or sacrifice, often referring to peace offerings or fellowship offerings where parts of the animal were eaten by the worshippers ([Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - The Peace Offering")). By negating both the specific "burnt offering" and the general "sacrifice," the eastern tribes leave no room for ambiguity regarding their intentions. They are not performing any act of worship that would violate the Mosaic Law's injunction against multiple sacrificial altars.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore we said":** This phrase introduces the eastern tribes' collective decision and their rationale. It indicates a deliberate, pre-meditated act, not a spontaneous one, and sets the stage for their explanation. It implies a discussion and agreement among their leaders regarding the necessity and purpose of building the altar.
* **"Let us now prepare to build us an altar":** This clause reveals the action taken by the eastern tribes. The term "prepare" (כּוּן, _kun_) suggests careful planning and construction. The building of an "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, _mizbeach_) is the specific act that caused alarm. The use of "us" emphasizes their tribal unity and shared purpose in this endeavor, highlighting their internal cohesion even as they faced external misunderstanding.
* **"not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice":** This is the crucial negation that immediately clarifies their intent. By explicitly stating what the altar *was not* for, they directly address the western tribes' primary concern—the fear of illicit worship and violation of the Mosaic Law regarding a single, central sanctuary for sacrifices. This declaration serves as a powerful disclaimer, setting the record straight before they elaborate on the altar's true, non-sacrificial purpose in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting the western tribes' assumption of a sacrificial altar with the eastern tribes' explicit denial of such intent. This creates dramatic tension and highlights the core misunderstanding. The altar itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**; initially perceived as a symbol of rebellion and apostasy by the western tribes, it is revealed by the eastern tribes to be a symbol of unity, remembrance, and shared covenant identity. The entire narrative unfolds through **Dialogue**, with the western tribes' accusations followed by the eastern tribes' defense, demonstrating the importance of communication in resolving conflict and preventing schism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 22:26 underscores the profound importance of covenant fidelity and national unity in ancient Israel. The fear of the western tribes was rooted in a deep understanding of God's jealousy for His worship and the severe consequences of idolatry or divided loyalty, as seen throughout the Pentateuch. The eastern tribes, in turn, demonstrate their own commitment to this same covenant, not by building a rival sanctuary, but by erecting a memorial to ensure their place within the covenant community. This incident highlights the tension between strict adherence to ritual law and the broader spirit of the law concerning unity and identity. It serves as a powerful reminder that outward actions can be deeply misunderstood without clear communication of underlying intentions.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Central Place of Worship")
* [Genesis 31:44-52](/genesis/31-44 "Genesis 31:44-52 - Laban and Jacob's Covenant Cairn")
* [1 Samuel 7:12](/1_samuel/7-12 "1 Samuel 7:12 - Samuel Sets Up Ebenezer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative in Joshua 22:26 offers profound lessons for contemporary faith communities. It challenges us to examine our assumptions and quick judgments, reminding us that appearances can be deceiving and that genuine understanding often requires patient listening and open dialogue. Just as the western tribes were ready to wage war based on a misunderstanding, so too can internal conflicts arise in churches or families when intentions are not clearly communicated or are misconstrued. This passage calls us to prioritize unity over suspicion, to seek reconciliation through humble inquiry rather than hasty condemnation, and to always assume the best of our brethren until proven otherwise. Furthermore, the eastern tribes' concern for their children's spiritual heritage serves as a powerful impetus for believers today to proactively pass on their faith, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the covenant community and its core truths, bridging any "geographical" or cultural divides that might threaten their spiritual identity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How quickly do I tend to jump to conclusions or judge others' actions without seeking to understand their full intentions?**
* **What role does clear, humble communication play in preventing and resolving misunderstandings within my relationships or community?**
* **In what ways am I actively working to preserve and pass on my spiritual heritage to future generations, ensuring their connection to faith?**
* **Can I identify any "altars" or symbols in my life or community that, while not for worship, serve as a witness to my faith or shared identity?**

### FAQ
**Why did the western tribes react so strongly to the building of this altar?**

Answer: The western tribes reacted with extreme alarm and anger because they interpreted the building of a large altar east of the Jordan as a direct violation of God's command for centralized worship at the Tabernacle ([Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Central Place of Worship")). In their eyes, this was an act of apostasy, a turning away from the Lord to worship other gods or establish a rival cult. Such a sin had historically brought severe divine judgment upon the entire nation of Israel, as seen in the incident at Baal Peor ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal Peor")), and they feared similar consequences for all Israel. Their strong reaction was born out of a zealous concern for the purity of Israel's worship and their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

**What was the true purpose of the altar built by the eastern tribes?**

Answer: As clarified in [Joshua 22:27-28](/joshua/22-27 "Joshua 22:27-28 - The Altar as a Witness"), the eastern tribes built the altar not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a "witness" (Hebrew: עֵד, _ed_) between them and the western tribes. Its purpose was to serve as a tangible reminder to future generations that the tribes east of the Jordan shared the same God and the same right to worship at the central sanctuary as their brethren to the west. They feared that the Jordan River might become a spiritual barrier, leading future generations to question their shared inheritance and covenant identity with the rest of Israel. The altar was a memorial, a testament to their unity and shared faith, not an illicit place of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The misunderstanding and subsequent reconciliation in Joshua 22:26-34 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate unity and access to God established through Jesus Christ. The eastern tribes' altar, though not for sacrifice, pointed to the need for a perpetual witness to their shared covenant identity. In Christ, this witness is fully realized. He is the ultimate and perfect "burnt offering" and "sacrifice," whose single, definitive act on the cross provides complete atonement for sin, making all other sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Jesus Himself becomes the true "altar" and the "temple" where God dwells among His people ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"); [Hebrews 13:10](/hebrews/13-10 "Hebrews 13:10 - We Have an Altar")). Furthermore, Christ breaks down all geographical, cultural, and spiritual barriers that once divided humanity, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body through His blood ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The concern of the eastern tribes for their children's access to God's presence finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where all believers, regardless of their location, have direct access to the Father through Christ by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father")). The Lord's Supper, like the altar of witness, serves as a memorial, not a sacrifice, proclaiming Christ's death until He comes ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), a constant reminder of our shared identity and unity in Him.

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.