Joshua 22:27

KJV

But [that] it [may be] a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But that it may be a witness {H5707} between us, and you, and our generations {H1755} after {H310} us, that we might do {H5647} the service {H5656} of the LORD {H3068} before {H6440} him with our burnt offerings {H5930}, and with our sacrifices {H2077}, and with our peace offerings {H8002}; that your children {H1121} may not say {H559} to our children {H1121} in time to come {H4279}, Ye have no part {H2506} in the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but as a witness between us and you, and between our generations who will come after us, so that we may perform the service for ADONAI in his presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and peace offerings - so that your descendants will not say to our descendants at some future time, "You have no share in ADONAI."'

Berean Standard Bible

Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’

American Standard Version

but it shall be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we may do the service of Jehovah before him with our burnt-offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace-offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no portion in Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:27 encapsulates the earnest defense of the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) regarding the large altar they constructed near the Jordan River. This verse articulates their profound intention: the altar was not for illicit sacrifice, but rather a perpetual witness and tangible reminder to future generations that they were full and legitimate participants in the covenant with the LORD, entitled to worship Him with their brethren, thereby preventing any future denial of their spiritual heritage and "part in the LORD."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 22:27 is embedded within a critical narrative of potential civil war averted. Following the successful conquest and division of Canaan, the eastern tribes were released by Joshua to return to their inheritance across the Jordan. As they journeyed, they built a conspicuous altar by the Jordan. Upon hearing this, the western tribes, presuming an act of rebellion against the central sanctuary at Shiloh (as commanded in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Centralization of Worship")), gathered for war at Shiloh ([Joshua 22:12](/joshua/22-12 "Joshua 22:12 - Israel Gathers for War")). Before engaging, they wisely sent a delegation led by Phinehas, son of Eleazar, to confront the eastern tribes. Joshua 22:27 forms the core of the eastern tribes' passionate and eloquent explanation, revealing the altar's true symbolic purpose and their unwavering loyalty to the one God of Israel. This explanation successfully diffused the tension, leading to peace and rejoicing ([Joshua 22:33](/joshua/22-33 "Joshua 22:33 - Peace is Restored")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the conquest of Canaan was a formative time for the nascent nation of Israel, transitioning from nomadic wanderings to settled tribal life. Central to their identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh was the command for centralized worship at the tabernacle, initially located at Shiloh ([Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")). Any unauthorized altar was a grave offense, potentially leading to idolatry and divine judgment, as seen in earlier instances like the golden calf ([Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")). The geographical separation of the Transjordanian tribes, divided by the significant barrier of the Jordan River, naturally raised concerns about their integration and adherence to the Mosaic Law. The fear was legitimate, given the constant temptation of pagan practices from surrounding peoples. The construction of a large, non-sacrificial monument was a culturally understandable way to establish a public, enduring testimony in a pre-literate society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes. Firstly, it underscores the **unity of Israel** under one God, despite geographical separation. The eastern tribes' primary concern was to affirm their shared identity and prevent a schism that would deny their descendants access to the central worship of the LORD. Secondly, it highlights the profound biblical emphasis on **intergenerational faithfulness** and the transmission of spiritual heritage. The fear that "your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD" reveals a deep pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being and covenant inclusion of future generations, echoing the commands to teach God's statutes diligently to one's children found in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teach Your Children Diligently"). Thirdly, the verse distinguishes between **legitimate worship** at the central sanctuary and a **symbolic witness**. By explicitly mentioning "burnt offerings, and... sacrifices, and... peace offerings," the eastern tribes affirmed their commitment to the prescribed forms of worship at Shiloh, clarifying that their altar was not a rival cultic site but a visible sign of their right to participate in the one true worship of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witness (Hebrew, _‘ēḏ_):** This crucial term (עֵד) denotes a testimony, a reminder, or a monument that serves as proof of a fact or an agreement. It is distinct from a sacrificial altar (_mizbēaḥ_). The eastern tribes explicitly state the altar's purpose as a "witness between us, and you, and our generations after us." This signifies its role as a visible, enduring, and non-verbal declaration of their shared covenant identity and their right to participate in the legitimate worship of Yahweh. It was a physical sign, much like a boundary stone or a pile of stones commemorating an event, intended to prevent future theological amnesia or separation.
* **Part (Hebrew, _ḥēleq_):** The word (חֵלֶק) means "portion," "share," or "inheritance." In this context, "Ye have no part in the LORD" signifies a denial of their rightful inheritance within the covenant community of Israel and their access to God's presence and blessings. It implies spiritual disenfranchisement, a severing of their connection to the God of Israel and the privileges of His people. The eastern tribes feared their descendants would be excluded from the worship and community life centered around the tabernacle, effectively being deemed outsiders to the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But [that] it [may be] a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us,"**: This opening clause immediately declares the altar's primary, non-sacrificial purpose. It is a perpetual "witness" or testimony, not merely for the current generation but explicitly for "our generations after us." This highlights the profound intergenerational concern of the eastern tribes, aiming to establish an enduring physical sign that would bridge the geographical divide and prevent future misunderstandings or spiritual alienation between the Transjordanian and Cisjordanian tribes. The altar was a visual argument for their shared identity and covenantal inclusion.
* **"that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings;"**: This clause clarifies *what* the altar witnesses *to*. It testifies to their right and intention to "do the service of the LORD"—to participate fully in the prescribed forms of worship at the central sanctuary. By specifically naming "burnt offerings," "sacrifices" (general term for various offerings), and "peace offerings," they emphatically affirm their adherence to Mosaic Law and their desire to bring legitimate sacrifices to the tabernacle, not to this new altar. This statement directly counters the western tribes' fear of a rival cult, asserting their commitment to the singular, authorized place of worship.
* **"that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD."**: This final, climactic clause reveals the deep-seated fear driving the eastern tribes' action. Their ultimate concern was the spiritual legacy of their descendants. They foresaw a future where geographical separation might lead to theological estrangement, where the western tribes' children might question or deny the covenantal inclusion of the eastern tribes' children. The altar was a proactive measure to prevent this spiritual disenfranchisement, ensuring that their lineage would always be recognized as having a legitimate "part" or share in the covenant, the inheritance, and the worship of the LORD God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 22:27 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** of phrases like "our generations after us" and "our children in time to come" underscores the profound intergenerational concern that motivates the eastern tribes. This emphasis highlights the biblical imperative to pass on faith and heritage. The altar functions as a potent **Symbolism**; it is not merely a pile of stones but a tangible representation of their covenantal identity and their right to worship. It serves as a **Metonymy** where the physical structure stands in for the abstract concept of their shared faith and legitimacy. The entire passage is a masterful example of **Rhetorical Persuasion**, as the eastern tribes' eloquent defense, culminating in this verse, successfully defuses a potentially devastating civil war by appealing to shared faith, future unity, and a common understanding of God's commands. The fear expressed, "Ye have no part in the LORD," creates a powerful **Antithesis** with their stated desire to "do the service of the LORD," highlighting the stark contrast between their true intentions and the western tribes' misinterpretation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 22:27 is a profound testament to the theological importance of unity, covenant fidelity, and intergenerational transmission of faith within the community of Israel. It underscores the principle that outward forms (like an altar) must always serve and point to inward spiritual realities (like covenant relationship and legitimate worship). The eastern tribes' actions demonstrate a deep understanding of their corporate identity as God's chosen people, emphasizing that geographical distance should not equate to spiritual separation. Their fear of their children being told "Ye have no part in the LORD" speaks to the vital necessity of belonging to the covenant community and having access to God's presence through prescribed worship. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that misunderstandings, even among God's people, can lead to severe conflict, and that clear communication rooted in shared theological convictions is paramount for preserving the integrity and unity of the body.

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalm/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-7 - Passing on God's Law to Generations")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 22:27 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It challenges us to consider the visible signs and actions we present to the world and to future generations. Are our lives and our corporate worship clear "witnesses" to our "part in the LORD"? This verse highlights the critical importance of clear communication within the body of Christ, reminding us that assumptions and unaddressed fears can quickly escalate into division. It calls us to prioritize unity in essential matters of faith, even amidst diverse expressions or geographical separation. Most profoundly, it impresses upon us the sacred responsibility to intentionally pass on a vibrant, authentic faith to the next generation. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren never doubt their "part in the LORD," actively teaching them, modeling devotion, and creating environments where they can experience God's presence and participate fully in His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "witnesses" or visible signs are we creating in our lives or church community that clearly communicate our "part in the LORD" to those around us and to future generations?**
* **Where might misunderstandings or unaddressed assumptions be threatening unity within our families, churches, or communities, and how can we foster clearer communication?**
* **In what practical ways are we intentionally discipling the next generation so that they never feel they "have no part in the LORD"?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific fear of the Transjordanian tribes?**

Answer: Their specific fear, as articulated in [Joshua 22:27](/joshua/22-27 "Joshua 22:27 - The Altar's Purpose as a Witness"), was that in future generations, their descendants might be denied their rightful "part in the LORD" by the western tribes. This meant being excluded from the covenant community, from legitimate worship at the central sanctuary, and from the blessings and identity associated with being the people of Israel. They feared their children would be seen as outsiders, effectively cut off from the spiritual heritage of their ancestors.

**Why was building an altar a controversial act, given the command for centralized worship?**

Answer: The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Centralization of Worship"), strictly commanded that all sacrifices and offerings be brought to one designated place of worship—the tabernacle (later the Temple). Building any other altar was seen as a direct violation of this command, potentially leading to idolatry, syncretism, and a fracturing of Israel's religious unity. The western tribes initially interpreted the eastern tribes' altar as an act of rebellion and a rival place of worship, which would have been a grave sin punishable by war. The eastern tribes' explanation clarified that their altar was a "witness" and not for sacrifice.

**How did this conflict resolve, and what does it teach us about conflict resolution?**

Answer: The conflict resolved peacefully through open and honest communication. Instead of immediately resorting to war, the western tribes sent a delegation led by Phinehas to confront the eastern tribes and seek an explanation ([Joshua 22:13-15](/joshua/22-13 "Joshua 22:13 - Phinehas Sent to the Eastern Tribes")). The eastern tribes, in turn, offered a clear, passionate, and theologically sound defense of their actions, explaining the altar's symbolic purpose as a "witness" to their shared faith ([Joshua 22:21-29](/joshua/22-21 "Joshua 22:21 - The Eastern Tribes' Defense")). This teaches us the vital importance of seeking understanding before judgment, engaging in dialogue, and prioritizing unity and truth over hasty reactions. It demonstrates that even legitimate concerns can be addressed through patient and prayerful communication, preventing destructive conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 22:27, with its emphasis on a "witness" to a "part in the LORD" and legitimate access to worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The altar built by the Transjordanian tribes was a physical sign, a testimony to their right to participate in the covenant. In the New Covenant, Jesus Himself is the ultimate and living **witness** to God's saving work and our "part" in Him. He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")) who reveals the Father fully. Furthermore, the eastern tribes' desire to "do the service of the LORD with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings" foreshadows the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single offering has forever perfected those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, all believers, regardless of their background or geographical location, are granted full and unhindered access to God's presence. There is no longer a fear of being told "Ye have no part in the LORD," for in Christ, we are made "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). He is our peace, breaking down dividing walls and uniting all who believe into one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the unity and access to God's service sought by the eastern tribes are fully realized and eternally secured in our union with 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

Joshua 24:27

And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

Genesis 31:48

And Laban said, This heap [is] a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Deuteronomy 12:17

Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

Deuteronomy 12:18

But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

Joshua 22:34

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God.

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

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: