Joshua 22:3

Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God.

Ye have not left {H5800} your brethren {H251} these many {H7227} days {H3117} unto this day {H3117}, but have kept {H8104} the charge {H4931} of the commandment {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

All this time you have not abandoned your kinsmen but have obeyed your commission, as ADONAI your God ordered.

All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God.

ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of Jehovah your God.

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 22:3 (KJV)

Joshua 22:3 captures a pivotal moment as Joshua addresses the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, commending them for their unwavering faithfulness. After years of intense military campaigns to conquer Canaan, these tribes, whose inheritance lay east of the Jordan River, were finally being released to return home.

Context

This verse is part of Joshua's farewell address to the Transjordanian tribes. Years earlier, under Moses' leadership, these tribes had requested land east of the Jordan. Moses granted their request on the condition that their fighting men would cross over with the other tribes and assist in conquering the land of Canaan before settling in their own inheritance. This commitment, outlined in Numbers 32 and reinforced by Joshua in Joshua 1:12-18, meant they fought alongside their brethren for approximately seven years of warfare. Joshuaโ€™s commendation here acknowledges their complete fulfillment of this difficult and prolonged duty.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness and Obedience: The core message is the commendation for "keeping the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God." This highlights the supreme value of obedience to God's commands and fulfilling one's vows.
  • Unity and Brotherhood: The phrase "Ye have not left your brethren" underscores the vital importance of solidarity and mutual support among God's people. These tribes demonstrated genuine brotherly love and unity, putting the common good before their personal comfort or immediate settlement.
  • Fulfilling Commitments: The verse celebrates the integrity of those who honor their promises, even when the task is arduous and time-consuming. Their steadfastness serves as an example of dedication to a covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kept the charge" translates the Hebrew *shamar mishmeret* (ืฉืึธืžึทืจ ืžึดืฉืึฐืžึถืจึถืช). This expression implies more than just passive observance; it means to diligently guard, preserve, or fulfill a duty or trust. It conveys the idea of a careful, watchful adherence to a command or responsibility, highlighting the active and intentional nature of their obedience.

Practical Application

Joshua's words to these tribes resonate deeply with believers today.

  • Perseverance in Duty: We are called to persevere in our tasks, especially those given by God, even when they are long and challenging. Our faithfulness, like theirs, is noticed and honored by God.
  • Support for Fellow Believers: This verse reminds us of the importance of bearing one another's burdens and supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
  • Integrity in Promises: It encourages us to be people of our word, fulfilling commitments made to God and to others, knowing that our integrity reflects our walk with the Lord.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Philippians 1:23

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

  • Philippians 1:27

    ยถ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
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