Joshua 22:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205} and the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410} called {H7121} the altar {H4196} Ed: for it shall be a witness {H5707} between us that the LORD {H3068} is God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Re'uven and Gad called the altar "'Ed [a witness]" between us that ADONAI is God.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

American Standard Version

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: For, said they, it is a witness between us that Jehovah is God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 22:34 concludes a pivotal episode in Israel's early settlement, where the Transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh built a large altar upon their return to their inheritance. This act initially provoked alarm and suspicion among the western tribes, who feared it was an act of apostasy and a challenge to the central sanctuary. However, upon clarification, the altar was revealed not as a place for illicit sacrifice, but as a perpetual witness and memorial, named "Ed," signifying their shared identity and covenant relationship with the LORD God, thereby preserving the unity of all Israel and averting civil war.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 22:34 marks the culmination of a significant narrative arc following Israel's conquest and division of the land. Having fulfilled their pledge to assist the other tribes in conquering Canaan, the Transjordanian tribes were honorably discharged by Joshua and returned to their inheritance east of the Jordan River, as detailed in [Joshua 22:1-9](/joshua/22-1-9 "Joshua's Charge and Dismissal of the Transjordanian Tribes"). Before crossing, they erected a large, conspicuous altar near the Jordan, specifically mentioned in [Joshua 22:10](/joshua/22-10 "Joshua 22:10 - The Altar Built by the Transjordanian Tribes"). This action was immediately perceived by the western tribes as a grave act of rebellion against the LORD and a violation of the exclusive worship at the central sanctuary in Shiloh, a command foundational to Israelite faith as seen in [Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5-6 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Chosen Place of Worship"). Their swift, zealous response, including the gathering for war and the dispatch of Phinehas and ten princes to confront them, as narrated in [Joshua 22:11-14](/joshua/22-11-14 "Joshua 22:11-14 - Israel's Reaction and Delegation to the Transjordanian Tribes"), highlights the gravity of the perceived offense. The subsequent explanation by the Transjordanian tribes, clarifying the altar's purpose as a "witness" and not for sacrifice, brought immense relief and joy, averting a devastating civil conflict and reaffirming Israel's unity under God, as resolved in [Joshua 22:15-33](/joshua/22-15-33 "Joshua 22:15-33 - The Explanation and Resolution of the Altar Dispute"). Verse 34 serves as the definitive statement of the altar's name and its enduring purpose, sealing the resolution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Israel's settlement in Canaan was fraught with challenges, including maintaining religious purity and national unity. The command to worship exclusively at a single, divinely chosen place, as expounded throughout [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship"), was central to Israelite identity and a safeguard against the pervasive idolatry of surrounding nations. The Jordan River, while a natural boundary, also represented a significant geographical and potential cultural divide between the tribes. The western tribes' fear of apostasy was legitimate, given Israel's history of falling into idolatry and the severe consequences of such actions, as tragically seen in the incident at Peor detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Peor"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the erection of pillars, altars, or heaps of stones as memorials or witnesses to covenants and agreements was a common practice, serving as enduring physical testimonies for future generations. The "altar" in Joshua 22, though not for sacrifice, functioned similarly as a monumental sign, a practice well understood in their cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [Joshua 22](/joshua/22 "Joshua 22 - The Altar of Witness") and specifically [Joshua 22:34](/joshua/22-34 "Joshua 22:34 - Naming the Altar 'Ed'") powerfully articulates several foundational themes crucial to Israel's identity and ongoing covenant relationship with God. Paramount is the theme of **unity within God's people**, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining cohesion despite geographical separation or potential misunderstandings. The zealous response of the western tribes, though initially misguided, underscores their commitment to the purity of Israel's worship and their fear of division, reflecting the foundational declaration that "the LORD our God is one LORD" found in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, Affirming God's Oneness"). The peaceful resolution, achieved through open communication and mutual understanding, highlights the power of dialogue in overcoming suspicion and preserving harmony within the covenant community. Furthermore, the altar's purpose as a "witness" (Hebrew: *‘ēḏ*) speaks to the enduring nature of **covenant faithfulness** and the responsibility to transmit spiritual heritage to future generations, ensuring that no tribe would be excluded from the worship of the God of Israel. This event also underscores the **danger of hasty judgment** and the necessity of seeking clarity before accusation, a principle applicable to all communal relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb (H7121) signifies "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." In this context, it denotes a deliberate act of naming the altar, imbuing it with its intended purpose and identity. The act of calling or naming in ancient Israel was often performative, establishing the nature or destiny of the named object or person. Here, the tribes are not merely assigning a label but formally declaring the altar's function as a witness, solidifying its role in their collective memory and future generations.
* **witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** This crucial Hebrew noun (H5707) means "witness," "testimony," or "memorial." It signifies something that bears witness to a fact, an event, or a covenant, serving as a lasting reminder or proof. Unlike an altar for sacrifice, which facilitates communion with God, an *‘êd* functions as a visible, tangible declaration to others, especially future generations, of a truth or agreement. Its naming here is a performative act, solidifying its role as a perpetual sign that the Transjordanian tribes are indeed part of the covenant people who worship the one true God. This concept is echoed in other instances where stones or heaps serve as witnesses, such as the heap of stones between Jacob and Laban in [Genesis 31:48](/genesis/31-48 "Genesis 31:48 - Galeed, The Witness Heap").
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This divine name (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh, emphasizes God's personal, covenantal relationship with Israel, denoting "the self-Existent or Eternal." The declaration "that the LORD is God" is not merely a general statement about deity but a specific affirmation of Israel's unique God, the one who delivered them from Egypt, made a covenant with them at Sinai, and led them into the Promised Land. The altar's purpose was to witness to the fact that this specific covenant God, Yahweh, was the God of all Israel, regardless of geographical location, reinforcing the exclusive worship of Him.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430) is used here to refer to the supreme God, the one true God of Israel. While grammatically plural, when used with the article and referring to the God of Israel, it functions as a singular, majestic plural, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, power, and comprehensive deity. The combination "the LORD is God" (YHWH is Elohim) is a powerful confessional statement, affirming both God's personal covenant name and His universal sovereignty, underscoring that there is no other God for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed:"** This clause details the specific action taken by the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben and Gad, implicitly including half-Manasseh as they were the representatives). The naming of the altar is a deliberate, symbolic act, imbuing the structure with its intended meaning. By naming it "Ed," they formally declared its function as a witness, preempting future misunderstandings and solidifying its purpose as a memorial rather than a sacrificial site. This act of naming signifies ownership of the narrative and the clear articulation of their intentions to the other tribes and to future generations.
* **"for it [shall be] a witness between us"** This explanatory phrase clarifies the *reason* for the altar's name and existence. The altar's primary function is as a perpetual "witness" or "testimony" – a physical sign that would bridge the geographical divide of the Jordan River. It was designed to prevent future generations from both sides of the river from forgetting their shared heritage and covenant identity. The phrase "between us" emphasizes the bilateral nature of this witness, serving as a reminder to both the western and eastern tribes of their unity and shared allegiance.
* **"that the LORD [is] God."** This climactic declaration states the ultimate truth to which the altar bears witness. It is a profound theological affirmation of monotheism and Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty over all Israel. The altar was a tangible reminder that despite the Jordan River, all tribes, east and west, shared the same God, the LORD (YHWH), who is the one true God (Elohim). This statement reinforces Israel's foundational confession and serves as a bulwark against syncretism or the development of separate tribal deities, ensuring their shared identity as the people of the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 22:34, and the broader narrative it concludes, is rich in **Symbolism**. The altar itself is the primary symbol, initially misinterpreted as a symbol of rebellion and division, but ultimately revealed as a powerful symbol of unity and shared covenant identity. Its naming as "Ed" transforms it from a potential source of conflict into a lasting emblem of peace and common faith. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the narrative: what was built to prevent future division (the altar as a witness) almost immediately *caused* division due to misunderstanding. The swift and zealous gathering of the western tribes for war, contrasted with the Transjordanian tribes' earnest desire for unity, creates this dramatic irony. The resolution, however, turns this irony into a testament to the power of communication and trust. The **Repetition** of the word "witness" (Hebrew: *‘ēḏ*) throughout the chapter (e.g., [Joshua 22:27](/joshua/22-27 "Joshua 22:27 - The Altar as a Witness for Future Generations"), [Joshua 22:28](/joshua/22-28 "Joshua 22:28 - The Altar as a Witness to the LORD")) underscores its central importance and the tribes' earnest desire for their intentions to be clearly understood and remembered. This repetition reinforces the altar's singular, non-sacrificial purpose and its role as a permanent testimony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The resolution of the altar dispute in Joshua 22:34 profoundly illustrates God's desire for the unity of His people and the critical role of truth and communication in maintaining that unity. The narrative underscores that zeal for God, while commendable, must be tempered with discernment and a willingness to understand before accusing. The Transjordanian tribes' deep concern for their descendants' spiritual heritage, expressed through the building of "Ed," reflects a profound commitment to covenant faithfulness and the transmission of faith across generations. This event serves as a powerful Old Testament example of how misunderstandings, if not addressed with humility and open dialogue, can lead to schism, but how a shared commitment to God's truth can bridge divides and strengthen communal bonds. It reminds us that our actions, even those with good intentions, can be misconstrued, necessitating clear communication and a willingness to explain our motives for the sake of peace and unity within the body of believers.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity")
* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-13](/1_corinthians/12-12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - One Body in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the altar "Ed" in Joshua 22:34 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary communities of faith. It serves as a potent reminder of the destructive power of assumptions and the life-giving power of clear, humble communication. In our relationships, both within the church and beyond, how often do we jump to conclusions, interpret actions through a lens of suspicion, or allow geographical or cultural differences to create artificial barriers? This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of listening, seeking to understand before being understood, and prioritizing the preservation of unity over the satisfaction of being "right." Furthermore, the altar as a "witness" compels us to consider how our own lives, actions, and even the symbols we create, serve as testimonies to the world. Are we living in a way that clearly witnesses "that the LORD is God," not just in our words, but in our commitment to love, unity, and truth? Our collective witness to God's truth and His unifying power is paramount in a fragmented world, calling us to embody the reconciliation and peace that God desires for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have I, or my community, been quick to judge or assume ill intent without seeking clarification?**
* **How can I cultivate better habits of listening and seeking understanding in my relationships, especially when disagreements arise?**
* **In what ways does my life, or the life of my church, serve as a clear "witness" that the LORD is God to those around us?**
* **What "altars" (symbols, practices, traditions) exist in my faith community that might be misunderstood by outsiders or new members, and how can we clarify their true purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why were the western tribes so quick to assume the worst about the altar?**

Answer: The western tribes' intense reaction stemmed from a deep-seated zeal for the purity of Israel's worship and a profound fear of apostasy. God had strictly commanded that all sacrifices be offered at the central sanctuary, first the tabernacle, to prevent idolatry and maintain national unity, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5-6 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Chosen Place of Worship"). Any deviation from this command was seen as a direct affront to God and a potential cause for divine judgment, as tragically demonstrated by the incident at Peor in [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Peor"). Given the Transjordanian tribes' geographical separation, the western tribes likely feared they were establishing a rival worship center, which would lead to spiritual corruption and national division. Their swift and severe response, though based on a misunderstanding, highlights their commitment to God's covenant and the lessons learned from past failures.

**Was it permissible for the Transjordanian tribes to build an altar outside the central sanctuary?**

Answer: Yes, it was permissible because this specific altar was explicitly *not* for sacrifice. The prohibition against building altars for sacrifice outside the central sanctuary was very clear, as stated in [Leviticus 17:8-9](/leviticus/17-8-9 "Leviticus 17:8-9 - Prohibition of Sacrifices Outside the Tabernacle"). However, the Transjordanian tribes clarified that their altar was purely a memorial, a "witness" (Hebrew: *‘ēḏ*), and not intended for burnt offerings or sacrifices, as explained in [Joshua 22:26-29](/joshua/22-26-29 "Joshua 22:26-29 - The Explanation of the Altar's Purpose"). Their intention was to create a physical reminder of their shared heritage and allegiance to the LORD, ensuring their descendants would not be excluded from the covenant community due to their location across the Jordan. Once this distinction was understood, the western tribes accepted their explanation, recognizing that the altar was not a violation but a confirmation of their shared faith and unity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the altar "Ed" in Joshua 22:34, which emphasizes unity, witness, and the singular identity of God, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While the altar was a physical witness to Israel's unity and their one God, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and living witness to God's nature and His unifying power. He is the true "Ed," the definitive testimony to "that the LORD is God," revealing the Father perfectly, as declared in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility, as described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), bringing together not just geographically separated tribes of Israel, but Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, the Church. He prayed for the unity of His followers, "that they may be one, just as we are one," a profound desire articulated in [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus Prays for Unity"), a unity far deeper than any physical monument could symbolize. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a living witness to this unity and to the truth that "the LORD is God," not through a stone altar, but through lives transformed by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the love and reconciliation found in Christ, as commissioned in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth"). In Him, the geographical and cultural barriers that once threatened to divide God's people are transcended, and all who believe become part of one spiritual family, continually bearing witness to the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 22:27

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.

Isaiah 43:10

Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

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.

1 Kings 18:39

And when all the people saw [it], they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he [is] the God; the LORD, he [is] the God.