“Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the Lord, wherein the Lord’s tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the Lord, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the Lord our God.”
This verse is part of a conversation between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who had received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. The rest of the Israelite tribes were allotted their territories on the west side of the Jordan.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. Prior to this, the tribes on the east side had built an altar near the Jordan River, which initially caused great concern among the other tribes. They feared that these tribes were turning away from the worship of the Lord and establishing an unauthorized place of worship.
In response to this concern, the tribes on the west side sent Phinehas the priest, along with ten tribal leaders, to inquire about the intentions of their brethren on the east side. They sought to clarify the purpose behind the altar that had been built.
In Joshua 22:19, the tribes on the east side of the Jordan assure the other tribes that if their land is considered unclean, they are willing to migrate to the land of the possession of the Lord, where the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God, is located. They offer to take possession of that land and reside there among the other tribes.
However, they make it clear that their intention was not to rebel against the Lord or against the other tribes by building an altar beside the altar of the Lord. This statement reaffirms their commitment to the worship of the Lord and their unity with the rest of the Israelites.
The significance of this verse lies in the importance of maintaining the proper worship of God and avoiding any practices that could lead to idolatry or division among the people of Israel. The tribes on the east side were sensitive to the concerns of the other tribes and were willing to make necessary adjustments to ensure their faithfulness to the Lord.
This passage also demonstrates the importance of open communication and seeking clarification in matters of potential conflict or misunderstanding. Rather than rushing to conclusions or assuming the worst, the tribes on the west side took the initiative to inquire about the altar, and the tribes on the east side were quick to address their concerns.
In conclusion, Joshua 22:19 emphasizes the commitment of the tribes on the east side of the Jordan to the worship of the Lord and their willingness to relocate if necessary. It highlights the importance of unity, proper worship, and open communication among the people of God.
