“And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.”
In order to better understand this verse, let’s provide some context by looking at the preceding chapters. The book of Joshua chronicles the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. By the time we reach Joshua 22, the major military campaigns had been completed, and the land was being divided among the tribes of Israel.
In Joshua 22, we find the eastern tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had been granted their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River. These tribes had fulfilled their commitment to assist their fellow Israelites in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan. They had fought alongside the other tribes for several years until the land was subdued.
In verse 4, Joshua addresses these eastern tribes, acknowledging that the Lord had given rest to their brethren-the other tribes who received their inheritance west of the Jordan River-just as God had promised them. The rest referred to here signifies the cessation of military campaigns and the establishment of a settled state in the land. God had fulfilled His promise to give the Israelites a land of their own, and now it was time for the eastern tribes to return to their allotted territories.
The phrase “return ye, and get you unto your tents” indicates that they were to go back to their homes and families. They were to take possession of the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord, had given them on the other side of the Jordan. This land was the inheritance assigned to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, which they had received as their portion of the Promised Land.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The Lord had given rest to the other tribes, just as He said He would, and now it was time for the eastern tribes to enjoy the land that God had allotted to them. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience and fulfilling one’s commitments, as the eastern tribes had faithfully followed through on their promise to help their brethren conquer the land.
In summary, Joshua 22:4 reassures the eastern tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh that God had fulfilled His promise to give rest to their fellow Israelites. They were instructed to return to their homes and possess the land that Moses had assigned to them on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the importance of fulfilling commitments, and the blessings that come from obeying His commands.
