Joshua 22:11
New International Version
And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side,

New Living Translation
The rest of Israel heard that the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar at Geliloth at the edge of the land of Canaan, on the west side of the Jordan River.

English Standard Version
And the people of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the people of Israel.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Israelites received the report: “Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.”

King James Bible
And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
Now the children of Israel heard someone say, “Behold, the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan—on the children of Israel’s side.”

New American Standard Bible
But the sons of Israel heard a report: “Behold, the sons of Reuben, the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan, on the side belonging to the sons of Israel.”

NASB 1995
And the sons of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan, on the side belonging to the sons of Israel.”

NASB 1977
And the sons of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan, on the side belonging to the sons of Israel.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the sons of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the entrance of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan, on the side belonging to the sons of Israel.”

Amplified Bible
And the [other] sons of Israel heard it said, “Look, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the edge of the land of Canaan, in the region [west] of the Jordan, on the side belonging to the sons of Israel.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the Israelites heard it said, “Look, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the frontier of the land of Canaan at the region of the Jordan, on the Israelite side.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the Israelites heard it said, “Look, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the frontier of the land of Canaan at the region of the Jordan, on the Israelite side.”

American Standard Version
And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that pertaineth to the children of Israel.

English Revised Version
And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about Jordan, on the side that pertaineth to the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The rest of the Israelites heard about it and said, "See there! Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the border of Canaan. It's in the region near the Jordan River on Israel's side."

Good News Translation
The rest of the people of Israel were told, "Listen! The people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh have built an altar at Geliloth, on our side of the Jordan!"

International Standard Version
When the Israelis heard about it, they announced, "Look here, the descendants of Reuben, the descendants of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have constructed an altar in Canaan's frontier district of the Jordan River, on the side apportioned to the Israelis."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the Israelites received the report: ?Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.?

NET Bible
The Israelites received this report: "Look, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the entrance to the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side."

New Heart English Bible
The children of Israel heard this, "Look, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that pertains to the children of Israel."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Israel heard it said, Behold, the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

World English Bible
The children of Israel heard this, “Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar along the border of the land of Canaan, in the region around the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the children of Israel.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Israel hear, saying, “Behold, the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the districts of the Jordan, at the passage of the sons of Israel.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel hear, saying, 'Lo, the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, have built the altar over-against the land of Canaan, on the districts of the Jordan, at the passage of the sons of Israel.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel will hear saying, Behold, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh built an altar over against the land of Canaan, at the circuits of Jordan, at the passing over of the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the children of Israel had heard of it, and certain messengers had brought them an account that the children of Ruben, and of Cad, and the half tribe of Manasses had built an altar in the land of Chanaan, upon the banks of the Jordan, over against the children of Israel:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the sons of Israel had heard of it, and certain messengers had reported to them that the sons of Reuben, and of Gad, and of the one half tribe of Manasseh had built an altar in the land of Canaan, upon the hills of the Jordan, facing the sons of Israel,

New American Bible
The other Israelites heard the report: “The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar” in the region of the Jordan facing the land of Canaan, across from the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
The Israelites heard that the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region near the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the Israelites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the children of Israel heard it said, Behold, the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the border of the land of Canaan, in Gilgal which is by the side of the Jordan, in the land of the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the children of Israel heard that the children of Rubil and the children of Gad and half of the tribe of Menasheh had built an altar next to the land of Canaan in Galgala, that is on the side of the Jordan, in the land of the children of Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Israel heard say: 'Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that pertaineth to the children of Israel.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the sons of Ruben, and the sons of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasse have built an alter at the borders of the land of Chanaan at Galaad of Jordan, on the opposite side to the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Offensive Altar
10And when they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. 11Then the Israelites received the report: “Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.” 12And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:5-14
Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. ...

Numbers 32:1-33
Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. / So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, / “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, ...

Judges 20:1-11
Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. / The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords. / (Meanwhile the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites asked, “Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?” ...

1 Kings 12:26-33
Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” ...

2 Kings 17:21-23
When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. / The Israelites persisted in all the sins that Jeroboam had committed and did not turn away from them. / Finally, the LORD removed Israel from His presence, as He had declared through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their homeland into Assyria, where they are to this day.

2 Chronicles 30:1-12
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. / For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, / since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. ...

Psalm 133:1
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

Ezekiel 37:15-28
Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “And you, son of man, take a single stick and write on it: ‘Belonging to Judah and to the Israelites associated with him.’ Then take another stick and write on it: ‘Belonging to Joseph—the stick of Ephraim—and to all the house of Israel associated with him.’ / Then join them together into one stick, so that they become one in your hand. ...

John 4:20-24
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...

Acts 15:1-29
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. / Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. ...

Romans 14:1-23
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. ...

1 Corinthians 1:10-13
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. / What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” ...

1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. / The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. / But the one who loves God is known by God. ...

1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. / I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. / Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ...

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

heard

Leviticus 17:8,9
And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice, …

Deuteronomy 12:5-7
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: …

Deuteronomy 13:12-14
If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, …

at the passage

Joshua 2:7
And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

Joshua 3:14-16
And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; …

Judges 12:5
And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

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Altar Belonging Borders Built Canaan Children Half Half-Tribe Heard Israel Jordan Manasseh Passage Pertains Region Reuben Side Tribe
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Altar Belonging Borders Built Canaan Children Half Half-Tribe Heard Israel Jordan Manasseh Passage Pertains Region Reuben Side Tribe
Joshua 22
1. The two tribes and a half with a blessing are sent home,
10. They build the altar of testimony in their journey
11. The Israelites are offended thereat
21. They vindicate their conduct, and give them good satisfaction














Then the Israelites received the report:
This phrase indicates the beginning of a significant event that required the attention of the entire Israelite community. The Israelites, having settled in the Promised Land, were vigilant about maintaining the purity of their worship and adherence to God's commands. Reports and communication were crucial in maintaining unity among the tribes, especially given the geographical separation of the Transjordan tribes.

“Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes had chosen to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as recorded in Numbers 32. Their decision was based on the suitability of the land for their livestock. This separation, however, posed potential challenges for unity and religious fidelity, as they were physically distant from the central place of worship at Shiloh.

have built an altar
The construction of an altar was a significant act, as altars were central to worship and sacrifice in Israelite religion. According to Deuteronomy 12:13-14, sacrifices were to be made only at the place God chose, which was initially the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The building of another altar could be seen as a direct challenge to this command, raising concerns of idolatry or schism.

on the border of the land of Canaan,
This location is significant as it marks the boundary between the land of Canaan, where the majority of the Israelites settled, and the Transjordan area. The border was not just a physical demarcation but also a symbolic one, representing the division between the tribes and the potential for differing religious practices.

at Geliloth near the Jordan
Geliloth is a location near the Jordan River, which served as a natural boundary. The Jordan River was a significant geographical feature in Israel's history, symbolizing both a barrier and a point of transition, as seen in the crossing led by Joshua in Joshua 3-4. The proximity to the Jordan suggests the altar was strategically placed to be visible and accessible to both sides.

on the Israelite side.”
This detail emphasizes that the altar was built within the territory considered part of the Promised Land, which heightened the concern among the other tribes. It suggested an assertion of religious independence or a potential breach of covenant, which could lead to divine judgment, as seen in previous instances of disobedience (e.g., the sin of Achan in Joshua 7). The unity and purity of worship were paramount, and any deviation was taken seriously by the Israelite community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Reubenites, Gadites, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh
These are the tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. They built an altar, which led to a misunderstanding with the other tribes of Israel.

2. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who were concerned about the altar built by the eastern tribes, fearing it represented rebellion against God.

3. The Altar
Constructed by the eastern tribes, it was initially perceived as a potential threat to the unity and religious purity of Israel.

4. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary that separated the eastern tribes from the rest of Israel, symbolizing potential division.

5. The Land of Canaan
The Promised Land where the majority of the Israelites settled, representing God's promise and blessing.
Teaching Points
Unity in Diversity
The tribes of Israel, though geographically separated, were called to maintain unity. In the church today, believers may have different roles or locations but are united in Christ.

Communication and Understanding
The initial reaction to the altar was based on assumption. This teaches the importance of seeking understanding and clear communication before jumping to conclusions.

Guarding Against Division
Just as the Israelites were concerned about potential division, Christians must be vigilant against anything that threatens the unity of the church.

Symbolism and Intent
The altar was a symbol of witness, not rebellion. This highlights the importance of understanding the intent behind actions and symbols in our faith communities.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The Israelites' concern was rooted in a desire to remain faithful to God's commands. This underscores the importance of obedience and vigilance in our spiritual walk.(11) Have built an altar.--Rather, have built the altar. As appears by Joshua 22:28, it was a representation of the altar of Jehovah: a copy of the one altar which He had given to Israel for sacrifice. The design was to set up on the east of Jordan a likeness of that altar which was established on the west, that the tribes on the other side of Jordan might appeal to it as a proof that they also were the people of Jehovah.

Verse 11. - Half tribe of Manasseh. Throughout this part of the narrative, when the body politic, rather than the descent of the tribe, is to be indicated, we have, not מַטֶּה, but שֶׁבֶט. See above, Joshua 13:29. An altar. The original has the altar. Over against אֶל־מוּל. It is difficult to fix the meaning of this expression. מוּל seems to have meant the front of anything, and therefore אֶל־מוּל would naturally mean towards the front of, or in front cf. Thus we have had the expression in Joshua 8:33 (where see note), where it seems to mean, in the direction of, and in Joshua 9:1, where it seems to have the same meaning. With verbs of motion it signifies towards, as in Exodus 34:3, and 1 Samuel 17:30. Here it clearly cannot be pressed to mean across Jordan. See note below. The borders of Jordan. As above, ver. 10, the circles of Jordan. At the passage of the children of Israel. The word translated "the passage of," literally," unto over," has originally the sense of "across." Here, however, it means "towards the region opposite to the sons of Israel," i.e., in the direction of the country on the other side Jordan. The country across Jordan was usually designated as בְּעֵבֶר or מֵעֵבֶר Jordan. אֶל־עֵבֶר, the phrase used here, we find in Exodus 28:26, apparently in the sense of across (so Exodus 39:19). In Deuteronomy 30:13 it is used of moving in the direction of a place, "across" or "over the sea." In Ezekiel 1:9, 12, with the addition of פָנָיו, the phrase means "straight forward." In 1 Samuel 14:40 לְעֵבֶר אֶהַד means "on one side." In 1 Kings 7. לְעֵבֶר means "over." Thus the altar was not necessarily on the other side Jordan.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Israelites
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

received
וַיִּשְׁמְע֥וּ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the report:
לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Behold,
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the Reubenites,
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

the Gadites,
וּבְנֵי־ (ū·ḇə·nê-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and the half-tribe
וַחֲצִי֩ (wa·ḥă·ṣî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

of Manasseh
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֜ה (ham·naš·šeh)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites

have built
בָנ֣וּ (ḇā·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1129: To build

an altar
הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

on
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the border
מוּל֙ (mūl)
Preposition
Strong's 4136: Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite

of the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Canaan,
כְּנַ֔עַן (kə·na·‘an)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan

at
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Geliloth
גְּלִילוֹת֙ (gə·lî·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1552: A circuit, boundary, territory, also a district in Palestine

near the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

on
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the Israelite
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

side.”
עֵ֖בֶר (‘ê·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side


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OT History: Joshua 22:11 The children of Israel heard this Behold (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 22:10
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