What is the meaning of Joshua 22:10?

And when they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan

• The eastern tribes had just been blessed and released by Joshua to return home (Joshua 22:6–9).

• Geliloth sits by the Jordan on the Canaan side—physically within the Promised Land, not east of it. That detail is crucial; it shows they have not abandoned the covenant land but remain connected to it (compare Joshua 4:19; Deuteronomy 27:2–3).

• Placement “near the Jordan” recalls how God parted the same river when Israel entered (Joshua 3:14–17). The tribes choose a spot already heavy with covenant memory.

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the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh

• These are the tribes that received territory east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1–33). They had crossed west to fight alongside their brothers, fulfilling Moses’ directive (Joshua 1:12–16).

• Their obedience illustrates Psalm 133:1—“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”

• Now that the wars are done, they head back east, but their heart for unity has not changed. They act together—one altar, shared purpose—hinting at Ephesians 4:3, even centuries beforehand.

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built an imposing altar there by the Jordan

• “An imposing altar” signals something significant, larger than a private memorial. Later verses show it is “a replica of the LORD’s altar” (Joshua 22:28).

• Why build it? Verses 24–27 explain: as a witness so future generations know the eastern tribes share the same God, worship, and covenant as those west of the Jordan.

• The concern for a single place of sacrifice is rooted in Deuteronomy 12:5–14. Had this altar been for offerings, it would violate that command (see also Leviticus 17:8–9). By making it a witness, they avoid disobedience while affirming unity.

• Its imposing size ensures no one can miss the testimony. Joshua 4:6–7 uses the same concept with the twelve-stone memorial: visible symbols preach to children yet unborn.

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summary

Joshua 22:10 captures a moment of proactive faithfulness. Returning home, the eastern tribes erect a monumental reminder that, though a river will separate them geographically, nothing will sever them spiritually from the covenant community. The verse underscores unity, covenant continuity, and careful obedience to God’s commands—truths still binding and relevant today.