What is the meaning of Joshua 22:23? If we have built for ourselves an altar • The eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) had just returned home across the Jordan and erected a large altar (Joshua 22:10). • God had already set the pattern of one central altar at the tabernacle (Exodus 20:24; Deuteronomy 12:5-7). Any additional altar could appear to challenge that command. • By saying “if we have built,” they acknowledge the physical fact while leaving open the question of motive—inviting investigation rather than hiding their actions (Proverbs 28:13). to turn away from Him • “Turn away” signals the danger of apostasy—abandoning the LORD for convenience or new worship styles (Deuteronomy 29:18-20; Joshua 22:16). • The tribes insist they have no intention of defecting; they know from recent history (Numbers 25; Joshua 7) how quickly sin brings judgment. • Genuine faith remains loyal even when misunderstood (1 Samuel 12:20-22). and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it • Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1) symbolized total surrender; grain offerings (Leviticus 2) expressed gratitude. Both belonged at God’s chosen altar—now at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). • Setting up a rival site would undermine the priesthood and fracture national unity (Deuteronomy 12:13-14). • The tribes stress that they have not attempted to create a new worship center or invent “optional” ways to approach God (Isaiah 1:11-15 for the danger of unauthorized sacrifice). or to sacrifice peace offerings on it • Peace (fellowship) offerings celebrated communion with God and with one another (Leviticus 3; 7:11-15). • An altar for peace offerings away from God’s appointed place would imply a separate covenant community, breeding division (Psalm 133:1). • By mentioning peace offerings, they cover every major category of sacrifice—burnt, grain, peace—showing complete transparency (Acts 24:16 for a clear conscience). may the LORD Himself hold us accountable • They invoke God as immediate Judge, agreeing to suffer His wrath if their motives are wrong (Genesis 31:49-53; Deuteronomy 19:16-19). • This oath highlights confidence in their innocence and submission to divine authority (Hebrews 10:30). • Accountability before God is the ultimate safeguard for purity in worship (2 Corinthians 5:10). summary Joshua 22:23 records the eastern tribes’ solemn declaration: if their altar was meant as a rival place of sacrifice, they invite God’s judgment. In reality, the altar was a memorial witness to future generations, not an act of rebellion (Joshua 22:27-29). The verse teaches that true worship refuses any hint of competing with God’s prescribed way, values unity of the covenant community, and willingly submits to divine accountability. |
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