Joshua 22:4

And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised them, you may return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan.

Study Bible

And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest
This phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites, providing them rest from their enemies. This rest is a significant theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing peace and security in the Promised Land. It echoes the rest God took on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2) and foreshadows the spiritual rest found in Christ (Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-10). The rest given to the Israelites is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and covenantal promises.

as He promised them
This refers to the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regarding the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). The fulfillment of these promises is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and power. It also underscores the importance of obedience and faith in receiving God's blessings.

you may return to your homes
The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had fulfilled their commitment to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22). Their return signifies the completion of their duty and the unity among the tribes. It also reflects the importance of keeping one's word and the blessings that follow obedience to God's commands.

in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you
This land east of the Jordan was allocated to these tribes by Moses as recorded in Numbers 32:33. Moses, as the servant of the LORD, acted under divine instruction, emphasizing the role of leadership in executing God's will. The land allocation was a strategic decision, providing these tribes with fertile land for their livestock and fulfilling God's plan for the distribution of the Promised Land.

across the Jordan
The Jordan River served as a significant geographical and symbolic boundary for the Israelites. Crossing the Jordan represented entering into the Promised Land, a transition from the wilderness wanderings to a settled life. It also symbolizes spiritual transitions, such as moving from death to life, and is often associated with baptism in the New Testament (Matthew 3:13-17). The land across the Jordan was part of God's provision and a testament to His promise-keeping nature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel who fulfills His promises.

2. Joshua
The leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

3. The Israelites' Brothers
Refers to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who had settled east of the Jordan River.

4. Moses
The servant of the LORD who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law on Mount Sinai.

5. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary that separated the land given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh from the rest of Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God fulfills His promises, as seen in the rest given to the Israelites. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives.

Unity and Responsibility Among Believers
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh fulfilled their commitment to help their fellow Israelites. This teaches the importance of unity and responsibility within the body of Christ.

The Significance of Rest
The rest given to the Israelites is a foreshadowing of the spiritual rest believers find in Christ. This encourages believers to seek and embrace the rest that comes from faith in Jesus.

Obedience to God's Commands
The tribes' return to their homes after fulfilling their duty highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the blessings that follow.

The Role of Leadership
Joshua's leadership in guiding the people to fulfill God's promises serves as a model for godly leadership in the church and community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of rest in Joshua 22:4 relate to the spiritual rest mentioned in Hebrews 4:8-10?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate unity and responsibility within our church community, similar to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's faithfulness to His promises in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure we are obedient to God's commands, as demonstrated by the tribes returning to their homes?

5. How can Joshua's leadership inspire us to lead others in fulfilling God's purposes today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage provides the background for the promise of rest and the allocation of land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Hebrews 4:8-10
Discusses the concept of rest in a spiritual sense, connecting the physical rest given to Israel with the spiritual rest found in Christ.

Numbers 32
Details the agreement made with Moses regarding the land east of the Jordan and the commitment of these tribes to help their brothers conquer the land west of the Jordan.