Joshua 22:21
Joshua 22:21 in Multiple Translations
Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:
¶ Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spake unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel,
Then the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the Israelite leaders,
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad, and halfe the tribe of Manasseh answered, and saide vnto the heads ouer the thousands of Israel,
And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, answer and speak with the heads of the thousands of Israel:
Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel,
Then the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and said to the heads of the thousands of Israel,
And the children of Ruben, and of Gad, and of the half tribe of Manasses answered the princes of the embassage of Israel:
The leaders of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh replied,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 22:21
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Joshua 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 22:21
Study Notes — Joshua 22:21
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 22:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 22:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 22:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 22:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 22:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 22:21
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 22:21
- Sermons on Joshua 22:21
Context — The Altar of Witness
21Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:
22“The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. 23If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:1 | The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 3:15 | But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:13 | He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. |
| 6 | Micah 5:2 | But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. |
| 7 | Acts 11:4 | But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events: |
| 8 | Proverbs 24:26 | An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips. |
| 9 | Exodus 18:21–25 | Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. |
Joshua 22:21 Summary
In Joshua 22:21, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are responding to accusations from the leaders of Israel, as seen in Joshua 22:19-20. They are explaining why they built an altar, which was not to rebel against God, but to honor Him, as seen in Joshua 22:22-23. This shows that they value their relationship with God and with the rest of Israel, and are committed to maintaining unity and obedience to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Ephesians 4:3. We can learn from their example by being willing to listen to and address concerns, and by being committed to our faith and to maintaining good relationships with others, as seen in Colossians 3:13-14 and Matthew 5:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Joshua 22:21 and why are the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh answering the leaders of Israel?
The context of Joshua 22:21 is that the leaders of Israel had accused the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh of building an altar, which they believed was a rebellion against God, as seen in Joshua 22:19, and the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are responding to these accusations, as seen in the following verses, Joshua 22:22-23.
Why did the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh build an altar in the first place?
Although Joshua 22:21 does not directly state why the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar, the following verses, Joshua 22:22-23 and Joshua 22:24-29, explain that they built the altar as a witness and to prevent their children from forgetting God, as seen in Joshua 22:24-25, and to avoid being cut off from the rest of Israel.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Book of Joshua?
Joshua 22:21 is part of a larger narrative in the Book of Joshua, where the Israelites are taking possession of the Promised Land, as seen in Joshua 1:1-9, and this verse shows how the different tribes are working together and addressing potential conflicts, as seen in Joshua 22:1-34, to maintain unity and obedience to God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Joshua 24:14-15.
What can we learn from the response of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh in this verse?
We can learn from their response that they are committed to their faith and to maintaining a good relationship with the rest of Israel, as seen in Joshua 22:21-23, and that they are willing to listen to and address concerns, as seen in Joshua 22:22-23, which is an important lesson for us today, as seen in Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential conflicts or misunderstandings that can arise in our own relationships, and how can we address them in a way that honors God, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15?
- How can we, like the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, demonstrate our commitment to our faith and to maintaining good relationships with others, as seen in Joshua 22:21-23 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
- What are some ways that we can build 'altars' in our own lives, not physical ones, but spiritual ones, to help us remember God and stay faithful, as seen in Joshua 22:24-25 and Psalm 119:11?
- How can we, like the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, be prepared to give an answer for our actions and our faith, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15 and Joshua 22:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 22:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 22:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 22:21
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 22:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 22:21
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 22:21
Sermons on Joshua 22:21
| Sermon | Description | |
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of |
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Children by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
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Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t |
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The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge |
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(Fury of Fire) 11 - the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker wa |





