Joshua 22:26

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.

American Standard Version (1901)

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice:

Bible in Basic English

So we said, Let us now make an altar for ourselves, not for burned offerings or for the offerings of beasts:

Free Bible Version

So we said to ourselves, ‘Let's build an altar, not for burnt offerings or for sacrifices,

Geneva Bible 1599

Therefore we said, We will nowe go about to make vs an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice,

King James (Authorized) Version

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

Translation for Translators

“That is the reason that we decided to build that new altar. But it is not an altar for completely burning sacrifices of animals and burning other sacrifices.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So we said, 'Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offerings nor for any sacrifices,

Noah Webster Bible

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice:

World English Bible

“Therefore we said, ‘Let’s now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice;

Young's Literal Translation

'And we say, Pray let us prepare for ourselves to build the altar — not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice —

Context

The Altar of Witness

²⁵For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!’ So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD.²⁶That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.²⁷Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’

Summary

In Joshua 22:26, the Israelites express concern to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh about the consequences of building an altar. This verse reflects the importance of unity and adherence to God's commands within the community of believers. It serves as a reminder to address misunderstandings promptly and seek reconciliation to prevent division among God's people. The dialogue in this verse showcases the significance of open communication and mutual respect in resolving conflicts and upholding the faith. Ultimately, Joshua 22:26 underscores the value of maintaining harmony and faithfulness in serving the Lord.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

An altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice - Because this would have been in flat opposition to the law, Lev 17:8, Lev 17:9; Deu 12:4-6, Deu 12:10, Deu 12:11, Deu 12:13, Deu 12:14, which most positively forbade any sacrifice or offering to be made in any other place than that one which the Lord should choose. Therefore the altar built by the Reubenites, etc., was for no religious purpose, but merely to serve as a testimony that they were one people with those on the west of Jordan, having the same religious and civil constitution, and bound by the same interests to keep that constitution inviolate.

Joshua 22:26

The Altar of Witness

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.

American Standard Version (1901)

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice:

Bible in Basic English

So we said, Let us now make an altar for ourselves, not for burned offerings or for the offerings of beasts:

Free Bible Version

So we said to ourselves, ‘Let's build an altar, not for burnt offerings or for sacrifices,

Geneva Bible 1599

Therefore we said, We will nowe go about to make vs an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice,

King James (Authorized) Version

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

Translation for Translators

“That is the reason that we decided to build that new altar. But it is not an altar for completely burning sacrifices of animals and burning other sacrifices.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So we said, 'Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offerings nor for any sacrifices,

Noah Webster Bible

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice:

World English Bible

“Therefore we said, ‘Let’s now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice;

Young's Literal Translation

'And we say, Pray let us prepare for ourselves to build the altar — not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice —

Adam Clarke
Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Joshua 22:26

Verse

Context

The Altar of Witness

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Joshua 22:26

The Altar of Witness

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary