Joshua 22:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 22:10-20

Here is, I. The pious care of the separated tribes to keep their hold of Canaan's religion, even when they were leaving Canaan's land, that they might not be as the sons of the stranger, utterly separated from God's people, Isa. 56:3. In order to this, they built a great altar on the borders of Jordan, to be a witness for them that they were Israelites, and as such partakers of the altar of the Lord, 1 Cor. 10:18. When they came to Jordan (Josh. 21:10) they did not consult how to preserve the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 22:16

Thus saith the whole congregation of the Lord ,.... By whom they were sent, and whom they represented; and they do not call them the congregation of Israel, but of the Lord, because it was not on a civil but religious account they were come, and not to plead their own cause, but the cause of God; and not so much to show a concern for their own honour and interest as for the glory of God: what trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel ; they took it for granted... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 22:16

Verse 16 16.Thus says the whole congregation, etc Just as if it had been known that this second altar was opposed to the one only altar of God, they begin with upbraiding them, and that in a very harsh and severe manner. They thus assume it as confessed, that the two tribes had built the altar with a view of offering sacrifices upon it. In this they are mistaken, as it was destined for a different use and purpose. Moreover, had the idea which they had conceived been correct, all the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 22:1-34

Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh at home. Three points are especially noticeable in this chapter. First, the reward of those who have laboured on behalf of their brethren; next, the duty of claiming our privileges as Christians when severed from our brethren; and lastly, the necessity of zeal for the purity of religion. I. SELF DENIAL SHALL HAVE ITS REWARD . Our Lord tells us that he who gives a cup of cold water to his brother shall not lose his reward. We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 22:9-21

The Cause of this Outbreak of Wrath The feeling excited in the people of Israel by the news that the Reubenites and Gadites had set up an altar beyond Jordan is a proof that the religious condition of the nation after the great benefits received by it was very healthy, while the act of the Reubenites and Gadites is no less an evidence of their gratitude to God. The indignation of the ten tribes is aroused by their impression that the Reubenites and Gadites have committed an act of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 22:10-34

Misunderstandings among good people. Bitter contention often arises from simple misunderstanding. The Israelites were on the verge of a civil war as a result of a simple mistake of judgment. Much unhappiness might be avoided if the lessons of this incident were well considered by Christian people. I. CONSIDER THE INCIDENT IN RELATION TO THE TRANS - JORDANIC TRIBES . They erected an altar of witness which was supposed by their brethren to be an altar of sacrifice, a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 22:16

Joshua 22:16. Thus saith the whole congregation Who do, and are resolved to cleave unto that God from whom you have revolted. What trespass is this that you have committed? How heinous a crime! To turn away this day That is, so soon after God hath obliged you by such wonderful favours, and when he is now conducting you home to reap the fruits of all your pains and hazards. In that you have builded you an altar For sacrifice, as they supposed. That ye might rebel With a design to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 22:1-34

Settlement of the eastern tribes (22:1-34)Now that the territory west of Jordan had been conquered and divided among the nine and a half tribes, the other two and a half tribes were free to return to their inheritance east of Jordan. Joshua commended them for being faithful to their word in helping their brothers conquer Canaan (22:1-4; cf. Deuteronomy 32:16-32), and warned them to remain true to God in their new homeland (5). He then sent them back to their families with his blessing (6-9).The... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Joshua 22:16

trespass. Hebrew. chata. App-44 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 22:1-34

A. The return of the two and one-half tribes to their inheritances ch. 22Joshua’s preparations for the conquest of Canaan began with his summoning the two and one-half tribes to join their brethren to help them in the battles ahead (Joshua 1:12-18). Now Joshua dismissed the two and a half tribes and allowed them to return to their tribal inheritances east of the Jordan River. This ended the task of conquering and dividing the land. read more

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