Joshua 22:28 – “And we said, ‘If they ever say this to us, or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the Lord’s altar, which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Joshua 22:28 explains the reasoning behind the altar built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They anticipated that future generations might question their connection to the God of Israel because of the physical boundary created by the Jordan River. To prevent this misunderstanding, they built an altar that was a replica of the Lord’s altar—not as a place for sacrifices, but as a symbol of their unity and shared faith with the rest of Israel. This altar was meant to stand as a visible reminder to future generations that the eastern tribes were fully part of the covenant community, worshiping the same God as their fellow Israelites on the western side of the river.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is set after the Israelites had conquered Canaan and divided the land among the twelve tribes. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were granted land on the east side of the Jordan River, creating a natural boundary that separated them from the other tribes. This separation raised concerns that, over time, future generations might question their allegiance to God and their place within the community. The eastern tribes built the altar as a proactive measure to preserve their connection to the rest of Israel and ensure that their descendants would always be recognized as part of God’s people.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of creating symbols and actions that reinforce our unity in faith. The eastern tribes’ decision to build a replica of the Lord’s altar underscores the need for visible reminders that communicate our shared beliefs and commitments. This verse teaches that the faith community must be intentional about preserving connections and preventing divisions, especially when physical or cultural differences exist. It also highlights the importance of remembering that our worship is not just about rituals but about maintaining a deep, unified relationship with God and His people.

Literary Analysis

The verse uses direct speech to highlight the eastern tribes’ proactive approach to potential future conflicts. The phrase “Look at the replica of the Lord’s altar” serves as a powerful declaration of their intentions, making it clear that the altar was not meant for sacrifices but as a symbol of their shared faith. This literary structure emphasizes the dialogue between the tribes, fostering understanding and preventing conflict. The focus on the word “replica” distinguishes their altar from the one at the Tabernacle, underscoring that it was a memorial, not a competing site of worship.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:24-25 – God commands the Israelites to build altars in a way that honors Him, reflecting the eastern tribes’ careful approach to ensure their altar would not violate God’s commands.
• Deuteronomy 6:20-25 – This passage speaks to the importance of teaching future generations about God’s commands and works, similar to how the eastern tribes wanted their altar to serve as a witness for their descendants.
• Psalm 145:4 – “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts,” emphasizing the importance of passing down faith and reminders of God’s covenant.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Joshua 22:28 serves as a reminder to take intentional steps to preserve our connection to God and to one another. It challenges believers to create visible reminders of their faith that speak to their unity with other Christians. This could be through shared traditions, symbols, or practices that help keep the community connected to God’s Word and to each other. The verse also encourages Christians to think ahead, considering how their actions today will impact future generations and how they can help ensure that the faith is passed down clearly and faithfully.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s loving nature in His desire for His people to remain united in their worship of Him. God values the efforts of His people to preserve their shared faith and protect the integrity of their relationship with Him across generations. The eastern tribes’ decision to build a replica of the Lord’s altar demonstrates their love for God and their commitment to His covenant, as well as their love for their fellow Israelites. God’s love is evident in His encouragement of actions that foster unity, continuity, and faithfulness among His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Joshua 22:28 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate unifying figure for all believers. Just as the eastern tribes built the altar as a witness to their shared faith, Jesus’ death and resurrection serve as the ultimate testament to God’s love and the unity of His people. Christ’s sacrifice broke down every barrier, uniting believers from every background into one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). Jesus’ call for His followers to be one, as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21), reflects the same desire for unity that drove the eastern tribes to build their altar. It is a call to live out our faith in ways that visibly express our commitment to God and to one another.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What visible reminders of your faith can you create or maintain to help connect you to God and other believers?
2. How can you work to preserve unity within your church or faith community, especially when differences arise?
3. How does God’s call for unity and shared worship influence your approach to community and fellowship?
4. In what ways can you follow Jesus’ example of fostering unity and breaking down barriers among believers?

This passage challenges us to be intentional in our actions, creating symbols and practices that remind us of our shared faith and commitment to God, ensuring that future generations remain connected to Him and His people.