Joshua | Chapter Summaries + Study Questionsنموونە

JOSHUA 22

THE EASTERN TRIBES RETURN HOME BUT REMAIN UNITED WITH THE ISRAELITES

The tribes who chose to live east of the Jordan River (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) return to their land after all of Canaan had been divided. Before they leave, Joshua reminds them to love God with all their heart and soul. Joshua understands the importance and priority of this command, which is later included in all four gospel accounts (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:33, Luke 10:27, John 13:34).

Once they arrive in their divided land, they build an altar as a reminder of unity between their tribes and the other tribes. Although they are divided by the river, the Israelites are one people group and serve the same God.

Upon seeing the altar, the other Israelites are alarmed, thinking it was an idol. The tribes east of the Jordan explain their purpose for the altar and reassure them it was not to be worshiped.

STUDY QUESTIONS

In Joshua 22:5, what command did Joshua give as a reminder for the eastern tribes?

What did the eastern tribes build upon their arrival? What did the other tribes assume that they had built?