Joshua 22:10

Joshua 22:10 Meaning and Explanation

And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.

King James Version (KJV)

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At the Jordan the eastern tribes build a large, conspicuous altar.

What Does Joshua 22:10 Mean?

Reaching the Jordan -- still on the Canaan side of the river -- the eastern tribes build a great altar, one large and visible from afar. The narrator notes its size without yet explaining its purpose, leaving the reader, like Israel, to wonder.

An altar set at the very border between the tribes is a striking thing. The action will soon be questioned, but its placement is telling: it stands where the people part, at the line that could divide them. What looks like a threat will prove to be a bridge -- a reminder that appearances must be tested before the heart is judged.

Joshua 22:10 in the Original Language

mizbeach (מִזְבֵּחַ), 'altar' -- literally a place of sacrifice, built to offer to God.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 22:10

What does Joshua 22:10 mean?

At the Jordan the eastern tribes build a large, conspicuous altar.

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