Joshua 22 Summary

Joshua commends and dismisses the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, charging them to love the LORD and obey His commandments as they return to their lands east of the Jordan with the spoils they had gained. Upon reaching the borders of the Jordan, the two and a half tribes construct a large altar, which alarms the rest of Israel, prompting the congregation to assemble at Shiloh and consider going to war. Israel sends Phinehas the priest and ten princes to confront the eastern tribes, accusing them of rebellion against the LORD and warning that divine wrath could fall on all Israel as it had through the sins of Peor and Achan. The eastern tribes solemnly declare that the altar was not built for burnt offerings or sacrifices but as a witness — a visible testimony for future generations that they too share in the LORD — upon hearing which Phinehas and the princes are satisfied, return with a favorable report, and the congregation of Israel gives thanks to God and abandons plans for war; the altar is named Ed, meaning "witness."