Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

JOSHUA 22:1KJV
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Joshua 22:1 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:1 mean?

Joshua 22:1 describes how Joshua, the leader of Israel, summoned the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These specific groups are being called together for a particular purpose after the main conquest of Canaan.

Joshua is speaking as the leader of the Israelites, addressing these eastern tribes who had helped the rest of Israel in battle. The verse sets the stage for a conversation where Joshua will acknowledge their faithfulness and give them instructions now that their military duties are finished.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:1

  • יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua; Joshua): This is the Hebrew form of the name Joshua, meaning "The LORD is salvation." His role as leader and successor to Moses is highlighted by his calling of these tribes.
  • קָרָא (qara; called): The Hebrew word here means to call, summon, or invite. It emphasizes that Joshua is taking deliberate action to gather these tribes for an important announcement.
  • רְאוּבֵנִי (Re'uveni; Reubenites), גָּדִי (Gadi; Gadites), מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh; Manasseh): These are the names of the tribes, showing the focus on the eastern tribes who had a unique arrangement in Israel’s settlement.

Why Joshua 22:1 matters

  • This verse marks a transition point, showing that the eastern tribes’ special role in helping conquer Canaan is coming to an end, and they are about to return to their own land.
  • It highlights the unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, even though some lived east of the Jordan River.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the important instructions and events that follow, especially regarding loyalty to God and the unity of the nation.

Where else these words appear

“Gadites” Hebrew H1425 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 34:14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:
  • Joshua 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

“Reubenites” Hebrew H7206 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 26:7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
  • Deuteronomy 29:8 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites.

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.