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.

JOSHUA 22:10KJV
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Joshua 22:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:10 mean?

Joshua 22:10 describes how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large, visible altar by the Jordan River when they reached the border of Canaan. This altar was notable for its size and was meant to be seen by others.

The verse is set after these tribes had helped the other Israelites conquer Canaan and were returning to their own land east of the Jordan. The building of this altar was a significant event, as it took place at a key boundary and involved tribes who would soon be separated from the rest of Israel by the river. The act of building such a prominent altar would have drawn attention and possibly raised questions among the other Israelites about its purpose.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:10

  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): The word used here refers to a structure for offerings or sacrifices. The emphasis on it being "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) suggests it was unusually large, meant to be noticed.
  • "to see to" (לְמַרְאֶה, l’mar’eh): This phrase means "as a spectacle" or "for appearance," highlighting that the altar was built to be visible, not hidden. This detail hints that the altar’s purpose was not just functional but also symbolic or declarative.
  • "borders" (גְּלִילוֹת, gelilot): This word refers to the region or boundary area, underlining that the altar was placed at a significant dividing line between the land of Canaan and the territory east of the Jordan.

Why Joshua 22:10 matters

  • Joshua 22:10 sets up the tension for the following verses, where the rest of Israel reacts strongly to the building of this altar, fearing it might represent rebellion or unauthorized worship.
  • The verse highlights the importance of unity and visible reminders of shared faith among the tribes, especially as some were settling apart from the main group.
  • Understanding the size and placement of the altar helps explain why it caused such a strong reaction, as it was not a private or hidden act but a public statement at a critical boundary.

Where else these words appear

“borders” Hebrew H1552 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 13:2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
  • Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 24:5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

“Reuben” Hebrew H7205 · used in 68 verses

  • Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
  • Numbers 13:4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
  • Joshua 21:36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,

“to” Hebrew H4758 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Deuteronomy 28:34 So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
  • Ezekiel 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.