And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying,

JOSHUA 22:15KJV
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Joshua 22:15 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:15 mean?

Joshua 22:15 describes how a group of Israelites approached the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and began to speak with them. This meeting sets the stage for an important conversation between these tribes and the rest of Israel.

The verse takes place after the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) had returned to their land across the Jordan River. Representatives from the other Israelite tribes traveled to Gilead because they had heard about an altar built by these eastern tribes, which raised concerns about faithfulness to God. This verse marks the beginning of their direct dialogue to address those concerns.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:15

  • "came" (בּוֹא, bo’): This word means to arrive or enter. It shows that the Israelite delegation made a deliberate journey to confront their fellow Israelites, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
  • "children" (בֵּן, ben): Used here for "children of Reuben" and "children of Gad," this word means "sons" or "descendants," highlighting the tribal identity and family connection among the Israelites.
  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): Refers specifically to the territory of Gilead, making it clear that this meeting happened on the eastern side of the Jordan, which is significant for understanding the context of the concern.

Why Joshua 22:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies the setting for a major misunderstanding that could have led to conflict among the tribes, showing the importance of direct communication.
  • It emphasizes the unity and shared responsibility among the tribes of Israel, even when separated by geography.
  • Joshua 22:15 connects to the broader narrative about loyalty to God and the dangers of division, helping readers see how the Israelites handled potential disputes within their community.

Where else these words appear

“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,

“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.

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.