Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

JOSHUA 22:21KJV
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Joshua 22:21 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:21 mean?

Joshua 22:21 shows the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh responding to the leaders of Israel after being confronted about building an altar. The verse introduces their answer, setting up their explanation and defense to the rest of Israel’s leaders.

The scene takes place after these tribes, who live east of the Jordan River, are accused by the other Israelites of possibly rebelling against God by building a separate altar. Here, the leaders of these eastern tribes begin to address the accusation directly, speaking to the main leaders (“heads of the thousands”) of Israel. This marks the start of their formal reply and is important for understanding the resolution of the conflict in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:21

  • רְאוּבֵן (Re'uven, "Reuben"), גָּד (Gad), and מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh, "Manasseh"): These names identify the specific tribes involved, emphasizing that the response comes from all three groups together, not just one.
  • רֹאשֵׁי (roshei, "heads"): This word refers to the leaders or chiefs of Israel, highlighting that the reply is directed to the top representatives, not just the general population.
  • אֶלֶף (elef, "thousands"): This term often refers to clan or family groups within Israel, showing that the conversation is taking place at a high level of tribal organization.

Why Joshua 22:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the eastern tribes are given a fair chance to explain themselves before any judgment or action is taken, showing a process of dialogue and understanding.
  • The mention of the “heads of the thousands of Israel” highlights the seriousness of the situation and the importance of leadership in resolving disputes among the tribes.
  • Joshua 22:21 sets up the explanation that follows, which is crucial for understanding how misunderstandings among God’s people can be addressed and resolved peacefully.

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.

“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.