FocusUnity, loyalty, and final exhortation
Joshua 22:7
KJVNow to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing events and Joshua's speeches urge the tribes to serve the LORD and warn against abandoning the covenant.
- 22:1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,
- 22:2 And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you:
- 22:3 Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God.
- 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.
- 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
- 22:6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents.
- 22:7 Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,
- 22:8 And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Joshua is the traditional principal author, and Joshua 24:26 credits him with writing covenant words. The closing record of his death and later events means the completed account includes a later contribution. Biblical references: Joshua 24:26; Joshua 24:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Joshua 22:1–22:34): The eastern tribes, western Israel, and the delegation led by Phinehas resolve the dispute over the altar beside Jordan. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel living in the land and later generations learning how the land was allotted and why covenant faithfulness mattered. No individual first recipient is known. Biblical references: Joshua 4:6; Joshua 4:21; Joshua 24:24. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Eastern Tribes Return Home. Read Joshua 22:1 through Joshua 22:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing events and Joshua's speeches urge the tribes to serve the LORD and warn against abandoning the covenant. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Moses' death and proceeds through the entry, campaigns, allotments, and Joshua's final covenant addresses. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The people cross from east of Jordan into Canaan. Campaign locations, tribal boundaries, and cities are distinct settings within that broader movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Eastern Tribes Return Home (Joshua 22:1 to Joshua 22:8). Start reading at Joshua 22:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Hebrews 4 distinguishes the rest associated with Joshua from the rest still discussed in its exhortation. In the KJV of Hebrews 4:8, the name Jesus refers in context to Joshua. See Joshua 1:1, Hebrews 4:8, Hebrews 4:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take the repeated calls to faithfulness and obedience seriously. Historical warfare commands to Israel should not be converted into permission for a reader's private violence. interpretation
Cited: Joshua 22:1, Joshua 22:8, Joshua 1:1, Hebrews 4:8, Hebrews 4:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Now to the one half of the tribe of Manas… Josh 13:29-31 Josh 17:1-12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Joshua 22
Joshua 1:1 Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:29
The Altar of Witness
Joshua 22:9–34FocusUnity, loyalty, and final exhortation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Joshua
Joshua 1:1 Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:29
Entering the land
Joshua 1:1–5:12FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Conflict and the taking of the land
Joshua 5:13–12:24FocusVictory, failure, and the LORD's commands
The land distributed
Joshua 13:1–21:45FocusInheritance and provision
FocusUnity, loyalty, and final exhortation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.