Joshua 22

Joshua assembles, commends, blesses, and then dismisses the two tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Joshua 22:1-8 . They return and build an altar by the side of Jordan, Joshua 22:9 , Joshua 22:10 . The rest of the Israelites hearing of this, and suspecting that they had built the altar for idolatrous purposes, or to make a schism in the national worship, prepare to go to war with them, Joshua 22:11 , Joshua 22:12 ; but first send a deputation to know the truth, Joshua 22:13 , Joshua 22:14 . They arrive and expostulate with their brethren, Joshua 22:15-20 . The Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh, make a noble defense, and show that their altar was built as a monument only to prevent idolatry, Joshua 22:21-29 . The deputation are satisfied, and return to the ten tribes and make their report, Joshua 22:30-32 . The people rejoice and praise God, Joshua 22:33 ; and the Reubenites and Gadites call the altar they had raised Ed, that it might be considered a witness between them and their brethren on the other side Jordan, Joshua 22:34 .