Joshua 22:1-9 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 22:1-9

What does Joshua require of the eastern tribes as they return home?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh 2 and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. 4 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised them, you may return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan. 5 But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way, and they went to their homes. 7 (To the half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given land in Bashan, and to the other half Joshua gave land on the west side of the Jordan among their brothers.) When Joshua sent them to their homes he blessed them, 8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.” 9 So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan to return to their own land of Gilead, which they had acquired according to the command of the LORD through Moses.

What is the context?

Joshua commends Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh for obeying the charge and not deserting their brothers during the campaign. With the others now receiving rest, they may return to the inheritance Moses gave them.

Their duty is not finished with military service. Joshua urges them to love the Lord, walk in His ways, keep His commands, hold fast to Him, and serve with all their heart and soul.

He blesses them and directs them to share the spoil with their brothers. They leave Shiloh for Gilead, carrying both substantial possessions and a continuing responsibility of faithful life before God.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes that the command concerns the whole strength of mind, will, and affections. The USCCB cross-references connect it with the earlier promises of help and the command to love the Lord. The text requires sharing the spoil but does not specify the exact fraction every remaining household receives.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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