Definition: And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 22:11. It’s a really significant and troubling part of the story of the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: They Built an Altar: The Israelites, after being given a special blessing by God, decided to build an altar – a sacred place – over against the land of Canaan (the area around modern-day Israel). It’s in the Borderlands: This altar was built right on the border of the Promised Land. Think of it as a boundary marker between their territory and the land God promised them. What's the Significance? This act is incredibly important because it demonstrates a serious challenge to God's plan. It signifies: Disobedience: They were disobeying God’s instructions – specifically, that they shouldn’t build anything on the land of Canaan. The verse says “And the children of Israel…” which means they disobeyed God directly. Pride and Rebellion: Building an altar was a symbol of pride and rebellion against God's authority. It shows they weren’t willing to follow what God told them. Why is this important in the larger story? This event sets the stage for some really challenging things that happen later in the book of Joshua. It foreshadows a period of intense conflict and separation between the Israelites and their ancestral homeland, ultimately leading to the division of the tribes and the establishment of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In short, this verse is a stark reminder of a moment where the Israelites strayed from God's guidance and created a significant obstacle to their eventual return to the land they were promised. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme related to this passage (like disobedience, faith, or God’s judgment)?