Joshua 22:21
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,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲנוּ֙
answered
H6030
וַֽיַּעֲנוּ֙
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וּבְנֵי
Then the children
H1121
וּבְנֵי
Then the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְנֵי
Then the children
H1121
וּבְנֵי
Then the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֔ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֔ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
5 of 13
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
שֵׁ֣בֶט
tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט
tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
7 of 13
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
H4519
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
8 of 13
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וַֽיְדַבְּר֔וּ
and said
H1696
וַֽיְדַבְּר֔וּ
and said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָאשֵׁ֖י
unto the heads
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֖י
unto the heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Historical Context
This verse marks the turning point from accusation to explanation. The eastern tribes' willingness to engage respectfully rather than responding defensively demonstrates the strength of Israel's covenant bonds even across geographical separation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this model of respectful response to accusations, even wrongful ones, show spiritual maturity?
- Why is it significant that all three tribes answered together rather than individually?
- What does their measured response teach about defending yourself when misunderstood by fellow believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—The Transjordan tribes respond with a formal, carefully structured defense. The repetition of all three tribal groups emphasizes their unified response—this was not a rogue action by one tribe but a deliberate decision by all the eastern tribes together.
The phrase "heads of the thousands" (רָאשֵׁי אַלְפֵי, rashei alphei) mirrors the delegation's composition (verse 14), showing mutual respect. The accused tribes take the charges seriously enough to answer the highest authorities, not dismissing the concern as irrelevant.