Joshua 22:23
That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;
Original Language Analysis
לָשׁ֖וּב
to turn
H7725
לָשׁ֖וּב
to turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
from following
H310
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
from following
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 19
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְהַֽעֲל֨וֹת
or if to offer
H5927
לְהַֽעֲל֨וֹת
or if to offer
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עָלָ֜יו
H5921
עָלָ֜יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עוֹלָ֣ה
thereon burnt offering
H5930
עוֹלָ֣ה
thereon burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
10 of 19
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וּמִנְחָ֗ה
or meat offering
H4503
וּמִנְחָ֗ה
or meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
11 of 19
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 19
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לַֽעֲשׂ֤וֹת
or if to offer
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֤וֹת
or if to offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
זִבְחֵ֣י
offerings
H2077
זִבְחֵ֣י
offerings
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
שְׁלָמִ֔ים
peace
H8002
שְׁלָמִ֔ים
peace
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Historical Context
This categorical denial addresses the core legal issue: Deuteronomy 12 forbids sacrificial altars anywhere except the central sanctuary. By renouncing all sacrificial use, the eastern tribes claim exemption from this law—the altar serves another purpose entirely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does their specific, detailed denial demonstrate the importance of clear communication in resolving conflict?
- Why is it significant that they repeatedly invoke God's judgment rather than merely defending themselves to men?
- What does this teach about addressing accusations with both truth and humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon—The eastern tribes emphatically deny sacrificial intent. They list three types of offerings—olah (burnt offering, עֹלָה), minchah (grain offering, מִנְחָה), and shelamim (peace offerings, שְׁלָמִים)—covering the entire Levitical sacrificial system, affirming they will offer NONE of these on the altar.
Let the LORD himself require it—The phrase "require it" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) means to seek out and punish. They again invoke divine judgment if their altar serves sacrificial purposes, placing the matter directly in God's hands rather than human courts.