Joshua 22:25
For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וּגְב֣וּל
a border
H1366
וּגְב֣וּל
a border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
נָֽתַן
hath made
H5414
נָֽתַן
hath made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 23
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּינֵ֨נוּ
H996
בֵּינֵ֨נוּ
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 23
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֜ם
H996
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֜ם
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 23
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
H1121
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
H1121
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָד֙
of Gad
H1410
גָד֙
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
9 of 23
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָֽה׃
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהִשְׁבִּ֤יתוּ
cease
H7673
וְהִשְׁבִּ֤יתוּ
cease
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
16 of 23
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
H1121
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
H1121
בָּנֵ֔ינוּ
and children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְבִלְתִּ֖י
from
H1115
לְבִלְתִּ֖י
from
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
Historical Context
This verse reveals that the altar was built proactively to prevent future division, not to cause present schism. The eastern tribes understood that physical distance from the sanctuary could lead to spiritual estrangement over generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does concern for future generations' faith motivate present decisions and safeguards?
- What modern parallels exist where geographical or cultural separation threatens covenant unity?
- How can we proactively preserve spiritual unity across differences without compromising biblical truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD—The eastern tribes reveal their deepest fear: future generations west of the Jordan might exclude their descendants from covenant participation because of geographical separation. The phrase "no part in the LORD" (אֵין חֵלֶק לָכֶם בַּיהוָה, ein chelek lakhem b'YHWH) denotes disinheritance from covenant blessings.
So shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD—The verb "cease" (שָׁבַת, shavat) means to stop or desist. They fear their grandchildren will be prevented from worshiping at the tabernacle, effectively excommunicated from Israel's covenant community despite being legitimate tribal members.