Joshua 22:28
Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 26
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דֹּֽרֹתֵ֖ינוּ
to us or to our generations
H1755
דֹּֽרֹתֵ֖ינוּ
to us or to our generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
מָחָ֑ר
in time to come
H4279
מָחָ֑ר
in time to come
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
רְא֣וּ
again Behold
H7200
רְא֣וּ
again Behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 26
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תַּבְנִית֩
the pattern
H8403
תַּבְנִית֩
the pattern
Strong's:
H8403
Word #:
12 of 26
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשׂ֣וּ
made
H6213
עָשׂ֣וּ
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ
which our fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ
which our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
17 of 26
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
18 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְעוֹלָה֙
not for burnt offerings
H5930
לְעוֹלָה֙
not for burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
19 of 26
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
20 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְזֶ֔בַח
nor for sacrifices
H2077
לְזֶ֔בַח
nor for sacrifices
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
21 of 26
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
22 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֵ֣ד
but it is a witness
H5707
עֵ֣ד
but it is a witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
23 of 26
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
24 of 26
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
The word tavnit (pattern) is the same term used for the tabernacle pattern shown to Moses (Exodus 25:9). The eastern altar was likely a replica in appearance but entirely different in function—a visual testimony rather than a functional sanctuary.
Questions for Reflection
- How do our churches and practices serve as 'patterns' or witnesses to future generations about what we believed?
- What safeguards can we build now to help our children defend their covenant participation decades from now?
- How does this vision for multi-generational faithfulness challenge short-term thinking in modern Christianity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD—The eastern tribes envision a future scenario where their descendants face exclusion. They can point to the memorial altar and say, "Look at the pattern (תַּבְנִית, tavnit) of the LORD's altar"—proving their fathers intended to worship at the legitimate sanctuary.
Which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you—The repetition of "not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices" (third time) emphasizes the altar's non-cultic function. It witnesses TO the true altar, not competing WITH it. The memorial points to Shiloh, not away from it.