Joshua 22:34
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּקְרְא֛וּ
called
H7121
וַֽיִּקְרְא֛וּ
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וּבְנֵי
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵי
And 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
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵי
And 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
גָ֖ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֖ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
5 of 13
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֵ֥ד
Ed for it shall be a witness
H5707
עֵ֥ד
Ed for it shall be a witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
8 of 13
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 13
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
בֵּֽינֹתֵ֔ינוּ
H996
בֵּֽינֹתֵ֔ינוּ
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
10 of 13
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Joshua 22:27But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
Historical Context
The altar Ed stood near the Jordan as a permanent reminder of tribal unity. Unlike typical altars for sacrifice, this was purely memorial. Similar witness-monuments appear throughout ancient Near Eastern cultures, marking treaties and boundaries. Israel baptized this practice for covenant purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What physical reminders help you remember God's faithfulness and your covenant identity?
- How can memorial practices prevent future generations from drifting from truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God—They name the altar Ed (עֵד, 'witness'). This memorial testifies to shared faith across the Jordan. That the LORD is God (ki YHWH hu ha-Elohim) echoes Elijah's cry (1 Kings 18:39) and Moses' declaration (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39).
Monuments serve memory. Israel erected many witness-stones: Jacob's pillar (Genesis 28:18), the twelve stones from Jordan (Joshua 4:20-24), this altar. Physical reminders help spiritual forgetfulness. The Lord's Supper functions similarly (1 Corinthians 11:24-25): 'this do in remembrance of me.' We need tangible helps for abstract truths.