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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 22:23 If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/22-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/06_Jos_22_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 22:23 - The Offensive Altar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself take vengeance. <a href="/bsb/joshua/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. <a href="/kjv/joshua/22.htm">King James Bible</a> 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; <a href="/nkjv/joshua/22.htm">New King James Version</a> If we have built ourselves an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer on it burnt offerings or grain offerings, or if to offer peace offerings on it, let the LORD Himself require an account. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself demand it. <a href="/nasb/joshua/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it. <a href="/lsb/joshua/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from following Yahweh, or if to perform a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may Yahweh Himself require it. <a href="/amp/joshua/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn away from following the LORD, or if [we did so] to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it [of us and hold us responsible]. <a href="/csb/joshua/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> that we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from him. May the LORD himself hold us accountable if we intended to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> that we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him. May the LORD Himself hold us accountable if we intended to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it. <a href="/asv/joshua/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Jehovah; or if to offer thereon burnt-offering or meal-offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace-offerings thereon, let Jehovah himself require it; <a href="/cev/joshua/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and we ask the LORD to punish us if we are lying. We didn't build it so we could turn our backs on the LORD. We didn't even build it so we could offer animal or grain sacrifices to please the LORD or ask his blessing. <a href="/erv/joshua/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; <a href="/gwt/joshua/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> don't spare us today. If we built an altar with the intention of no longer following him, and if we built it for making burnt offerings, grain offerings, or fellowship offerings, let the LORD punish us. <a href="/gnt/joshua/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> If we disobeyed the LORD and built our own altar to burn sacrifices on or to use for grain offerings or fellowship offerings, let the LORD himself punish us. <a href="/isv/joshua/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> If we have built an altar for ourselves intended to turn us away from following the LORD, or to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself demand an accounting from us! <a href="/net/joshua/22.htm">NET Bible</a> If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn back from following the LORD by making burnt sacrifices and grain offerings on it, or by offering tokens of peace on it, the LORD himself will punish us. <a href="/nheb/joshua/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings, let the LORD himself require it. <a href="/wbt/joshua/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer on it burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or if to offer peace-offerings on it, let the LORD himself require it;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/joshua/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. <a href="/web/joshua/22.htm">World English Bible</a> that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Yahweh; or if to offer burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings, let Yahweh himself require it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> [If we] are building an altar for ourselves to turn back from after YHWH, and if to cause burnt-offering and present to go up on it, and if to make peace-offerings on it—YHWH Himself requires [it]. <a href="/ylt/joshua/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> we are building for ourselves an altar to turn back from after Jehovah, and if to cause to go up on it burnt-offering and present, and if to make on it peace-offerings -- Jehovah Himself doth require it. <a href="/slt/joshua/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To build to us an altar to turn back from after Jehovah, and if to bring up upon it a burnt-offering and a gift, and if to do upon it sacrifices of peace Jehovah he will search;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if we did it with that mind, that we might lay upon it holocausts, and sacrifice, and victims of peace offerings, let him require and judge: <a href="/cpdv/joshua/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And if we have acted with a mind so that we might present upon it holocausts, and sacrifice, and victims of peace offerings, let him inquire and judge. <a href="/nabre/joshua/22.htm">New American Bible</a> and if we have built an altar of our own to turn from following the LORD, or to sacrifice burnt offerings, grain offerings, or communion sacrifices upon it, the LORD himself will exact the penalty. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for building an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or offerings of well-being on it, may the LORD himself take vengeance.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if we have built us an altar to turn from the worship of the LORD, or to offer upon it burnt offerings, or use it for any other service, let the LORD himself seek vengeance against us; <a href="/hpbt/joshua/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> If we build for ourselves an altar that we would turn from the worship of LORD JEHOVAH or that we would offer on it sacrifices or we serve another, LORD JEHOVAH shall be avenged against us<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer thereon burnt-offering or meal-offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace-offerings thereon, let the LORD Himself require it; <a href="/sep/joshua/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if we have built to ourselves an altar, so as to apostatize from the Lord our God, so as to offer upon it a sacrifice of whole-burnt-offerings, so as to offer upon it a sacrifice of peace-offering, - the Lord shall require it. <a href="/parallel/joshua/22-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5873" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/22.htm">The Offensive Altar</a> …22“The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. 23<a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: liḇ·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">If we have built</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">for ourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: miz·bê·aḥ (N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">an altar</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: lā·šūḇ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">to turn away</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rê (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: lə·ha·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">to offer</a> <a href="/hebrew/5930.htm" title="5930: ‘ō·w·lāh (N-fs) -- Whole burnt offering. Or mowlah; feminine active participle of alah; a step or; usually a holocaust.">burnt offerings</a> <a href="/hebrew/4503.htm" title="4503: ū·min·ḥāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- From an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. Bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering.">and grain offerings</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to sacrifice</a> <a href="/hebrew/8002.htm" title="8002: šə·lā·mîm (N-mp) -- A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offering. From shalam; properly, requital, i.e. A sacrifice in thanks.">fellowship</a> <a href="/hebrew/2077.htm" title="2077: ziḇ·ḥê (N-mpc) -- A sacrifice. From zabach; properly, a slaughter, i.e. The flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice.">offerings</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">may the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: yə·ḇaq·qêš (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">hold us accountable.</a> 24But in fact we have done this for fear that in the future your descendants might say to ours, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-13.htm">Deuteronomy 12:13-14</a> Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; / you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you. <a href="/leviticus/17-8.htm">Leviticus 17:8-9</a> Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice / but does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD, that man must be cut off from his people. <a href="/deuteronomy/13-12.htm">Deuteronomy 13:12-15</a> If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said / that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), / then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, ... <a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">1 Kings 12:26-30</a> Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” ... <a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">2 Kings 17:9-12</a> The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. ... <a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-5</a> You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15-19</a> So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful / that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, / of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, ... <a href="/judges/2-11.htm">Judges 2:11-13</a> And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. / Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, / for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22-23</a> But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” <a href="/2_chronicles/11-15.htm">2 Chronicles 11:15</a> And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. <a href="/psalms/106-19.htm">Psalm 106:19-21</a> At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image. / They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. / They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt, <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a> All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... <a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9-10</a> Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? <a href="/ezekiel/20-28.htm">Ezekiel 20:28-29</a> When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings. / So I asked them: ‘What is this high place to which you go?’ (And to this day it is called Bamah.) <a href="/hosea/8-11.htm">Hosea 8:11-13</a> Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning. / Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange. / Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to Me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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;let the Lord<a href="/genesis/9-4.htm">Genesis 9:4</a> But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.<a href="/deuteronomy/18-19.htm">Deuteronomy 18:19</a> And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.<a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">1 Samuel 20:16</a> So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/22-19.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/joshua/22-19.htm">Building</a> <a href="/joshua/22-16.htm">Built</a> <a href="/joshua/11-13.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-10.htm">Burnt-Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/29-39.htm">Cereal</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-20.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-26.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/numbers/29-38.htm">Meat-Offering</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-19.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-10.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/joshua/13-14.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/joshua/21-44.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/joshua/8-31.htm">Peace-Offerings</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Require</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-19.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/joshua/13-14.htm">Sacrifices</a> <a href="/joshua/8-31.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/joshua/22-18.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/joshua/22-29.htm">Building</a> <a href="/joshua/24-13.htm">Built</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Burnt-Offering</a> <a href="/judges/13-19.htm">Cereal</a> <a href="/joshua/22-29.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/joshua/22-29.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/judges/13-19.htm">Meat-Offering</a> <a href="/judges/3-18.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/joshua/22-27.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Peace-Offerings</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">Require</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Sacrifices</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-19.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/joshua/22-29.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 22</div>1. <a href="/joshua/22-1.htm">The two tribes and a half with a blessing are sent home,</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/22-10.htm">They build the altar of testimony in their journey</a> 11. <a href="/joshua/22-11.htm">The Israelites are offended thereat</a> 21. <a href="/joshua/22-21.htm">They vindicate their conduct, and give them good satisfaction</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If we have built for ourselves an altar In the context of <a href="/joshua/22.htm">Joshua 22</a>, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan River. This act raised concerns among the other Israelite tribes, as it seemed to suggest a division in worship practices. In ancient Israel, the construction of altars was significant, as altars were central to worship and sacrifice. The Israelites were commanded to worship at the tabernacle, and later the temple, as the central place of worship (<a href="/deuteronomy/12-5.htm">Deuteronomy 12:5-14</a>). Building a separate altar could imply a break from the unified worship of Yahweh.to turn away from Him Turning away from God in the Old Testament often refers to idolatry or apostasy. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against turning to other gods (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-5</a>). The concern here is that the altar might symbolize a departure from the covenant relationship with Yahweh, which was central to Israel's identity and survival as a nation. This phrase underscores the seriousness of maintaining fidelity to God.and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it Burnt offerings and grain offerings were integral parts of the sacrificial system established in Leviticus. Burnt offerings symbolized atonement and dedication to God (Leviticus 1), while grain offerings represented thanksgiving and devotion (Leviticus 2). Offering these sacrifices on an unauthorized altar would contravene the law and suggest a rival worship system, which was strictly forbidden (<a href="/leviticus/17-8.htm">Leviticus 17:8-9</a>).or to sacrifice peace offerings on it Peace offerings, described in <a href="/leviticus/3.htm">Leviticus 3</a>, were meant to symbolize fellowship and reconciliation with God. They were communal meals shared between the offerer, the priests, and God. Offering peace offerings on a separate altar could imply a breach in the communal worship and unity of Israel, which was meant to be centered around the tabernacle.may the LORD Himself hold us accountable This phrase reflects the seriousness with which the tribes viewed their covenant with God. They invoke God's judgment upon themselves if they have acted in rebellion. This reflects a deep understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, as well as a commitment to accountability before Him. It echoes the covenant curses found in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where disobedience would lead to divine retribution. This accountability is a theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God is the ultimate judge of human actions (<a href="/romans/14-12.htm">Romans 14:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_eastern_tribes.htm">The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)</a> These tribes settled on the east side of the Jordan River and built an altar, which led to a misunderstanding with the other Israelite tribes. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_altar_of_witness.htm">The Altar of Witness</a> A large altar built by the Eastern tribes near the Jordan River, intended as a witness between them and the other tribes of Israel that they all serve the same God. 3. <a href="/topical/p/phinehas,_son_of_eleazar_the_priest.htm">Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest</a> Sent by the Israelites to confront the Eastern tribes about the altar, fearing it was a sign of rebellion against God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The geographical boundary that separated the Eastern tribes from the rest of Israel, symbolizing potential division. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_assembly_of_israel.htm">The Assembly of Israel</a> The collective body of the remaining tribes who were concerned about the potential idolatry or rebellion represented by the altar.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_worship.htm">Unity in Worship</a> The altar was a potential source of division, but it was intended as a symbol of unity. In our communities, we must ensure that our practices and symbols promote unity in worship rather than division. <a href="/topical/i/intentions_matter.htm">Intentions Matter</a> The Eastern tribes' intentions were misunderstood. This teaches us the importance of clear communication and understanding others' intentions before jumping to conclusions. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_to_god.htm">Accountability to God</a> The tribes were willing to be held accountable by God if their actions were wrong. We should also live with a mindset of accountability to God for our actions and decisions. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_assumptions.htm">Avoiding Assumptions</a> The initial reaction of the Israelites was based on assumptions. We should be cautious about making assumptions about others' actions without seeking clarification. <a href="/topical/s/symbolic_reminders.htm">Symbolic Reminders</a> The altar served as a reminder of their shared faith. We can use symbols and practices in our lives to remind us of our commitments to God and each other.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 22</a> <a href="/q/why_did_the_1844_millerite_prophecy_fail.htm">What does the Bible teach about worship?</a> <a href="/q/why_build_a_separate_altar_in_joshua_22_10.htm">How do we reconcile the building of a separate altar in Joshua 22:10 with earlier commands to worship at one central sanctuary?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_'pleasing_aroma'_significant.htm">In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam's_seven_altars.htm">Numbers 23:1-2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam's elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Let the Lord himself require it. Or, the Lord, He shall exact, i.e., the penalty. <a href="/commentaries/joshua/22-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If we have built לִבְנ֥וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build for ourselves an altar מִזְבֵּ֔חַ (miz·bê·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar to turn away לָשׁ֖וּב (lā·šūḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again from מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י (mê·’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part Him יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not to offer לְהַעֲל֨וֹת (lə·ha·‘ă·lō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively burnt offerings עוֹלָ֣ה (‘ō·w·lāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5930.htm">Strong's 5930: </a> Whole burnt offering and grain offerings וּמִנְחָ֗ה (ū·min·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4503.htm">Strong's 4503: </a> A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering on it, עָלָ֜יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against or וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not to sacrifice לַעֲשׂ֤וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make fellowship שְׁלָמִ֔ים (šə·lā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8002.htm">Strong's 8002: </a> A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offering offerings זִבְחֵ֣י (ziḇ·ḥê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2077.htm">Strong's 2077: </a> A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice on it, עָלָיו֙ (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against may the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Himself ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are hold us accountable. יְבַקֵּֽשׁ׃ (yə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/22-23.htm">Joshua 22:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/22-23.htm">OT History: Joshua 22:23 That we have built us an altar (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/22-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 22:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 22:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/22-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 22:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 22:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>