Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “That is why we said, ‘Let us get ready and build an altar—but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.’ New Living Translation “So we decided to build the altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, English Standard Version Therefore we said, ‘Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice, Berean Standard Bible That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Berean Literal Bible And we said, ‘Let us now prepare ourselves to build the altar—not for burnt offering nor for sacrifice— King James Bible Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: New King James Version Therefore we said, ‘Let us now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering nor for sacrifice, New American Standard Bible “Therefore we said, ‘Let’s build an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; NASB 1995 “Therefore we said, ‘Let us build an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; NASB 1977 “Therefore we said, ‘Let us build an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; Legacy Standard Bible “Therefore we said, ‘Let us build an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; Amplified Bible “So we said, ‘Let us prepare and build an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice, Berean Annotated Bible That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Christian Standard Bible “Therefore we said: Let’s take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offering or sacrifice. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore we said: Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offering or sacrifice. American Standard Version Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice: Contemporary English Version That's why we decided to build the altar. It isn't for offering sacrifices, not even sacrifices to please the LORD. English Revised Version Therefore we said, Let as now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: GOD'S WORD® Translation Then we said, 'Let's build an altar for ourselves. It will not be for burnt offerings or sacrifices, Good News Translation So we built an altar, not to burn sacrifices or make offerings, International Standard Version "That's why we said, 'Let's build an altar for ourselves, not for burnt offerings or sacrifice, NET Bible So we decided to build this altar, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, New Heart English Bible Therefore we said, 'Let's now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; Webster's Bible Translation Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. World English Bible “Therefore we said, ‘Let’s now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd we say, Now let us prepare to build the altar for ourselves—not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice— Berean Literal Bible And we said, ‘Let us now prepare ourselves to build the altar—not for burnt offering nor for sacrifice— Young's Literal Translation 'And we say, Pray let us prepare for ourselves to build the altar -- not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice -- Smith's Literal Translation And we shall say, We will do now for ourselves to build an altar, not for burnt-offerings and not for sacrifice: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd said: Let us build us an altar, not for holocausts, nor to offer victims, Catholic Public Domain Version and we said: Let us build us an altar, not for holocausts, and not to offer victims, New American Bible So we thought, ‘Let us act for ourselves by building this altar of our own’—not for burnt offerings or sacrifice, New Revised Standard Version Therefore we said, ‘Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of this we said, ‘We shall make for ourselves a place and we shall build for ourselves an altar, not for sacrifice and not for offering OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore we said: Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice; Brenton Septuagint Translation And we gave orders to do thus, to build this altar, not for burnt-offerings, nor for meat-offerings; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Offensive Altar…25For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!’ So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD. 26That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. 27Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’… Cross References That is why we said, Genesis 31:48-52 Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. / It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” … Joshua 4:7 you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” 1 Samuel 7:12 Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” ‘Let us take action 1 Chronicles 22:16 in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and may the LORD be with you.” Nehemiah 2:18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. Haggai 1:8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD. and build an altar for ourselves, Genesis 35:7 There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. Genesis 33:20 There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Deuteronomy 12:13-14 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. Leviticus 17:8-9 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. Deuteronomy 12:5-6 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. Numbers 32:16-18 Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. / But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. / We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. 1 Kings 8:29-30 May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. / Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. Exodus 20:24 You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. 2 Chronicles 6:20-21 May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. / Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. Treasury of Scripture Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: Jump to Previous Altar Beasts Build Burned Burnt Burnt-Offering Let's Offering Offerings Ourselves Prepare Ready Sacrifice SacrificesJump to Next Altar Beasts Build Burned Burnt Burnt-Offering Let's Offering Offerings Ourselves Prepare Ready Sacrifice SacrificesJoshua 22 1. The two tribes and a half with a blessing are sent home,10. They build the altar of testimony in their journey 11. The Israelites are offended thereat 21. They vindicate their conduct, and give them good satisfaction That is why we said, This phrase indicates a decision-making process among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It reflects a moment of reflection and reasoning, suggesting a response to a perceived need or potential misunderstanding. The context is the return of these tribes to their land east of the Jordan River after assisting the other tribes in conquering Canaan. ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)These tribes settled on the east side of the Jordan River and were involved in building the altar mentioned in this verse. 2. The Jordan River A significant geographical boundary that separated the eastern tribes from the rest of Israel, leading to concerns about unity and worship. 3. The Altar Constructed by the eastern tribes as a witness between them and the other Israelites, not for sacrifices, but as a symbol of shared faith and unity. 4. Phinehas The son of Eleazar the priest, who was sent to investigate the intentions behind the altar, representing the concern for maintaining true worship. 5. The Land of Canaan The main territory of the Israelites, west of the Jordan, where the majority of the tribes resided and where the central place of worship was located. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe altar was a symbol of unity among the tribes, reminding us of the importance of maintaining unity in our faith communities today. Intentions Matter The eastern tribes' intentions were not to create division but to affirm their shared faith. This teaches us to consider the intentions behind actions and seek understanding before judgment. Symbolic Reminders Just as the altar served as a witness, we can use symbols in our lives to remind us of our faith and commitments to God. Guarding Against Misunderstanding Misunderstandings can lead to conflict; open communication and seeking clarity are essential in maintaining peace and unity. Faithful Witness The altar was a witness to future generations. We are called to be faithful witnesses of our faith to those around us and to future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 22:26?2. How does Joshua 22:26 emphasize the importance of maintaining unity among believers? 3. What can we learn from the tribes' decision to build an altar "for ourselves"? 4. How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on reconciliation in Matthew 5:24? 5. In what ways can we ensure our actions promote peace within our church community? 6. How can Joshua 22:26 inspire us to address misunderstandings in our relationships? 7. Why did the Israelites build an altar in Joshua 22:26 without God's direct command? 8. How does Joshua 22:26 reflect on the unity among the Israelite tribes? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Joshua 22:26? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 22? 11. Who were the believers in the Old Testament? 12. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence of this altar mentioned in Joshua 22:10, considering its significance to the nation’s unity? 13. How does Joshua 22 align with other passages that mandate a single place of worship (e.g., Deuteronomy 12), and why is there no mention of God’s direct intervention here? 14. How do we reconcile the building of a separate altar in Joshua 22:10 with earlier commands to worship at one central sanctuary? What Does Joshua 22:26 Mean That is why we said- The eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—had just crossed the Jordan to settle in their allotted land (Joshua 22:1–9). - Concerned that distance might one day fracture unity with the western tribes, they explained, “That is why we said,” signaling thoughtful reflection rather than rash action (compare Proverbs 15:28; Joshua 4:6–7, where stones were set up as a reminder for future generations). - Their motive is protection of covenant identity, echoing Moses’ warning that future descendants must not forget the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:10–12). Let us take action - Faith in God never excuses passivity; here, faith prompts decisive, preventive steps (James 2:17). - The phrase shows unanimity—“us”—highlighting corporate responsibility (Nehemiah 2:17–18). - Action is measured and deliberate, unlike the impulsive building of the golden calf in Exodus 32:1–4; the tribes intend to honor, not replace, God’s commands. and build an altar for ourselves - An altar is normally the place of sacrifice (Leviticus 1:9), yet the eastern tribes explain its different purpose. - Like the memorial stones in Gilgal (Joshua 4:8–9), this altar serves as a tangible witness across the river, a standing testimony of shared faith (Isaiah 19:19 speaks of an altar as “a sign and a witness”). - Building it “for ourselves” acknowledges stewardship: they are accountable for maintaining the visible reminder of unity (1 Corinthians 3:10–11 reminds believers how they build on the foundation). but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices - They explicitly distance the altar from sacrificial function to avoid violating God’s command that sacrifices be offered only at “the place the LORD will choose” (Deuteronomy 12:5–14; later centralized at Shiloh, Joshua 18:1). - This clarification calms potential misunderstanding and prevents civil war (Joshua 22:10–12, 30–31). - The altar is a “witness between us and you and the LORD” (Joshua 22:27), illustrating how symbols can foster peace when properly understood (Ephesians 2:14–18, where Christ Himself is our peace, tearing down dividing walls). summary Joshua 22:26 reveals a thoughtful plan by the eastern tribes to safeguard covenant unity. They resolve to build a memorial altar—not for offering sacrifices, which would violate God’s law—but as a perpetual witness that they share the same faith as their brothers west of the Jordan. Their example urges believers today to take proactive, obedient steps that preserve unity, honor God’s commands, and keep future generations mindful of the shared covenant with the Lord. (26) An altar.--Rather, the altar. It was not an altar (Joshua 22:23), but the altar, i.e., the pattern or copy of the altar of Jehovah, to prove that the two and a half tribes had the same right to approach Him as all the rest.Verse 26. - Let us now prepare to build us an altar. Literally, let us make now to build to us an altar. Burnt offering, nor for sacrifice. In the "burnt offering" the whole victim was consumed. In the "sacrifice" part only was offered on the altar. The rest was eaten by the priest or the person who offered it.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew That is why we said,וַנֹּ֕אמֶר (wan·nō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Let us take action נַעֲשֶׂה־ (na·‘ă·śeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural Strong's 6213: To do, make and build לִבְנ֖וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1129: To build an altar for ourselves, הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar but not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no for burnt offerings לְעוֹלָ֖ה (lə·‘ō·w·lāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering or sacrifices. לְזָֽבַח׃ (lə·zā·ḇaḥ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice Links Joshua 22:26 NIVJoshua 22:26 NLT Joshua 22:26 ESV Joshua 22:26 NASB Joshua 22:26 KJV Joshua 22:26 BibleApps.com Joshua 22:26 Biblia Paralela Joshua 22:26 Chinese Bible Joshua 22:26 French Bible Joshua 22:26 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 22:26 Therefore we said 'Let's now prepare (Josh. 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