And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.
When they reached the Jordan River border in the land of Canaan, the people of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh built an altar there by the Jordan, a large, impressive altar that could be seen from far away.
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh built a large, visible altar by the Jordan River as they prepared to return to their lands east of the river.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Joshua, after the Israelites had conquered the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were returning to their allocated territories on the east side of the Jordan River, having fulfilled their promise to help the other tribes in battle. These tribes had earlier requested this land because it was suitable for their livestock, as recorded in Numbers 32. Their building of a large, visible altar near the Jordan raised concerns among the other tribes, who worried it might signify idolatry or a break from the central worship at the tabernacle.
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