And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
The Israelites heard news that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had built an altar on the border of the Jordan River, right at the crossing point where all the Israelites had entered the land of Canaan.
The writer is reporting that the Israelites heard disturbing news about some of their fellow tribes building what appeared to be an unauthorized altar.
📚 Historical Context
After the Israelites had conquered much of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. This area was outside the main territory of Canaan, but they had promised to help the other tribes in the conquest first. When they built a large altar near the Jordan, the other tribes heard about it and became concerned that it might be an act of rebellion or idolatry, as God had specified that worship should occur at the tabernacle.
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