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;
If we built this altar to turn away from following the LORD, or to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings on it, let the LORD himself hold us accountable and punish us.
The tribes are declaring their innocence, saying if they built the altar for wrong reasons, they're willing to face God's judgment.
📚 Historical Context
The eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) had built an altar after crossing back over the Jordan River to their lands. The western tribes were concerned this altar represented rebellion against God or the establishment of unauthorized worship outside the tabernacle. This verse is part of the eastern tribes' defense, explaining their true intentions.
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