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
This occurred after the conquest of Canaan when the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) were returning to their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. According to God's law, there was supposed to be only one central altar for sacrifices at the tabernacle, so building another altar appeared to be a serious violation that could bring God's judgment on all Israel.
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