Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD’s tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.
However, if the land where you live is unclean, then come over to the land that belongs to the LORD, where the LORD's tabernacle is located, and settle among us. But don't rebel against the LORD or against us by building your own altar alongside the altar of the LORD our God.
The writer is offering the eastern tribes a place to live on the west side of the Jordan if their land is spiritually unclean, but warns them not to rebel by building unauthorized altars.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Joshua, after the Israelites had conquered much of Canaan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan River, having received their land allocation there. They built a large altar, which the other tribes misinterpreted as an act of rebellion or idolatry against God, leading to tension and accusations. Joshua responded by urging them to avoid any worship that could defile their relationship with the Lord and to maintain unity under the central altar at the tabernacle.
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