But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
But this altar will be a witness between us and you, and for our children who come after us, proving that we serve the LORD in his presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings. This way, your children won't be able to say to our children in the future, 'You have no part in worshiping the LORD.'
The eastern tribes built an altar as proof for future generations that they too belong to God and have the right to worship Him, even though they live across the Jordan River.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Joshua, after the Israelites had conquered the Promised Land, the tribes that settled east of the Jordan River built a large altar to address potential future disputes. This altar served as a witness to affirm their shared commitment to worshiping the Lord with offerings, ensuring that later generations would not question their unity or claim that the eastern tribes had no part in God's covenant. It reflected the cultural emphasis on visible symbols to maintain tribal solidarity and prevent division among God's people.
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