God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle.
May God prevent us from rebelling against the LORD and turning away from following Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices alongside the altar of the LORD our God that stands before His sacred tent.
The eastern tribes are declaring their loyalty to God, saying they would never rebel by creating a competing altar for worship.
📚 Historical Context
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had just returned to their lands east of the Jordan River after helping conquer the Promised Land. The other Israelite tribes discovered they had built a large altar and feared it was for rival worship, which would violate God's command to worship only at the central tabernacle. This verse is part of the eastern tribes' defense, explaining their true intentions.
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