Introduction to Joshua Chapter 22
The war with the Canaanites being ended, Joshua called to him the two tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, who came over Jordan with him to assist in it, and commended them for their obedience to Moses and to himself, and to God by them; and then dismissed them, with some instructions to keep the ways and worship of God, and with his blessing upon them, Joshua 22:1; upon which they returned to their country, and when they came to the borders of it set up an altar by Jordan, Joshua 22:9; which, when the children of Israel heard of, it gave them great offence, they fearing they were going to make a revolt from the pure worship of God, and therefore sent a deputation of princes to them, with the son of the high priest, to inquire into the matter, and expostulate with them about it, who did, Joshua 22:11; and who received from them a very satisfactory answer, Joshua 22:21; with which they returned and reported to the children of Israel, and which gave them pleasure, Joshua 22:32.