Joshua 22:34

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

وسمّى بنو رأوبين وبنو جاد المذبح عيدا لانه شاهد بيننا ان الرب هو الله

What Does This Mean?

The children of Reuben and Gad built an altar and named it Ed to show that they believe the Lord is God. They wanted this altar to be a witness between them and the other tribes.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friend have a special rock that reminds you both of your favorite game. The children of Reuben and Gad made an altar like that rock, but it reminded everyone that God is the one true God.

Historical Background

Joshua 22 was written by Joshua, the successor of Moses, after the conquest of Canaan. This verse is part of the story where the tribes of Reuben and Gad built an altar to show their commitment to the Lord, before they returned to their homeland east of the Jordan River.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be seen as a reminder to have symbols or traditions that remind us of our commitment to God. For example, a family might have a special prayer time before dinner to remember God's presence in their lives.

Topics

• commitment
• witness
• faith
• God
• altar
• traditions

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:24
• 1 Kings 18:30
• Ezekiel 43:13
• Matthew 16:16
• Acts 17:23

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Reuben and Gad build an altar?

They built the altar as a witness to their faith in the Lord and to show their commitment to Him, ensuring that future generations would remember God as the one true God.

What does the name 'Ed' mean in this context?

The name 'Ed' is not explicitly defined in the text, but it likely serves as a reminder of their dedication to the Lord and their belief in Him.

How did this altar serve as a witness?

The altar was a physical symbol that reminded everyone, including other tribes, of Reuben and Gad's commitment to the Lord, acting as a visible testament to their faith.

Is there a modern equivalent of this altar?

In modern times, people might use symbols like crosses, prayer beads, or specific traditions to remind themselves and others of their commitment to God.