Joshua 22:2

and told them, "You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you.

Study Bible

and said to them
This phrase indicates a direct communication from Joshua to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The act of speaking here is significant as it reflects the importance of verbal communication in ancient Israelite culture, where oral tradition was a primary means of conveying God's commands and historical narratives. Joshua, as a leader, uses this moment to affirm and encourage the tribes, highlighting the importance of leadership in guiding and acknowledging the faithfulness of the people.

You have done all
The phrase underscores the complete obedience of the tribes to the commands given by Moses. In Hebrew, the concept of "doing all" is often linked to the idea of fulfilling one's duty or covenant obligations. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to God's commands is a demonstration of faithfulness and loyalty. The tribes' actions serve as a model of faithfulness for future generations.

that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you
Moses is referred to as "the servant of the LORD," a title that signifies his unique role as God's chosen leader and prophet. This phrase emphasizes the continuity of leadership and divine command from Moses to Joshua. The commands given by Moses were not merely his own but were divinely inspired, and the tribes' adherence to these commands reflects their respect for God's authority as mediated through His servant.

and you have obeyed my voice
Joshua acknowledges the tribes' obedience to his leadership as well. The phrase "obeyed my voice" highlights the importance of heeding godly leadership. In the Hebrew context, obedience is not just about following orders but involves a deep, relational trust in the leader's guidance. Joshua's leadership is seen as an extension of Moses', and ultimately, of God's will.

in all that I commanded you
This phrase reiterates the comprehensive nature of the tribes' obedience. The use of "all" signifies that their obedience was not partial or selective but complete. This total obedience is a testament to their commitment to God's covenant and their trust in Joshua's leadership. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the blessings that come from wholehearted devotion to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, who led the people into the Promised Land. In this verse, he is addressing the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

2. Moses
The servant of the LORD who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He gave the initial commands that Joshua refers to in this verse.

3. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes had settled on the east side of the Jordan River but had promised to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary for the Israelites, separating the land of Canaan from the territories east of the river.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Leadership
The tribes' obedience to both Moses and Joshua exemplifies the importance of respecting and following godly leadership. This obedience is a model for how Christians should respond to spiritual leaders today.

Faithfulness to Commitments
The tribes kept their promise to assist their fellow Israelites, demonstrating the value of faithfulness and integrity in fulfilling commitments.

Unity in Purpose
Despite geographical separation, the tribes worked together for a common goal, illustrating the power of unity within the body of Christ.

God's Faithfulness
The successful completion of their mission reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to trust in God's plans.

Legacy of Obedience
The obedience of these tribes set a precedent for future generations, reminding us that our actions can have lasting impacts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to Moses and Joshua challenge us in our own obedience to spiritual authority?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness to our commitments, both to God and to others, in our daily lives?

3. How can the unity displayed by these tribes serve as a model for unity within the church today?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. How does this encourage you to trust Him more?

5. What legacy of obedience are you leaving for future generations, and how can you be intentional about this?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage records Moses' command to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to help their fellow Israelites in battle, which Joshua references in Joshua 22:2.

Numbers 32:20-22
This passage details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad regarding their commitment to assist in the conquest of Canaan.

Hebrews 11:8-10
This New Testament passage highlights the faith and obedience of the patriarchs, which parallels the obedience of the tribes in Joshua 22:2.