Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:
Parallel translations
- WEB Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel,
- KJV Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,
- NKJV Then the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh answered and said to the heads of the divisions of Israel:
- NASB Then the sons of Reuben, the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel.
- NLT Then the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the clans of Israel:
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The eastern tribes begin their reply to the accusation. It opens their heartfelt defense and explanation.
Overview
Now the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh respond to the charge leveled against them. Their answer will reveal that their motive was the opposite of rebellion. This turning point shows the value of allowing the accused to explain before judgment is rendered.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Exod 18:21–25Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- Prov 16:1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
- Prov 18:13He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.
- Prov 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Prov 24:26An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
- Mic 5:2But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
- Acts 11:4But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:
- Jas 1:19My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
- 1 Pet 3:15But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
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Christ at the center
Joshua — the same name as Jesus, 'the LORD saves' — leads God's people into their inheritance, a shadow of the greater Joshua who brings us into the true rest and the promised land that remains.
How Joshua 22:21 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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