MPV Commentary

Joshua Dismisses the Two Tribes and a Half, with a Blessing.

1. Joshua called together the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh. The general war was over, and the enemy was in disarray, making it possible for each tribe to defend itself without needing the help of its neighboring tribes. As a result, Joshua released these auxiliary Israelites from their service on the eastern side of the Jordan.

2. He commended them highly for their loyalty and faithfulness, urging them to maintain a consistent devotion to God's law throughout their lives. The language used here is repetitive, but it highlights Joshua's emphasis on the importance of following God's commands for personal happiness and national prosperity.

3. "You have not left your brothers for many days," Joshua said, "not even for seven years." This was a significant period of time, considering they had been away from their families.

4-5. "Return to your homes now," Joshua instructed them. "Your families have been living in fortified towns" (Numbers 32:17), and it's time for you to be reunited with them.

6-7. Joshua told them, "You've returned with great wealth – livestock, clothing, and precious metals." He encouraged them to share the spoils of their enemies with their brothers, just as they had done in the past (Numbers 31:25-39).