But now, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over into the LORD’s land where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take for yourselves a possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD or make us as rebels by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.
Did not Achan the son of Zerah,.... One that descended from Zerah the son of Judah, Jos 7:18, commit a trespass in the accursed thing; in taking what was devoted to sacred uses: and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel?
News of that altar spread instantly, and at first the tribes meant war, they saw apostasy and prepared to strike. But they paused, resolved instead to send inquiry first: the high priest's son and ten eminent men, one from each tribe. That such quality was sent showed how deeply they felt the danger to the worship of God and the unity of His people.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 22:11-29
Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession [be] unclean, [then] pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God. (k) In your judgment.