Joshua 22:34

Ed. The Hebrew word for “witness.” However, this word is not found in the original, at least in the common copies, though some of the late MSS are said to contain it, but it occurs in the Arabic and Syriac versions. The LXX reads, “And Joshua gave a name to the altar of the children of Ruben and the children of Gad and of the half tribe of Manasseh, and said, 'It is a testimony in the midst of them that the Lord is their God.’”

The translators of the KJV have properly supplied the word in italics since it is the word that the sense evidently requires.

Some important lessons may be learned from the incidents of this chapter: first, even the best intentions are often misunderstood and afford cause for suspicion, and therefore, as much as possible, every appearance of evil should be avoided; second, it is far better to be jealous over our brethren with a godly jealousy than to be indifferent to their salvation, even when we are mistaken in our fears; third, even when we are falsely accused, it is well to listen to the accusation calmly and then with the spirit of humility make a careful defense. Those who are in the right can always afford to be calm and considerate.