Ed
“Witness”
Summary
The name given to an altar erected by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh at the Jordan, signifying 'witness' to their covenant share with the other tribes.
☩The Memorial Altar
When the two and a half tribes returned to their possessions east of the Jordan after helping conquer Canaan, they erected a great altar by the Jordan River. The western tribes initially viewed this with alarm, fearing it represented apostasy and the establishment of a rival sanctuary to the tabernacle at Shiloh. Phinehas the priest and tribal representatives confronted them, recalling the judgment that fell on Israel for the sin at Peor. The eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for burnt offerings or sacrifices but solely as a witness between generations that they too belonged to the Lord and had a share in His worship. The name Ed, meaning 'witness,' expressed this purpose: 'It is a witness between us that Yahweh is God.'
☩Location and Significance
The altar was erected at the boundary of Canaan, by the circles or districts of Jordan at the place where Israel had crossed. The Hebrew text does not actually contain the word 'Ed' as a name; it is supplied by translators based on some Hebrew manuscripts and the Syriac and Arabic versions. According to the Massoretic text, the name of the altar is the entire explanatory sentence: 'It is a witness between us that the Lord is God.' The altar stood as a visible memorial, prominent enough to be seen from afar, preserving the unity of all Israel despite the Jordan's geographic division. This monument ensured that future generations of Israelites east of the Jordan could point to it as proof of their covenant relationship with those in Canaan and their right to worship at the central sanctuary.
Related Verses1 mention
Joshua· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ed," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ed," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ed," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).