Joshua 22:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon their arrival with Phinehas, they discovered that the new structure was not established out of mere superstition. Rather, they recognized that the altar constructed was designated as a remembrance of communal faithfulness, intended for future generations to use as a reminder to admonish anyone who sought to divert them from their sacred celebrations. Consequently, they returned filled with joy and offered praise to God for safeguarding the devotion of their fellow believers and maintaining their shared harmony. Therefore, it was appropriate for the Jews of that time to acknowledge and declare that their altar was not the authentic altar but merely a shadow of the true altar.