Now then (Revised Standard Version “But now”) indicates a logical transition in the argument. It is not to be confused with a marker of time sequence.

They propose to their fellow Israelites to come live among them, on the west side, if their land is not fit to worship in (Revised Standard Version “is unclean”). This may imply that the rebellion at Peor, on the east side, had defiled the whole area, making it ceremonially unfit for proper worship of the Lord. Or it may imply that it was the location of the Tent of the Lord’s presence which made the western region a fit place (“pure, clean”) for the worship of the Lord.

The clause if your land is not fit to worship in does not necessarily imply that this is the opinion of the tribal representatives from the western tribes. The meaning may also be “If you think your land is not fit to worship in.”

For the Lords Tent in Shiloh, see 18.1. Where his Tent is may be expressed as either “where his dwelling place is” or “where he has chosen to live.”

For some languages, Claim some land among us will require an indication of movement on the part of the eastern tribes: “Cross over to our territory and find a place where you can settle down.”

Don’t … make rebels out of us (Revised Standard Version “make us as rebels”) translates the Hebrew consonants with different vowels from those used in the Masoretic text, which has “don’t rebel against us” (King James Version, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible). The majority of translations and commentators prefer the sense given by Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, but Hebrew Old Testament Text Project favors the Masoretic text, apparently on the grounds that it suits the context better.

Make rebels out of us may be translated “cause us to be rebels.” Perhaps the idea may better be expressed: “But don’t rebel against the Lord and make us guilty together with you.” The translation should make it clear, as Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation do not, that us is inclusive, that is, it includes both the speakers and the listeners.

By building an altar is a difficult construction for many readers. In its place it may be preferable to introduce a new sentence with a prohibition: “But don’t rebel against the LORD and make us guilty of your sins. Do not build an altar….”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .