Becoming ceremonially unclean did not always result from rebellion or a moral mistake. But it did stop people or groups from joining regular worship activities, including offering sacrifices. If the eastern tribes had made the land ceremonially unclean, the Israelites could not offer sacrifices to the Lord there. This concern gives evidence that the eastern tribes had built their altar on the western bank of the Jordan River.
The land west of the Jordan River was the LORD’s possession. The group of chiefs from the western tribes made a generous offer by inviting the eastern tribes to share their land. This showed their commitment to national unity and loyalty to God.