Literally, “circuits of Jordan,” or, “districts of Jordan.” Some have taken the expression to refer to the fertile districts east of the upper Jordan, possibly the fertile meadow areas within the windings of the Jordan River. The river flows about 200 mi. (320 km.) in its windings back and forth in the 65 mi. (104 km.) between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. However, this identification does not seem to fit the specifications of the narrative. The LXX and the Syriac have the proper name “Gilgal” instead of “borders.” This would be the most natural place for the tribes to cross the Jordan. The road past Gilgal led to the border of both Reuben and Gad. Had the tribes journeyed north by the upper Jordan, they would have gone approximately 100 mi. out of their way. Another possible crossing place would have been at Adamah, but this was also an indirect way for Gad and Reuben to return, as well as an unknown way. Thus it is only logical to believe that the tribes returned by way of Gilgal (see PP 518). Having arrived in the “borders” of the Jordan, they built an altar on the height near the stones that Joshua had erected, although, perhaps, on the other side of the river (see on v. 11).

Suggesting that the place may have been on the west side of the Jordan, although this is by no means certain.

 Better, “for appearance.” The expression indicates a large altar high enough to be seen at a great distance. This word may also convey the meaning that the altar was built for appearance only and not for any other use, such as for sacrifices. Yet it was patterned after the altar of burnt offering at the tabernacle (v. 28), which would make it an effective memorial of the fact that the eastern tribes were a part of the Israel of God.