The tribes living across the Jordan River find themselves facing a severe accusation. Having built a large altar, they are suspected of turning to idolatry and fracturing the unity of the nation. In response, they issue a dramatic and piercing oath, declaring their absolute loyalty to God and inviting a harsh punishment upon themselves if their intentions were evil.
To emphasize their innocence, they invoke a threefold sequence of God's names. The primary approach among commentators is that this sequence means God is the ultimate King of Kings who rules even over the angels [רש"י, רד"ק, מצודת דוד]. However, another perspective argues that this should not be read as a reference to angels or other powers. Instead, these are three distinct holy names that represent a single divine essence. This reflects God's seal of truth and parallels the three attributes through which the world was created and the Torah was given [מנחת שי]. Ultimately, the very mention of God's name is meant to entirely uproot the suspicion that the altar was built for idol worship [מלבי"ם].
They repeat this threefold name twice. This repetition serves primarily to strengthen, verify, and firmly establish their declaration [רד"ק, מצודת דוד]. Additionally, the double phrasing hints that their oath holds true in both this world and the world to come [רש"י].
Their defense draws a clear distinction between what God knows and what the people of Israel know. Because God examines the deepest thoughts of the heart, He already knows right now that their loyalty is intact and their intentions are pure [רד"ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The rest of the nation, however, will only come to recognize this truth as time passes [מצודת דוד]. They will realize it when they see that no sacrifices are ever actually offered on this new altar [מלבי"ם].
The suspicion against them operates on two distinct levels. One level involves a deliberate act of rebellion, which threatens the national unity of Israel. The other involves treachery, representing a direct religious betrayal of God Himself [מלבי"ם]. Bringing their defense to a climax, the speakers shift their focus away from their human accusers and turn directly upward to God [רש"י, רד"ק, מצודת דוד]. They issue a bold challenge: if they have truly committed these sins, they ask that God not save them. They beg Him to withhold His patience, refuse them rescue, and cast them away from His presence this very day [מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם].