just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: "an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used." And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD, and they sacrificed peace offerings. just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites.Joshua carried out the covenant instructions Moses had received from the LORD, demonstrating that Israel’s new leader governed under God’s written law rather than personal authority. The altar on Mount Ebal fulfilled Moses’ command in Deuteronomy 27:4–6 and publicly renewed Israel’s commitment to the covenant in the land of promise. Moses served faithfully as God’s mediator, preparing the way for Christ, the greater Mediator of the new covenant. Deu 27:1 Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people:… He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: Joshua’s obedience rested on the authoritative written revelation God had given through Moses. The Book of the Law directed Israel’s worship, conduct, and covenant identity, and Joshua treated its commands as binding. God’s people are to worship Him according to His Word rather than according to human preference. Deu 31:24-26 When Moses had finished writing in a book… “an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.” The altar followed the instruction of Exodus 20:25 and Deuteronomy 27:5–6. Stones untouched by human tools testified that access to God could not be improved by human skill, pride, or invention. Sacrifice depended on God’s provision and command, ultimately pointing to Christ, whose saving work was accomplished according to the Father’s will. Deu 27:5-6 Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD… And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD, Burnt offerings were wholly given to God, signifying atonement for sin and complete consecration to Him. Israel entered the land not by its own righteousness or military strength, but through the mercy of the LORD. These sacrifices anticipated the perfect offering of Christ, who gave Himself fully to secure eternal redemption for His people. Exo 24:5 Then he sent out some young men of Israel,… and they sacrificed peace offerings. Peace offerings celebrated restored fellowship with God and shared communion among His covenant people. The worshipers rejoiced before the LORD in gratitude for His faithfulness and blessing. Christ fulfills this peace, having reconciled believers to God through His blood and made them one people in Him. Deu 27:7 There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings…… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. 2. Moses The servant of the LORD who received the Law from God and instructed the Israelites in its observance. 3. The Israelites The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering the Promised Land. 4. The Altar Constructed of uncut stones, as commanded in the Law, symbolizing purity and obedience to God's instructions. 5. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings Sacrifices made to God, representing atonement and fellowship with Him. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsJoshua's adherence to the instructions given by Moses highlights the importance of following God's commands precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our spiritual walk. Symbolism of Uncut Stones The use of uncut stones signifies purity and the unaltered nature of God's creation. In our lives, we should strive for purity and authenticity in our worship and service to God. Sacrificial Worship The offerings made on the altar remind us of the importance of sacrificial worship. Today, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Continuity of God's Covenant The building of the altar and the offerings made are a reaffirmation of God's covenant with Israel. This continuity encourages us to trust in God's unchanging promises. Community Worship The collective act of building the altar and offering sacrifices underscores the importance of community in worship. We are reminded to gather together in worship and fellowship. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joshua's obedience in building the altar according to the Law of Moses challenge us in our daily obedience to God's Word?2. What is the significance of using uncut stones for the altar, and how can this principle be applied to maintaining purity in our worship today? 3. In what ways do the burnt offerings and peace offerings in Joshua 8:31 foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? 4. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that our worship remains centered on God's instructions and not on human traditions? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite challenges. How does the continuity of God's covenant with Israel encourage you in your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:25This verse provides the original command regarding the construction of altars with uncut stones, emphasizing the importance of following God's specific instructions. Deuteronomy 27:5-6 Moses instructs the Israelites to build an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal, directly connecting to the actions taken by Joshua. 1 Kings 18:31-32 Elijah builds an altar with twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, showing continuity in the use of stone altars. Hebrews 13:15 This verse speaks of offering sacrifices of praise, connecting the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament to spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament.
People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Altar, Book, Built, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offerings, Cause, Commanded, Fellowship, Instrument, Iron, Israelites, Law, Lift, Lifted, Offered, Offerings, Ordered, Peace, Peace-offerings, Recorded, Sacrifice, Sacrificed, Servant, Sons, Stones, Thereon, Tool, Uncut, Unhewn, Untouched, Waved, Wielded, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:31 1349 covenant, at Sinai 1640 Book of the Law Library The National Oath at Shechem'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture February the Seventeenth Blessings and Cursings Whether it is Lawful to Lay Ambushes in War? Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Five Kings in a Cave Jesus in the Tomb. Beth-El. Beth-Aven. Moses and his Writings The Crucifixion. Joshua Links Joshua 8:31 NIVJoshua 8:31 NLT Joshua 8:31 ESV Joshua 8:31 NASB Joshua 8:31 KJV Joshua 8:31 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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