Joshua 8:31 – 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 had been used. On it they offered to the Lord burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 8:31 explains that Joshua built the altar on Mount Ebal exactly as Moses had commanded, using uncut stones on which no iron tool had been used. This detail reflects the importance of building the altar in a way that honored God’s instructions given through Moses. The uncut stones symbolize purity and the untouched nature of God’s creation, signifying that human effort should not alter what is dedicated to God. The Israelites offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on this altar, acts of worship and thanksgiving that expressed their devotion and gratitude to God for His guidance and blessings. This moment was not just about following a ritual; it was about renewing their commitment to God’s covenant.
Historical Context
This event took place shortly after the Israelites’ victory over Ai, as Joshua led the people in worship to reaffirm their commitment to God. The building of the altar on Mount Ebal followed specific instructions given by Moses before his death (Deuteronomy 27). Moses had told the Israelites to set up an altar of uncut stones and offer sacrifices there once they entered the Promised Land. The altar was a crucial part of the covenant renewal ceremony, where the people would remember God’s law, acknowledge His provision, and recommit to obeying His commands. This act served to remind the Israelites that their success was not due to their own strength but because of their relationship with God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Joshua 8:31 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word, even in the details. The use of uncut stones shows that worship should be pure, not mixed with human pride or effort. The altar built according to God’s design reminds us that our worship and service to God should align with His instructions, not our own preferences. This verse teaches that following God’s commands, even in seemingly small details, is an act of reverence and submission. It also highlights the value of worship as an expression of gratitude and the renewal of our commitment to God, reflecting a heart that desires to honor Him above all else.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses specific language to highlight the care with which Joshua obeyed God’s instructions. The description of the “altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used” emphasizes the simplicity and purity of the altar, contrasting it with human-made structures that might symbolize pride or self-reliance. The phrase “as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded” underscores the continuity between Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s, showing that God’s guidance remained constant through their obedience. The literary focus on the precise building of the altar and the specific types of offerings reflects the importance of honoring God’s instructions fully and sincerely.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 27:5-6: “Build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron tool on them. Build the altar of the Lord your God with fieldstones and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God.” This directly references the command Joshua was fulfilling, highlighting the importance of precise obedience.
- Exodus 20:25: “If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it.” This verse reinforces the idea that God values worship that is untouched by human alteration.
- 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” This highlights the principle that obedience to God’s commands is at the heart of true worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 8:31 serves as a reminder that our worship and service to God should align with His instructions and not be altered to suit our own desires. It teaches us that obedience in the details matters, and that God values a pure heart that seeks to honor Him according to His Word. This verse encourages believers to approach worship with humility, acknowledging that our efforts are only pleasing to God when they reflect His will. It challenges us to consider how we build our “altars” of worship in our daily lives, ensuring that our actions are guided by God’s principles and not by our own preferences.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s loving guidance by providing clear instructions for how His people should worship and renew their commitment to Him. God’s care in giving detailed commands about the altar reflects His desire for His people to have a close, unaltered connection with Him. By following God’s instructions, the Israelites were able to express their gratitude and commitment in a way that honored God’s holiness. This passage highlights that God’s love includes guiding us in how to approach Him, ensuring that our worship is pure and focused on His greatness, not tainted by our own pride or alterations.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 8:31 connects to Jesus Christ by pointing to the theme of pure, unaltered worship and the perfect sacrifice. Just as the altar was made of uncut stones, symbolizing purity, Jesus is the ultimate expression of unblemished worship and the perfect fulfillment of God’s law (Hebrews 10:14). Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was offered without human alteration; it was God’s perfect plan carried out without compromise. Through Jesus, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, just as Joshua and the Israelites sought to worship God according to His commands. Christ’s life and sacrifice remind us that true worship is rooted in obedience and faithfulness to God’s Word.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you ensure that your worship and service to God are aligned with His instructions, not influenced by your own desires or the world’s expectations?
- What areas of your life might need to be brought back into alignment with God’s Word, much like the altar of uncut stones that Joshua built?
- How does this verse encourage you to focus on the purity of your worship, seeking to honor God in both big and small ways?
- In what ways can you rely on Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, knowing that through Him, your worship is made complete and pleasing to God?