Joshua 8:30

ยถ Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,

Then Joshua {H3091} built {H1129} an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} in mount {H2022} Ebal {H5858},

Then Y'hoshua built an altar to ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, on Mount 'Eival,

At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD, the God of Israel,

Then Joshua built an altar unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, in mount Ebal,

Commentary

Context

Joshua 8:30 marks a significant moment in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, immediately following their decisive victory over the city of Ai. This act of building an altar was not an arbitrary decision but a direct and solemn fulfillment of a command given by Moses to the people of Israel before his death, as recorded in Deuteronomy 27:4-8. The altar was to be erected on Mount Ebal, a stark, barren mountain, which, along with Mount Gerizim, served as a symbolic location for the pronouncement of blessings and curses upon the nation, emphasizing the covenant relationship with God. This ritual pause amidst military campaigns underscores the priority of spiritual obedience.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to God's Word: Joshua's immediate action to build the altar demonstrates unwavering obedience to divine instruction, even amidst the ongoing challenges of conquering the land. This highlights that spiritual faithfulness precedes and undergirds military success.
  • Covenant Renewal and Remembrance: The altar served as a focal point for worship and a tangible reminder of the covenant between the LORD and Israel. It was a place where offerings could be made, signifying atonement and dedication, and where the law was to be inscribed, reinforcing their commitment to God's statutes.
  • The Centrality of Worship: Despite the recent battle and the daunting task ahead, Joshua prioritizes worship. This teaches that true victory and blessing flow from acknowledging God's sovereignty and maintaining a right relationship with Him.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This act of building the altar on Mount Ebal directly fulfills the specific instructions given by Moses, reinforcing the divine authority behind the Law and the prophetic nature of Moses' words.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "altar" is mizbeach (ืžึดื–ึฐื‘ึผึตื—ึท), derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." This emphasizes its primary function as a place where sacrifices were offered to God, facilitating communion and atonement. The phrase "LORD God of Israel" (ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” ืึฑืœึนื”ึตื™ ื™ึดืฉื‚ึฐืจึธืึตืœ โ€“ Yahweh Elohei Yisrael) stresses God's unique covenant relationship with His chosen people, affirming His particular care and identity as the God who acts on behalf of Israel.

Practical Application

Joshua's example in this verse offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the paramount importance of immediate and complete obedience to God's commands, even when circumstances might seem to dictate otherwise. Just as Joshua paused from conquest to worship and confirm the covenant, we too are called to prioritize our spiritual disciplines and relationship with God above all else. This verse encourages us to acknowledge God's hand in our victories and challenges, making worship and dedication a central part of our lives, mirroring the Israelites' commitment to their covenant with the LORD. It underscores that true success is found in aligning our lives with God's will and giving Him the glory He deserves.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 27:4

    Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, [that] ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.

  • Deuteronomy 27:6

    Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God:

  • Genesis 12:7

    And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

  • Genesis 12:8

    And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

  • Genesis 8:20

    ยถ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

  • Exodus 20:24

    An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
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