Joshua 8:31

KJV

As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up [any] iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

As Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, as it is written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872}, an altar {H4196} of whole {H8003} stones {H68}, over which no man hath lift up {H5130} any iron {H1270}: and they offered {H5927} thereon burnt offerings {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068}, and sacrificed {H2076} peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as Moshe the servant of ADONAI had ordered the people of Isra'el to do (this is written in the book of the Torah of Moshe), an altar of uncut stones that no one had touched with an iron tool. On it they offered burnt offerings to ADONAI and sacrificed peace offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

as Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of unhewn stones, upon which no man had lifted up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, and sacrificed peace-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:31 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history, immediately following their decisive victory at Ai. In an act of profound obedience to Mosaic command, Joshua leads the Israelites to Mount Ebal, where they construct an altar of unhewn stones. Upon this altar, they offer burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, and peace offerings, signifying fellowship and communion with the Lord. This sacred act of worship and covenant renewal underscores Israel's commitment to God's law as they begin to inhabit the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 8:31 is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Joshua, immediately following the second, successful campaign against Ai and the subsequent capture of its king. The narrative flow shifts from military conquest to spiritual consecration. The preceding verses detail the strategic victory over Ai and the fulfillment of God's judgment upon it. This act of building an altar and offering sacrifices at Mount Ebal (and Gerizim, as implied by the broader context of [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Covenant Renewal at Ebal and Gerizim")) serves as a theological anchor, reminding Israel that their military successes and possession of the land are ultimately contingent upon their obedience and worship of Yahweh. It sets the stage for the reading of the Law in the subsequent verses, emphasizing that spiritual fidelity precedes and undergirds national prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to build this altar and conduct this ceremony was originally given by Moses in [Deuteronomy 27:1-8](/deuteronomy/27-1 "Deuteronomy 27:1-8 - The Command to Build the Altar and Read the Law"). This event took place between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, two prominent mountains in the central hill country of Canaan, near Shechem. Ebal was traditionally associated with curses, and Gerizim with blessings. The construction of an altar of "whole stones" (unhewn) was a specific divine instruction found in [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - The Altar Command") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 27:5-6](/deuteronomy/27-5 "Deuteronomy 27:5-6 - Altar of Unhewn Stones"). This prohibition against using iron tools on the altar likely stemmed from the association of iron with human craftsmanship, warfare, and potentially idolatry, ensuring that the sacred space remained untainted by human artifice or violence, emphasizing God's sole design for worship. The burnt and peace offerings were standard sacrificial practices in ancient Israel, detailed extensively in the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Purity").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes. First, **Obedience to Divine Command** is paramount, as indicated by the repeated phrase "as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded." This highlights Israel's commitment to the covenant established at Sinai and reiterated by Moses. Second, **Purity and Sanctity in Worship** are emphasized through the requirement of "whole stones" and the prohibition of "iron." This signifies that worship must be conducted on God's terms, free from human defilement or manipulation, reflecting a desire for natural, unadulterated devotion. Third, the act of offering **Atonement and Fellowship** through burnt and peace offerings underscores the dual necessity of reconciliation with God (burnt offering, [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")) before enjoying communion and thanksgiving (peace offering, [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")). Finally, this entire ceremony at Mount Ebal serves as a profound act of **Covenant Renewal**, reaffirming Israel's identity as God's chosen people and their commitment to His Law as they enter the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whole stones (Hebrew, _'avanim shleimot'_):** This phrase emphasizes that the stones used for the altar must be unhewn, untouched by any human tool, particularly iron. The term _shleimot_ (from _shalem_) implies completeness, integrity, or being "undivided" or "perfect." In this context, it signifies natural purity and wholeness, ensuring that the altar, a place of divine encounter, is constructed solely from God's natural creation, untainted by human artifice, violence, or the instruments of man's craft. This contrasts with altars of man's making, which might be shaped to human aesthetic or idolatrous purposes.
* **Lift up [any] iron (Hebrew, _lo tanif 'alehem barzel'_):** The prohibition against "lifting up iron" directly reinforces the concept of purity and divine design in worship. Iron, a material associated with tools for shaping, building, and crucially, weapons of war, was forbidden. This not only ensured the natural state of the stones but also symbolized a rejection of human power, violence, or technology in the sacred space. Worship was to be an act of humble submission to God's prescribed way, not an expression of human ingenuity or might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the foundational principle of obedience and divine authority. Joshua's actions are not arbitrary but are a direct fulfillment of God's prior instructions given through Moses, particularly those found in [Deuteronomy 27:1-8](/deuteronomy/27-1 "Deuteronomy 27:1-8 - The Command to Build the Altar and Read the Law"). The double emphasis ("as Moses commanded," "as it is written") underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to the written Law, highlighting the reliability and immutability of God's word and the importance of its preservation.
* **"an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up [any] iron":** This specifies the precise nature of the altar required for worship. The "whole stones" (unhewn) and the explicit prohibition of "iron" tools are critical details. This command, first given in [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - The Altar Command"), ensures that the altar remains a natural, unadulterated structure, untainted by human manipulation, craftsmanship, or the instruments of violence. It signifies that God desires worship that is pure, simple, and on His terms, not shaped by human ingenuity or worldly concerns.
* **"and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings":** This final clause describes the acts of worship performed on the newly constructed altar. "Burnt offerings" (_'olah_) symbolized complete dedication to God, total surrender, and provided atonement for sin, with the entire animal consumed by fire ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")). "Peace offerings" (_shelamim_) were offerings of thanksgiving, vows, or freewill, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God, often shared between the offerer, the priest, and God ([Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")). The sequence signifies that reconciliation and atonement (burnt offering) must precede true fellowship and peace (peace offering) with God.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 8:31 employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded... as it is written in the book of the law of Moses," which serves to emphasize the theme of obedience and the authority of the divine word. This repetition underscores the meticulous adherence to God's instructions. **Symbolism** is profoundly present in the "altar of whole stones" and the prohibition of "iron." The unhewn stones symbolize purity, naturalness, and a rejection of human artifice in approaching the divine, while the absence of iron, a tool of shaping and warfare, symbolizes a worship that is untainted by human violence or manipulation. The very act of building the altar and offering sacrifices at Mount Ebal is a powerful **Ritual Act** that reinforces the covenant, serving as a public declaration of Israel's renewed commitment to Yahweh following their entry into the land. Furthermore, the detailed description of the altar and offerings serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would be made without human hands or blemish.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:31 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of worship and covenant fidelity. It teaches that true worship is not merely an emotional experience but a precise act of obedience to God's revealed will. The unhewn stones and the prohibition of iron tools underscore that God desires a pure, unadulterated approach, one not shaped by human wisdom, tradition, or technological advancement, but by divine prescription. This act of building an altar and offering sacrifices immediately after a military victory demonstrates that Israel's success is not due to their might, but to God's favor, which is contingent upon their faithfulness. The sequence of burnt offerings (atonement) and peace offerings (fellowship) illustrates the foundational theological truth that reconciliation with God must precede communion with Him, a principle that echoes throughout biblical theology.

* [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - Command for an Unhewn Altar")
* [Deuteronomy 27:5-6](/deuteronomy/27-5 "Deuteronomy 27:5-6 - Moses' Command for the Altar at Ebal")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:31 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The meticulous obedience of Joshua and Israel reminds us that our walk with God and our acts of worship must be rooted in humble submission to His Word, not in our own preferences or innovations. The requirement for "whole stones" and the prohibition of "iron" serve as a powerful metaphor for the heart of the worshiper: God desires a heart that is undivided, pure, and untainted by worldly ambitions, pride, or the "tools" of human manipulation. Our spiritual offerings should stem from sincerity and reverence, prioritizing God's terms over our own. Just as Israel sought reconciliation before fellowship, we are reminded that our peace and communion with God are only possible through the atoning work of Christ, which then enables us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. This passage calls us to examine the purity of our motives and the authenticity of our worship, ensuring that our approach to God is always on His holy terms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "whole stones" and "no iron" challenge our modern tendencies to innovate or complicate worship?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Israelites, be tempted to introduce "iron" (human wisdom, self-reliance, worldly methods) into our spiritual lives or corporate worship?**
* **How does the sequence of burnt offerings (atonement) and peace offerings (fellowship) inform our understanding of our relationship with God today?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be brought into fuller obedience to God's commands, reflecting the "as Moses commanded" principle?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important that the altar be made of "whole stones" and without "iron" tools?**

Answer: The command for "whole stones" (unhewn) and the prohibition of "iron" tools on the altar, first given in [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - The Altar Command") and reiterated here, carried significant symbolic and theological weight. Firstly, it ensured the altar's natural purity, untainted by human craftsmanship or manipulation. God desired a sacred space that was solely of His creation, not shaped by human design or aesthetic. Secondly, iron was often associated with tools of war, violence, and human ingenuity, which could also be used to fashion idols. By forbidding its use, God emphasized that worship was to be an act of humble submission and peace, not an expression of human power, violence, or artificiality. It underscored that the approach to God must be on His terms, not man's.

**What is the significance of offering both "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" in this context?**

Answer: The offering of both burnt offerings and peace offerings immediately after the construction of the altar is deeply significant. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: _'olah_) was a sacrifice of complete dedication, where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total surrender and providing atonement for sin ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")). It addressed the need for reconciliation with God. Following this, the "peace offering" (Hebrew: _shelamim_) symbolized fellowship, communion, and thanksgiving, with portions shared between God, the priests, and the offerers ([Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")). The sequence demonstrates a crucial theological principle: atonement and reconciliation must precede true communion and peace with God. It highlights that one must first be made right with God before enjoying fellowship with Him, foreshadowing the ultimate reconciliation provided through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:31, with its emphasis on an unblemished altar and specific sacrifices, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The requirement for "whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron" points to Christ as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, not fashioned or defiled by human hands or sin. He is the "cornerstone" chosen by God, not shaped by human wisdom or effort ([1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ the Cornerstone")). The burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's singular, all-sufficient sacrifice on the cross, where He offered Himself "without blemish to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), taking away the sin of the world as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His offering was a "fragrant aroma and a sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Furthermore, the peace offerings, signifying fellowship and communion, are fully realized in Christ, who through His blood, has made peace between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Because of His perfect sacrifice, believers are now invited into an intimate, unending fellowship with God, offering "spiritual sacrifices" of praise and service through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")). The altar at Ebal was a temporary means of approaching God; Christ is the eternal, living altar and the ultimate sacrifice, through whom we have direct access to the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 27:5

And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up [any] iron [tool] upon them.

Deuteronomy 27:7

And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.

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.

Exodus 20:25

And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

2 Chronicles 35:12

And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as [it is] written in the book of Moses. And so [did they] with the oxen.

Joshua 8:34

And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.

Joshua 8:35

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.