Joshua 8:31

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Joshua 8:31 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history following their decisive victory over Ai. After this triumph, Joshua leads the Israelites to Mount Ebal, fulfilling a command given by Moses. This specific verse details the construction of an altar and the offerings made upon it, marking a significant act of obedience and covenant renewal before God. It serves as a foundational act of worship and rededication as Israel begins to settle the Promised Land.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to God's Command: The verse explicitly states that the altar was built "as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded," emphasizing the paramount importance of following divine instructions precisely. This act of obedience echoes the instructions found in Deuteronomy 27:5-6.
  • Purity and Sanctity in Worship: The requirement for "whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron" signifies the sanctity and natural purity demanded for God's altar. Man's tools, especially iron (associated with warfare and crafting idols), were not to defile the sacred space, highlighting that worship must be on God's terms, not man's.
  • Atonement and Fellowship: The offering of "burnt offerings unto the LORD" (Hebrew: 'olah) symbolized complete surrender and atonement for sin, while "peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim) represented fellowship, thanksgiving, and communion with God. This sequence underscored the necessity of reconciliation before enjoying fellowship. Leviticus 1 and Leviticus 3 provide detailed instructions for these offerings.
  • Covenant Renewal: This act of building an altar and offering sacrifices was part of a larger ceremony at Mount Ebal where the Law was read aloud, reaffirming Israel's commitment to the covenant with God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whole stones" (Hebrew: 'avanim shleimot) highlights the requirement that the stones be unhewn and untouched by tools. This concept is reinforced by "no man hath lift up any iron" (Hebrew: lo tanif 'alehem barzel), which specifically forbids the use of metal implements. This was to ensure that the altar was built from natural materials, untainted by human craftsmanship or the instruments of violence, symbolizing a return to primal purity in worship and a rejection of human artifice in approaching the divine.

Practical Application

Joshua 8:31 holds timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Obedience is Key: Just as Israel meticulously followed Moses' command, our worship and walk with God should be rooted in obedience to His Word. True faith is demonstrated through submission to His will.
  • Worship on God's Terms: The prohibition of iron on the altar reminds us that our approach to God should be pure and unadulterated by human wisdom, traditions, or self-serving motives. Authentic worship is simple, sincere, and reverent, offered according to God's prescribed ways, not our own.
  • Purity of Heart: The emphasis on "whole stones" and no "iron" can be seen as a metaphor for the heart. God desires a whole, undivided heart in worship, free from the "tools" of worldly ambition, pride, or defilement. Our spiritual offerings should stem from a pure and contrite spirit.
  • The Order of Reconciliation and Fellowship: The sequence of burnt offerings (atonement) and peace offerings (fellowship) illustrates that reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrifice must precede true communion and peace with Him. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which makes our fellowship with God possible (Romans 5:1).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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