Joshua 8:33

KJV

And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all Israel {H3478}, and their elders {H2205}, and officers {H7860}, and their judges {H8199}, stood {H5975} on this side the ark {H727} and on that side before the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881}, which bare {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}, as well the stranger {H1616}, as he that was born {H249} among them; half {H2677} of them over {H413} against {H4136} mount {H2022} Gerizim {H1630}, and half {H2677} of them over against {H4136} mount {H2022} Ebal {H5858}; as Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} had commanded {H6680} before {H7223}, that they should bless {H1288} the people {H5971} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all Isra'el, including their leaders, officials and judges, stood on either side of the ark in front of the cohanim, who were L'vi'im and who carried the ark for the covenant of ADONAI. The foreigners were there along with the citizens. Half of the people were in front of Mount G'rizim and half of them in front of Mount 'Eival, as Moshe the servant of ADONAI had ordered them earlier in connection with blessing the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel.

American Standard Version

And all Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, as well the sojourner as the home-born; half of them in front of mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of Jehovah had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:33 records a momentous event in Israel's history: the solemn assembly of the entire nation between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, fulfilling Moses' prior command to publicly affirm their covenant with the LORD. This pivotal ceremony, conducted in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant and led by the priests and Levites, underscored Israel's unity, their commitment to divine law, and the radical inclusivity of God's covenant, extending its blessings to both native-born Israelites and resident aliens alike, all gathered to receive the promised blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 8:33 marks a significant pause in the military conquest of Canaan, occurring immediately after the successful capture of Ai and before the subsequent campaigns in the south and north of the land. This strategic interlude demonstrates that Israel's military victories were not merely about physical might but were deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God. The events of this chapter, particularly the reading of the Law and the covenant renewal ceremony, serve as a crucial theological anchor, reminding Israel that their success and possession of the land were contingent upon their faithful obedience to the LORD's commands, as outlined by Moses. It highlights that spiritual fidelity precedes and undergirds physical triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The assembly took place in the valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, near the ancient city of Shechem. This location was highly significant: it was centrally located in Canaan, had pre-patriarchal covenant associations (Abraham built an altar there in [Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's Altar at Shechem")), and formed a natural amphitheater, ideal for a large public gathering. The act of standing on opposing mountainsides for blessings and curses was a dramatic, culturally resonant way to solemnize a covenant, ensuring that the entire community, from leaders to the common person, including "the stranger," bore witness and participated. The presence of the Ark of the Covenant, borne by the priests, underscored the divine presence and authority in this sacred act of covenant affirmation, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern treaty-making, but here uniquely centered on Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Obedience to God's Command**, directly fulfilling the detailed instructions given by Moses in [Deuteronomy 27:1-26](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Instructions for Covenant Renewal at Ebal and Gerizim") and [Deuteronomy 11:29-30](/deuteronomy/11-29 "Deuteronomy 11:29-30 - Moses' Command for Blessing and Curse"). This act of national obedience demonstrates Israel's commitment to the **Covenant** established at Sinai, emphasizing that their inheritance of the Promised Land was conditional upon their faithfulness. Secondly, the centrality of the Ark of the Covenant highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Authority**, signifying God's active involvement and sovereignty over His people. Finally, the explicit inclusion of "the stranger, as he that was born among them" powerfully underscores the theme of **Inclusivity** within the covenant community, echoing Mosaic laws that mandated justice and welcome for resident aliens (e.g., [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Laws Concerning the Sojourner")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark of the Covenant of the LORD (Hebrew, _aron berit Yahweh'_):** This phrase refers to the sacred chest that contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's presence and His binding agreement with Israel. Its full title, "Ark of the Covenant of the LORD," emphasizes its dual nature: a physical object representing the divine presence (Ark) and the foundational relationship between God and His people (Covenant with Yahweh). Its centrality in this ceremony underscores that the covenant renewal was a divine initiative, with God Himself presiding over the proceedings.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _ger'_):** The term _ger_ denotes a resident alien, a non-Israelite who had left their native land to live among the Israelites. Unlike a transient visitor, the _ger_ was a permanent resident who had chosen to integrate into Israelite society and, by extension, to live under the laws of Yahweh. Their explicit inclusion in this solemn covenant ceremony highlights the radical inclusivity of God's covenant, demonstrating that participation in the blessings and responsibilities of the community was not solely based on ethnic lineage but on adherence to the covenant.
* **Bless (Hebrew, _barakh'_):** In this context, _barakh_ signifies the pronouncement of divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. While the full ceremony involved both blessings and curses (as per Deuteronomy 27-28), Joshua 8:33 specifically mentions the act of blessing. This act was not merely a wish but a performative utterance, invoking God's promised good upon His obedient people. It sets a tone of hope and divine favor, emphasizing the positive outcomes of covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD":** This clause emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the assembly, involving the entire nation ("all Israel") and its leadership structure ("elders, officers, judges"). Their positioning "on this side...and on that side" of the Ark, with the priests and Levites bearing it, visually represents the Ark as the central point of the gathering, signifying God's presence as the focal point of the covenant ceremony. The Ark's presence underscores the divine authority behind the proceedings and the sacredness of the covenant being renewed.
* **"as well the stranger, as he that was born among them":** This crucial phrase highlights the remarkable inclusivity of the Israelite covenant community. It explicitly states that both native-born Israelites and resident aliens (_gerim_) were present and participated in this foundational act of covenant renewal. This demonstrates that God's covenant extended beyond ethnic boundaries, welcoming all who committed to live under His laws and within His community, a radical concept for the ancient world.
* **"half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal":** This describes the physical arrangement of the assembly, with the people divided into two groups, facing each other across the valley, with the Ark and leaders in the center. This specific positioning directly fulfills Moses' command in Deuteronomy, where Mount Gerizim was designated for blessings and Mount Ebal for curses. The visual and auditory impact of such an arrangement would have been profound, reinforcing the gravity and solemnity of the covenant.
* **"as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel":** This concluding phrase provides the theological rationale for the entire event: it was a direct act of obedience to the divine instructions given through Moses. The emphasis on "bless the people of Israel" highlights the positive aspect of the covenant, affirming God's desire to bestow favor and prosperity upon His obedient people, even though the full ceremony included both blessings and curses. It underscores the importance of divine command and the blessings that flow from faithful adherence.

#### Literary Devices
This verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly with the **Ark of the Covenant**, which represents God's tangible presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign authority among His people. Its central placement in the assembly underscores that God Himself was presiding over this solemn event. The **Mountains, Gerizim and Ebal**, also function symbolically, serving as a dramatic backdrop for the covenant renewal and embodying the choices of blessing for obedience or cursing for disobedience, as commanded by Moses. The physical division of the people on these mountains creates powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the nation standing before God, ready to affirm their commitment. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before," acts as a form of **Inclusio** or **Fulfillment Motif**, explicitly linking this pivotal moment in Joshua's narrative back to the foundational commands given in Deuteronomy, thereby emphasizing continuity, divine faithfulness, and the importance of obedience to the Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:33 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of human response. It underscores that the conquest of the land was not merely a military endeavor but a spiritual one, predicated on Israel's faithfulness to the LORD. The ceremony at Gerizim and Ebal was a national act of covenant renewal, reaffirming their identity as God's chosen people under His law. The inclusion of the "stranger" reveals God's expansive heart, demonstrating that His covenant community was open to all who would align themselves with His ways, regardless of their ethnic origin. This prefigures a broader understanding of God's redemptive plan, which ultimately embraces all nations. The emphasis on blessing highlights God's desire to bestow favor upon His obedient people, establishing a foundational principle for their life in the Promised Land.

* [Deuteronomy 27:12-13](/deuteronomy/27-12 "Deuteronomy 27:12-13 - Moses' Command for the Blessing and Cursing Ceremony")
* [Deuteronomy 11:29](/deuteronomy/11-29 "Deuteronomy 11:29 - Initial Command for Gerizim and Ebal")
* [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Laws Concerning the Sojourner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:33 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that our spiritual journey is fundamentally about covenant relationship and faithful obedience to God's Word. Just as Israel publicly affirmed their commitment to the LORD, we are called to live out our faith transparently and corporately, recognizing that our individual walk is part of a larger community of believers. The inclusivity demonstrated by welcoming the "stranger" challenges us to extend radical hospitality and integrate all who seek to follow Christ into our faith communities, breaking down barriers of ethnicity, background, or social status. Moreover, the emphasis on blessing through obedience reinforces the timeless principle that aligning our lives with God's commands leads to His favor and flourishing, not as a transactional exchange, but as a natural outflow of a reconciled relationship. This passage calls us to regularly renew our commitment to God, allowing His Word to shape our lives and guide our collective witness in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's public act of covenant renewal challenge or affirm your understanding of corporate worship and community in the church today?**
* **In what ways can your community of faith better embody the radical inclusivity demonstrated by Israel's welcome of "the stranger"?**
* **What specific commands or principles from God's Word are you currently seeking to obey, and how do you anticipate His blessing flowing from that obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why was this ceremony performed immediately after the conquest of Ai?**

Answer: This ceremony was performed immediately after the conquest of Ai, and before the completion of the conquest of Canaan, to underscore a critical theological point: Israel's success in the land was not primarily due to military might but to their faithful obedience to God's covenant. By pausing the military campaign to renew their commitment to the Law, Joshua demonstrated that God's blessing and the inheritance of the land were conditional upon their spiritual fidelity. This act served as a foundational reminder that their identity and prosperity as a nation were rooted in their relationship with Yahweh, as commanded by Moses in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Instructions for Covenant Renewal").

**What was the significance of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in this ceremony?**

Answer: Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal were chosen specifically by Moses (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 11:29](/deuteronomy/11-29 "Deuteronomy 11:29 - Moses' Command for Blessing and Cursing")) as the locations for this covenant renewal ceremony. The valley between them created a natural amphitheater, allowing the voices of the Levites and the responses of the people to carry effectively. Symbolically, Mount Gerizim was designated for the pronouncement of blessings for obedience, and Mount Ebal for the curses of disobedience. This dramatic setting visually and audibly impressed upon the entire nation the profound consequences of their choices regarding the covenant, emphasizing the life-or-death implications of their faithfulness to God's law.

**How does the inclusion of "the stranger" reflect God's character?**

Answer: The explicit inclusion of "the stranger" (Hebrew: _ger_) in this central covenant ceremony reveals God's expansive and inclusive character. Throughout the Mosaic Law, God repeatedly commanded Israel to treat the _ger_ with justice, kindness, and love, reminding them of their own past as strangers in Egypt (e.g., [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Laws Concerning the Sojourner") and [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God Loves the Sojourner")). By including them in this foundational act of national identity and covenant affirmation, God demonstrated that His covenant was not solely for an ethnic group but for all who would commit to His ways. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of a salvation that extends to all nations, breaking down barriers of race and background, and inviting all into God's family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:33, with its emphasis on covenant renewal, obedience, and inclusivity, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Law, publicly affirmed at Gerizim and Ebal, ultimately pointed to the need for a perfect obedience that Israel could not consistently maintain. Jesus Christ, as the [perfect Son of God](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest"), lived a life of complete obedience, fulfilling every jot and tittle of the Law (as stated in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate "Ark of the Covenant," embodying God's presence and covenant faithfulness, not merely symbolizing it. Furthermore, the radical inclusivity of "the stranger" in Joshua 8:33 prefigures the New Covenant, where salvation is extended to all nations, not just Israel. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the dividing wall of hostility has been broken down, making both Jew and Gentile one in Him (as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). The blessings promised in the Old Covenant for obedience are fully realized in Christ, who is Himself the source of all spiritual blessings (as seen in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, the solemn assembly at Gerizim and Ebal, a testament to Israel's commitment to the Law, ultimately points forward to the new covenant established in Christ's blood, where grace, not law, is the foundation, and all who believe, regardless of background, are welcomed into God's family.

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 11:29

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

Deuteronomy 31:12

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

Deuteronomy 31:9

¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Deuteronomy 27:11

¶ And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,

Deuteronomy 27:14

And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,

Joshua 3:3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

Exodus 12:49

One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.