Joshua 8:33

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Joshua 8:33

Joshua 8:33 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history, occurring immediately after the conquest of Ai and before the subsequent campaigns in Canaan. This verse details the fulfillment of a specific command given by Moses to the Israelites before his death. The assembly took place in the valley between two prominent mountains, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, near Shechem. This location was strategically significant, as it was centrally located in the Promised Land and served as a natural amphitheater for such a grand public ceremony. The event underscored Israel's commitment to the covenant with the LORD as they entered the land.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience to God's Command: The primary theme is Israel's faithful execution of Moses' detailed instructions. This act of obedience demonstrated their submission to God's law and their readiness to live by His covenant principles in the new land.
  • The Centrality of the Ark of the Covenant: The presence of the Ark of the Covenant, borne by the priests and Levites, highlights its profound spiritual significance. The Ark represented God's presence among His people, His covenant faithfulness, and His authority. Its position at the center of the assembly underscored that God Himself was presiding over this solemn covenant renewal.
  • Unity and Inclusivity of Israel: "All Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges" were present, signifying a unified national commitment. Crucially, the verse explicitly includes "the stranger, as he that was born among them." This emphasizes the inclusivity of the Israelite community under the covenant, welcoming all who committed to the LORD's laws, echoing commands found in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 19:34).
  • Covenant Renewal and Blessing: Though the curses are not mentioned in this specific verse, the context of Deuteronomy 28 reveals that this ceremony involved both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Joshua 8:33 focuses on the "bless the people of Israel" aspect, setting a tone of hope and divine favor for those who uphold the covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ark of the covenant of the LORD" (Hebrew: aron habberith Yehovah) is a powerful descriptor, emphasizing the sacred chest as a symbol of God's binding agreement with Israel. The term "stranger" (Hebrew: ger) refers to a resident alien, a non-Israelite living within the Israelite community. Its inclusion here is significant, showing that covenant responsibilities and blessings extended beyond ethnic lineage to all who joined the community and submitted to its laws.

Practical Application and Significance

Joshua 8:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of God's Word: Just as Israel obeyed Moses' command, we are called to live in obedience to God's Word. Reading, understanding, and applying scripture is fundamental to a thriving spiritual life.
  • Community and Inclusivity: The inclusion of the "stranger" reminds us of the importance of welcoming and integrating all people into the community of faith, regardless of background. The church should be a place where all are unified under Christ.
  • Public Declaration of Faith: The grand public ceremony between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal signifies the importance of open and corporate declaration of faith and commitment to God. Our faith is not meant to be solely private but also expressed within a believing community.
  • Blessing through Obedience: The focus on "blessing the people of Israel" reinforces the biblical principle that obedience to God's commands often leads to His favor and blessing, both individually and corporately.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 11:29 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 27:14 (4 votes)

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

  • Joshua 3:3 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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