Joshua 8:31: Obedience to God's commands?
How does Joshua 8:31 emphasize obedience to God's commands through Moses?

Setting the Scene

• After Israel’s victory over Ai, Joshua pauses the military campaign to fulfill an earlier directive (Deuteronomy 27:1-8).

• The altar is built on Mount Ebal, not because it is convenient, but because God had named that exact location through Moses.


Echoing Moses’ Instructions

• “Just as Moses the servant of the Lᴏʀᴅ had commanded the Israelites” (Joshua 8:31) links Joshua’s actions directly to Moses’ words, underscoring that the authority guiding Israel remains God’s Word already given.

• The phrase “according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses” signals that Joshua is consulting the written Torah, not relying on memory or improvisation.


Obedience in the Details

• “An altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool had been used” (cf. Exodus 20:25) shows meticulous conformity:

– Uncut stones... God’s design, not man’s craftsmanship.

– No iron tools... holiness preserved from human alteration.

• Burnt offerings and peace offerings are offered “on it,” matching the sacrifices prescribed in Deuteronomy 27:6-7.

• Every element—from location to materials to sacrifices—demonstrates submission to each specific instruction.


Continuity of Covenant Leadership

• Moses had passed the mantle to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). By obeying Moses’ recorded commands, Joshua proves he is not innovating but stewarding the covenant.

• The nation witnesses that the standard has not shifted; leadership changes, but God’s requirements remain.


Worship That Follows the Word

• Worship is initiated only after obedience is secured. Sacrifice validates relationship, but obedience validates sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

• The altar, built per Moses’ law, embodies the principle Jesus later summarizes: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).


Lessons for Us Today

• God’s people honor Him by treating Scripture as the final authority, down to the smallest detail.

• Visible acts of worship must rest on prior obedience; form and heart align when God’s instructions govern practice.

• Leadership faithfulness is measured not by novelty, but by fidelity to the Word previously delivered (2 Timothy 2:2).

Joshua 8:31 therefore spotlights obedience as the proper response to God’s commands through Moses, showing that true worship and covenant blessing hinge on taking God’s written Word literally and carrying it out precisely.

What is the meaning of Joshua 8:31?
Top of Page
Top of Page