What does Joshua 8:31 teach about worship and reverence in our lives? Setting the scene at Mount Ebal “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 had been used.’ And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD, and they sacrificed peace offerings.” (Joshua 8:31) Joshua leads Israel to renew covenant worship exactly as God directed through Moses (Deuteronomy 27:5-7). Every detail—location, materials, sacrifices—follows Scripture. What stands out in the verse • Uncut stones: no human chisel marks • Faithful obedience: “according to what is written” • Two offerings: burnt offerings (total consecration) and peace offerings (fellowship with God) Why uncut stones matter • Reverence for God’s holiness—no human craftsmanship competes with His glory (Exodus 20:25). • Humility—worship centers on what God provides, not on human skill or showmanship. • Dependence on revelation—God, not human creativity, determines acceptable worship. Obedience before creativity • Joshua doesn’t innovate; he imitates Moses’ inspired instructions. • True worship submits to God’s Word first (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15). • Our impulses, preferences, and trends are secondary to Scripture’s clear direction. The twin sacrifices • Burnt offering: wholly consumed—symbolizes complete surrender (Leviticus 1:3-9). • Peace offering: shared meal—celebrates restored fellowship (Leviticus 3:1-17). • Together they picture a life both devoted to God and enjoying communion with Him—fulfilled ultimately in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). Lessons for worship and reverence today • Anchor everything in the written Word. If God has spoken, we follow, even when culture suggests alternatives. • Keep worship simple enough that God’s presence, not our presentation, is central. • Approach God with awe; avoid casualness that forgets His holiness. • Offer “living sacrifices” of total devotion (Romans 12:1) and enjoy ongoing peace with Him through Christ (Ephesians 2:14-18). • Remember that obedience is itself an act of worship; every life choice can echo Joshua’s careful conformity to Scripture. Supporting Scriptures to ponder • Deuteronomy 27:5-7 – original command for the uncut-stone altar • Exodus 20:25 – prohibition against dressing stones with tools • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice” • John 4:23-24 – worship in spirit and truth, grounded in God’s revelation • Romans 12:1 – presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God |
    |