Joshua 8:31

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.

Study Bible

just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites.
This phrase emphasizes obedience to divine instruction as given through Moses, who is consistently portrayed as a faithful servant of God. The command referenced here is found in Deuteronomy 27:4-6, where Moses instructs the Israelites to build an altar on Mount Ebal. This act of obedience underscores the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the importance of adhering to God's commands as a covenant people. It also highlights the role of Moses as a mediator of God's law, a type of Christ who mediates the New Covenant.

He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses:
The "Book of the Law of Moses" refers to the Pentateuch, particularly the legal and covenantal instructions found within. This phrase indicates that Joshua's actions were not arbitrary but were grounded in the written Word of God, emphasizing the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. It reflects the importance of Scripture as a guide for worship and life, a principle that is echoed throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:105, where God's Word is described as a lamp and light.

“an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.”
The use of uncut stones for the altar signifies purity and the avoidance of human craftsmanship in sacred matters, symbolizing that worship should be free from human pride and manipulation. This command is rooted in Exodus 20:25, where God instructs that altars should not be made with hewn stones, lest they be profaned. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, the "stone the builders rejected" (Psalm 118:22), who is perfect and unaltered by human hands.

And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD,
Burnt offerings were a central aspect of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and complete dedication to God. The offering being wholly consumed by fire represents total surrender and devotion. This practice points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself completely for the atonement of sin, as described in Hebrews 10:10-14.

and they sacrificed peace offerings.
Peace offerings, or fellowship offerings, were expressions of thanksgiving and communion with God, as outlined in Leviticus 3. These offerings symbolize reconciliation and the restoration of fellowship between God and His people. In the New Testament, this is fulfilled in Christ, who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) and through whom we have fellowship with God (1 John 1:3). The peace offering reflects the communal aspect of worship and the joy of being in right relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The servant of the LORD who received the Law from God and instructed the Israelites in its observance.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering the Promised Land.

4. The Altar
Constructed of uncut stones, as commanded in the Law, symbolizing purity and obedience to God's instructions.

5. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings
Sacrifices made to God, representing atonement and fellowship with Him.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's adherence to the instructions given by Moses highlights the importance of following God's commands precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our spiritual walk.

Symbolism of Uncut Stones
The use of uncut stones signifies purity and the unaltered nature of God's creation. In our lives, we should strive for purity and authenticity in our worship and service to God.

Sacrificial Worship
The offerings made on the altar remind us of the importance of sacrificial worship. Today, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Continuity of God's Covenant
The building of the altar and the offerings made are a reaffirmation of God's covenant with Israel. This continuity encourages us to trust in God's unchanging promises.

Community Worship
The collective act of building the altar and offering sacrifices underscores the importance of community in worship. We are reminded to gather together in worship and fellowship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's obedience in building the altar according to the Law of Moses challenge us in our daily obedience to God's Word?

2. What is the significance of using uncut stones for the altar, and how can this principle be applied to maintaining purity in our worship today?

3. In what ways do the burnt offerings and peace offerings in Joshua 8:31 foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that our worship remains centered on God's instructions and not on human traditions?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite challenges. How does the continuity of God's covenant with Israel encourage you in your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:25
This verse provides the original command regarding the construction of altars with uncut stones, emphasizing the importance of following God's specific instructions.

Deuteronomy 27:5-6
Moses instructs the Israelites to build an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal, directly connecting to the actions taken by Joshua.

1 Kings 18:31-32
Elijah builds an altar with twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, showing continuity in the use of stone altars.

Hebrews 13:15
This verse speaks of offering sacrifices of praise, connecting the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament to spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament.