Topical Encyclopedia The altar built by Joshua holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing obedience, covenant renewal, and worship. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 8:30-35, where Joshua leads the Israelites in a covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal.Context and Background Following the Israelites' victory at Ai, Joshua, adhering to the commands given by Moses, constructed an altar on Mount Ebal. This act was in fulfillment of the instructions found in Deuteronomy 27:4-8, where Moses commanded the Israelites to build an altar upon entering the Promised Land. The altar was to be made of uncut stones, untouched by iron tools, symbolizing purity and divine craftsmanship. Construction and Purpose Joshua 8:30-31 states, "At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD, the God of Israel, 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." The construction of the altar served multiple purposes: 1. Obedience to Divine Command: By building the altar, Joshua demonstrated obedience to the Law of Moses, reinforcing the importance of following God's commands as the Israelites settled in the Promised Land. 2. Covenant Renewal: The altar was central to the covenant renewal ceremony. Joshua inscribed a copy of the Law of Moses on stones, and the Israelites gathered to hear the blessings and curses read aloud. This act reaffirmed their commitment to the covenant with Yahweh. 3. Worship and Sacrifice: The altar was a place of worship where burnt offerings and peace offerings were made to the LORD. These sacrifices were expressions of gratitude, devotion, and a means to seek reconciliation with God. Significance in Israelite Worship The altar on Mount Ebal was not merely a physical structure but a profound symbol of Israel's relationship with God. It represented the nation's dedication to living according to God's laws and their reliance on His guidance and provision. The public reading of the Law and the communal participation in sacrifices underscored the collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the altar built by Joshua highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises from Moses to Joshua. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's Word and the centrality of worship in the life of the Israelite community. The altar serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the necessity for His people to uphold their end of the covenant through obedience and worship. In summary, the altar built by Joshua on Mount Ebal is a testament to the enduring covenant between God and Israel, a physical manifestation of obedience, and a focal point for communal worship and covenant renewal. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 27:4-7Therefore it shall be when you be gone over Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 8:30-32 Library The Altar on Mount Ebal. How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The Altar and Temple Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"? How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ... The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. Following the Cloud. Moses and his Writings Jehovah Nissi Ezra-Nehemiah Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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