Shechem. Mt. Ebal (the mountain of the curses, Joshua 8) from Mt. Gerazim (the mountain of the blessings).
“Then Joshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in mount Ebal” (Joshua 8:30).
Joshua 8:30-35 is the concluding commentary on Israel’s initial military campaign as they entered the Promised Land. It was a customary practice among ancient warriors to return from the battlefield to their deity’s sacred temple and offer adulation through various rituals for the victory granted. At first it appears that Israel is simply adopting a tradition established by others. But Israel’s God did not yet have a home or a sacred temple in a neutral location far from the battlefield. In a second glance these verses are not necessarily about war or exulting in the defeat of Israel’s enemies. If anything, the emphasis here seems to be about Israel’s unconditional surrender—to God.
Why was it important that an altar be built, sacrifices made, the Law be inscribed on stone, and then read in its entirety after the victories at Jericho, Ai, and Bethel?
These acts of “worship” guided Israel in acknowledging the source of victory. Gathering and arranging the stones, slaughtering what would become the burnt sacrifices and preparing the peace offerings, watching Joshua (and others?) labor to etch the Law on granite tablets, and the length of time it took to (attentively) hear all of the Law read served as visual, audible, actual reminders that victory came from God.
It appears the victory “celebration” for Israel may have been as intense as the battles. And downright dangerous. Is it possible that Israel was more vulnerable to attack during their “worship” because they were camped in or near where the battle occurred? Was Israel willing to lay down their weapons for a time to obey God? Human intelligence would say doing this would be insane. Do you think this could have been a “who are you really trusting” test from God?
That “first pass” interpretation leads us to ask, “What are practical ways to keep victory over my enemies (the flesh, world, the devil) from defeating me spiritually?” Some would answer, “be vigilant” and “keep up your guard.” The suggestions are usually considered good and there’s certainly nothing wrong with being prepared, but is that the point of this account in Joshua?
The “second glance” perspective would conclude by asking, “Could it be that I don’t heed Christ’s request because I believe I must defend myself against further attack?” Conquering pride and declaring an absolute trust in God is also good and there’s nothing easy about putting faith into practice like Paul, “not I, but Christ living in me.” Is this the meaning Joshua (and the Holy Spirit) intended?
Israel didn’t merely observe the sacrifices, they realized who is the source of their victory. They heard the words of the Law with their ears but knew who is the authority behind them.
We see the cross of Jesus Christ and hear Him cry, “it is finished,” and believe He is our Salvation. Feelings may move me to surrender to God. Thoughts may persuade me to fight with greater resolve. But faith guides me to rejoice, to respond, to rest. The war for our justification is already won. The victory of our sanctification is already complete. The guarantee of our glorification is already secured.
Joshua helped Israel answer, “Who are you trusting?” Jesus asks us, “Are you trusting Me?”
Explore