Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,
This verse belongs to Israel's covenant-renewal service at Shechem, held before the people took possession of their inheritance. The whole people — including women, children, and resident strangers — gathered to acknowledge God's law, while military operations were suspended. Though Israel traveled through territory surrounded by unconquered enemies to assemble, they were kept safe under God's protection as long as they remained faithful to Him.
Joshua built an altar to the Lord God of Israel on Mount Ebal. Ebal was the mountain associated with the curse. Ebal and Gerizim stood as witnesses to Israel's solemn covenant vows made on entering Canaan, which were renewed at Shechem before Joshua. Placing the altar on Ebal signified that Israel had justly incurred God's wrath by transgressing His law. The altar and its sacrifices showed that the deserved wrath would be withheld through Christ's atonement.
This verse belongs to Israel's covenant-renewal service at Shechem, held before the people took possession of their inheritance. The whole people — including women, children, and resident strangers — gathered to acknowledge God's law, while military operations were suspended. Though Israel traveled through territory surrounded by unconquered enemies to assemble, they were kept safe under God's protection as long as they remained faithful to Him.
Joshua built an altar to the Lord God of Israel on Mount Ebal. Ebal was the mountain associated with the curse. Ebal and Gerizim stood as witnesses to Israel's solemn covenant vows made on entering Canaan, which were renewed at Shechem before Joshua. Placing the altar on Ebal signified that Israel had justly incurred God's wrath by transgressing His law. The altar and its sacrifices showed that the deserved wrath would be withheld through Christ's atonement.