“As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.”
Context and Background:Joshua 8 describes the conquest of the city of Ai by the Israelites. In the previous chapter, the Israelites had suffered defeat at Ai due to disobedience and the sin of Achan. After dealing with the sin in their midst, Joshua seeks guidance from the Lord and receives a plan to conquer Ai successfully.
The Importance of Obedience:The verse begins by referring to Moses as the servant of the Lord and emphasizes that the instructions given to the children of Israel were in accordance with the book of the law of Moses. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. The Israelites followed the commandments given to them, demonstrating their submission to God’s authority.
The Altar of Whole Stones:The verse mentions the construction of an altar of whole stones. This specific instruction reminds the Israelites of the way they were to build altars in accordance with God’s law. The emphasis on using natural, uncut stones symbolizes the sanctity and holiness of the altar. It is a reminder that anything associated with worshiping God should be done according to His prescribed ways.
No Iron Used:The altar was to be made over whole stones, and no iron was to be used. Iron was a symbol of war and destruction, and its exclusion from the altar indicates that this place was dedicated to worship and sacrifice rather than conflict. It represents a separation between warfare and worship, emphasizing the importance of setting aside sacred spaces for communion with God.
Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings:The Israelites offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar. Burnt offerings were a means of complete surrender to God, where the entire animal was consumed by fire, symbolizing devotion and atonement for sins. Peace offerings were expressions of gratitude, fellowship, and reconciliation with God. Both types of sacrifices were acts of worship and expressions of faith in God’s provision and forgiveness.
Application to Our Lives:
- Obedience:Just as the Israelites followed God’s instructions, we are called to obey God’s commandments as revealed in His Word. Obedience is a key aspect of our relationship with God and demonstrates our love for Him.
- Holiness:The use of whole stones and the absence of iron symbolize the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in our worship and devotion to God. We should approach God with reverence and set apart dedicated spaces for worship and prayer.
- Surrender and Gratitude:The burnt offerings and peace offerings remind us of the importance of surrendering ourselves completely to God and expressing gratitude for His mercy, provision, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.
In summary, Joshua 8:31 emphasizes the significance of obedience, the construction of an altar according to God’s instructions, and the offerings presented to the Lord. It teaches us about the importance of obedience, maintaining holiness in worship, and expressing surrender and gratitude in our relationship with God.
