Topical Encyclopedia The altars associated with Joshua, the successor of Moses and leader of the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan, hold significant theological and historical importance in the biblical narrative. These altars serve as physical manifestations of covenantal faithfulness, divine encounters, and acts of worship and remembrance.1. The Altar on Mount Ebal One of the most prominent altars attributed to Joshua is the altar on Mount Ebal. Following the Israelites' successful entry into the Promised Land, Joshua built an altar as commanded by Moses in Deuteronomy 27:4-8. This event is recorded in Joshua 8:30-31: "At that time Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, 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." The altar on Mount Ebal was constructed of uncut stones, symbolizing purity and adherence to divine instructions. It served as a place for burnt offerings and peace offerings, signifying the Israelites' dedication to the LORD and their commitment to the covenant. The law was also inscribed on stones, reinforcing the centrality of God's commandments in the life of the nation. 2. The Altar of Witness Another significant altar is the "Altar of Witness" built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. After assisting in the conquest of Canaan, these tribes returned to their allotted lands east of the Jordan River. Concerned about future generations being excluded from the worship of the LORD, they constructed a large altar by the Jordan as a witness to their shared faith with the western tribes. This act initially caused alarm among the other tribes, who feared it represented rebellion against God. However, the eastern tribes clarified their intentions, as recorded in Joshua 22:26-27: "That is why we said, 'Let us take action and build an altar, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. Instead, it will be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, so that we may perform the service of the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.'" The altar was thus named "Witness," symbolizing unity and shared worship among all the tribes of Israel, despite geographical separation. 3. The Altar at Gilgal While not explicitly described as an altar, the memorial stones set up at Gilgal after crossing the Jordan River serve a similar commemorative purpose. Joshua 4:20-24 recounts how twelve stones were taken from the Jordan and set up at Gilgal as a lasting memorial. This act was intended to remind future generations of the miraculous crossing and God's faithfulness: "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God" (Joshua 4:24). Theological Significance The altars associated with Joshua underscore key themes in the biblical narrative: covenant, remembrance, and worship. They reflect the Israelites' commitment to the LORD and serve as tangible reminders of His mighty acts and enduring promises. These altars also highlight the importance of obedience to divine instructions and the unity of God's people in worship and purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 8:30,31Then Joshua built an altar to the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... The War of Truth A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants. The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ... Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1564-1567 Kings Resources Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hezekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the Queen of Heaven? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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