Study 15: Joshua 8:30-35

In Study 15 on Joshua 8, Trent explores the significance of Joshua building an altar on Mount Ebal following Israel's victory over Ai. The altar, made of uncut stones as prescribed in the Law of Moses, symbolizes Israel's renewed commitment to God and the importance of worship and obedience following a period of sin, defeat, repentance, and redemption. The study emphasizes the need for trust in God's promises and the importance of aligning one's life according to His commands, highlighting the themes of grace, forgiveness, and the prophetic fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. Trent connects these ancient events to the contemporary believer's life, underscoring the necessity of building a life of worship in accordance with God's word and the power of God's grace in transforming lives.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Opening and Memorial Tribute

0:00 - 3:45

• Tribute to those who sacrificed for freedom.

• Acknowledgment of a community member's return from deployment.

• Safety instructions for severe weather.

Chapter 2: Introduction to Joshua 8

3:45 - 6:22

• Transition to the sermon topic.

• Reading Joshua 8:30-35.

Chapter 3: Context and Significance of Joshua 8

6:22 - 10:23

• Background of events leading to Joshua building the altar.

• Importance of recalibrating with God after victory and defeat.

Chapter 4: The Altar on Mount Ebal

10:23 - 14:09

• Description and symbolism of the altar made of uncut stones.

• Reference to Moses' instructions and prophetic fulfillment.

Chapter 5: Application to Modern Life

14:09 - 20:44

• Encouragement to trust God's plans.

• Importance of aligning life with God's commands and worship.

Chapter 6: Historical and Prophetic Context

20:44 - 30:46

• Significance of Shechem and prophetic fulfillment.

• Connection to Abraham, Jacob, and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman.

Chapter 7: Blessings, Curses, and Grace

30:46 - 41:13

• Explanation of blessings and curses from Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.

• Highlighting God's grace on the mountain of curses.

Chapter 8: Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice and Personal Reflection

41:13 - 50:38

• Connection to Jesus' sacrifice at Golgotha.

• Personal reflections on trusting God and living in grace.

Chapter 9: Preparation for Baptism

50:38 - 53:27

• Instructions for the upcoming baptism.

• Personal story of encountering Jesus.

Chapter 10: Baptism and Closing Remarks

53:27 - End

• Baptism as a declaration of faith.

• Encouragement to let the experience transform lives.

• Final remarks and transition to baptism ceremony.

Scripture References

1. John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

2. Joshua 8:30-35: Describes Joshua building an altar on Mount Ebal.

3. Deuteronomy 27:1-8: Instructions from Moses about setting up stones and building an altar when crossing the Jordan.

4. Deuteronomy 27:12-13: Instructions on the tribes that will stand on Mount Gerizim to bless and those on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses.

5. Deuteronomy 30:19-20: Moses speaking about choosing life and blessings over death and curses.

6. Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

7. James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

8. Genesis 12:6-7: God promises Abraham that He will give his offspring the land of Canaan.

9. Galatians 3:13: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'"

10. Romans 5:20: "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."

11. Genesis 33:18-20: Jacob buying land at Shechem and building an altar.

12. John 4: Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar (Shechem).

Reflection Questions

• Building an Altar:

• Question: What does building an altar to God symbolize in your life? How can you create a 'spiritual altar' to demonstrate your commitment to Him?

• Scripture References:

• Joshua 8:30-31: "Then 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. On it they offered to the Lord burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings."

• Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

• Trust in God's Promises:

• Question: How do you maintain trust in God’s promises, especially during challenging times? What scriptures or stories help reinforce your trust in God?

• Scripture References:

• Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

• Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

• Grace and Forgiveness:

• Question: Reflect on the idea that grace and forgiveness are found on the 'mountain of curses'. How has God’s grace impacted you during times of failure or sin?

• Scripture References:

• Galatians 3:13: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'"

• Romans 5:20: "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."

• Living Out Your Faith:

• Question: What steps can you take to move from merely listening to God’s word to actively living it out? What practical changes can you make to reflect your faith more authentically?

• Scripture References:

• James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

• Matthew 7:24: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

• Endurance and Faithfulness:

• Question: Joshua and the Israelites demonstrated endurance and faithfulness. How can you cultivate these qualities in your spiritual journey?

• Scripture References:

• Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

• Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Word Study

1. Mizbeach (מִזְבֵּחַ) – Altar

• Scripture References:

• Joshua 8:30: "Then Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal."

• Genesis 8:20: "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it."

• Definition and Usage:

• Mizbeach is the Hebrew word for "altar." It is derived from the root word "zabach" (זָבַח), which means "to slaughter" or "sacrifice."

• Altars were used in the Old Testament for offering sacrifices to God as an act of worship, atonement, and covenant-making. They symbolized a place of meeting between God and humanity, often commemorating significant divine encounters.

• Significance:

• The construction of the altar on Mount Ebal by Joshua was a physical and spiritual act of obedience and worship, reaffirming the covenant between God and Israel. It underscored the importance of following God's commands and seeking His presence through sacrifice and worship.

2. Chesed (חֶסֶד) – Grace, Loving-kindness

• Scripture References:

• Genesis 19:19: "Behold now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving-kindness (chesed), which you have shown me by saving my life..."

• Exodus 34:6: "The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (chesed) and faithfulness.’"

• Definition and Usage:

• Chesed is a Hebrew word that is often translated as "loving-kindness," "steadfast love," "mercy," "grace," "loyalty," and "faithfulness." It is a rich term that encompasses God's enduring, covenantal love and mercy towards His people.

• Chesed reflects God’s character and His commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering love and mercy even in the face of human unfaithfulness.

• Significance:

• In the context of Joshua 8 and the sermon, chesed is seen in God’s continued faithfulness and mercy toward Israel despite their previous failures. The grace and forgiveness available on Mount Ebal, a place associated with curses, highlight the profound nature of God's chesed.

3. Berit (בְּרִית) – Covenant

• Scripture References:

• Genesis 9:12-13: "And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.'"

• Exodus 19:5: "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine..."

• Definition and Usage:

• Berit (or Brit) is the Hebrew word for "covenant." It signifies a binding agreement or contract between two parties. In the biblical context, it primarily refers to the solemn commitments God makes with His people.

• Covenants in the Bible often come with promises, conditions, signs, and seals. They define the relationship between God and His people, establishing terms for blessings and responsibilities.

• Significance:

• Joshua’s actions on Mount Ebal were a reaffirmation of the covenant between God and Israel. By building the altar and reading the Law, Joshua was renewing Israel's commitment to the berit, underscoring the importance of obedience and adherence to the covenant terms for continued blessings and divine favor.

Exegesis Opportunities

1. Exegetical Study Prompt: The Altar on Mount Ebal

Text: Joshua 8:30-31

• Prompt: Conduct an exegetical study on Joshua 8:30-31, focusing on the construction of the altar on Mount Ebal. Examine the historical and cultural context of building altars in ancient Israel. How does the command to use uncut stones (as prescribed by the Law of Moses) influence the understanding of the altar's significance? Compare this event to other altar-building instances in the Old Testament, such as those by Noah (Genesis 8:20) and Abraham (Genesis 12:7). How does this passage highlight the themes of obedience and worship in the context of Israel’s covenant relationship with God?

Questions:

• What was the purpose of using uncut stones for the altar, and what does this signify about the nature of worship and obedience in ancient Israel?

• How does the construction of the altar on Mount Ebal reaffirm Israel’s covenant with God following their victory over Ai?

• What similarities and differences can you identify between Joshua’s altar and other altars mentioned in the Old Testament?

2. Exegetical Study Prompt: Blessings and Curses on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim

Text: Deuteronomy 27:12-13; Deuteronomy 30:19-20

• Prompt: Investigate the theological and literary significance of the blessings and curses pronounced on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Analyze Deuteronomy 27:12-13 and Deuteronomy 30:19-20 in their broader context within the book of Deuteronomy. What was the purpose of dividing the tribes between these two mountains, and how did this act serve as a public reaffirmation of the covenant? Explore the implications of these blessings and curses for the Israelites' understanding of their relationship with God. How does the juxtaposition of blessings and curses enhance the gravity of covenant obedience?

Questions:

• What is the significance of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim in the context of Israel’s covenant renewal, and why were the tribes divided between these two locations?

• How do the blessings and curses serve as a reminder of the covenant terms, and what impact do they have on the Israelites' communal identity and behavior?

• What theological insights can be drawn from the choice set before the Israelites to choose life and blessings or death and curses?

3. Exegetical Study Prompt: Grace and Forgiveness on the Mountain of Curses

Text: Galatians 3:13; Romans 5:20

• Prompt: Explore the concept of grace and forgiveness as it relates to the idea of the altar being built on Mount Ebal, the mountain associated with curses. Analyze the theological connection between the curses pronounced on Mount Ebal and the establishment of an altar for forgiveness and fellowship offerings. How does this event foreshadow the New Testament understanding of Christ’s redemptive work as described in Galatians 3:13 and Romans 5:20? Examine the continuity of God’s grace and mercy from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Questions:

• What is the significance of establishing an altar for sacrifices and forgiveness on Mount Ebal, the mountain associated with curses?

• How does the concept of grace and forgiveness on Mount Ebal relate to the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament?

• In what ways do the themes of grace, forgiveness, and mercy underscore the continuity of God’s covenantal relationship with His people from the Old Testament to the New Testament?