Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,

JOSHUA 8:30KJV
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Joshua 8:30 (KJV)

What does Joshua 8:30 mean?

Joshua 8:30 describes how Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal. This act marks a moment where Joshua leads the people in a public act of worship and obedience after their victory at Ai.

In this verse, Joshua is the leader of Israel, and he is acting in front of the whole nation. The setting is Mount Ebal, a mountain in the land of Canaan, soon after the Israelites have taken the city of Ai. Building an altar here follows instructions given earlier in the Law of Moses, showing that the people are reaffirming their commitment to God as they settle in the land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 8:30

  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers to a structure for offering sacrifices. Its use here highlights that Joshua is following traditional worship practices commanded in Israelite law.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the altar is dedicated specifically to the God who brought them out of Egypt.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהֵי, Elohei): This word, meaning "God," is paired with "Israel" to stress that the altar is for the God who has a special relationship with the people of Israel.
  • "mount" (הַר, har) and "Ebal" (עֵיבָל, Eival): Naming the specific mountain matters because Mount Ebal was designated in Deuteronomy as the place for this altar, showing Joshua’s careful obedience to earlier commands.

Why Joshua 8:30 matters

  • Joshua 8:30 shows that the Israelites are not just conquering land but also pausing to worship and acknowledge God’s role in their success.
  • The verse connects directly to earlier instructions in Deuteronomy 27, demonstrating that Joshua is careful to follow God’s law, not just military strategy.
  • This act of building an altar on Mount Ebal sets the stage for a covenant renewal ceremony, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience as the people settle in the promised land.

Where else these words appear

“Ebal” Hebrew H5858 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 36:23 And the children of Shobal were these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
  • Deuteronomy 27:4 Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.
  • Joshua 8:33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.