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.

JOSHUA 8:31KJV
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Joshua 8:31 (KJV)

What does Joshua 8:31 mean?

Joshua 8:31 describes how the Israelites, following Moses’ earlier instructions, built an altar to God using uncut stones and offered burnt and peace offerings on it. The verse emphasizes that no iron tool was used on the stones, following what was written in the law of Moses.

Joshua is leading the people of Israel after their victory at Ai, and he is careful to obey the commands given by Moses, God’s servant. The building of the altar with “whole stones” (meaning stones not shaped by human tools) and the specific offerings show a desire to honor God exactly as instructed in the book of the law. This act is a public demonstration of obedience and reverence, connecting the people’s worship directly to God’s earlier commands through Moses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 8:31

  • “Servant” (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word refers to Moses as God’s faithful servant, highlighting his unique role as the one who received and passed on God’s instructions.
  • “Whole” (שָׁלֵם, shalem): The stones for the altar are described as “whole,” meaning uncut or untouched by tools, which underscores the idea that the altar should be made with what God provided, not altered by human effort.
  • “Iron” (בַּרְזֶל, barzel): The instruction that no iron tool be used on the stones points to a respect for God’s creation and a separation from common building practices, making the altar distinct and holy.
  • “Burnt offerings” (עֹלָה, olah) and “peace offerings” (שֶׁלֶם, shelem): These specific types of sacrifices represent dedication to God (burnt offerings) and fellowship or thanksgiving (peace offerings), showing the fullness of worship being offered.

Why Joshua 8:31 matters

  • Joshua 8:31 clarifies that the Israelites were not inventing new religious practices but were intentionally following the instructions given by Moses, showing continuity and faithfulness to God’s law.
  • The detail about “whole stones” and not using iron tools helps readers understand the importance of purity and obedience in worship, setting Israel’s practices apart from those of surrounding nations.
  • This verse connects the events at Ai to the larger story of Israel’s covenant relationship with God, reminding readers that victory and worship are both rooted in careful obedience to God’s revealed will.

Where else these words appear

“whole” Hebrew H8003 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
  • 1 Kings 15:3 And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

“up” Hebrew H5130 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
  • Leviticus 14:24 And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD:
  • Deuteronomy 27:5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.

“iron” Hebrew H1270 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • 1 Kings 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

“offerings” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.