Joshua Renews the Covenant at Mount Ebal

Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal. He did this as Moses, the Lord’s servant, had commanded. The altar was made from uncut stones, stones that had not been shaped with iron tools.

At that altar, the people brought burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. Then Joshua wrote a copy of Moses’ law on the stones in the presence of the people of Israel.

All Israel gathered for this ceremony. Elders, officers, and judges were there, and the Levitical priests carried the ark of the Lord’s covenant. The people stood on both sides, with half in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses had commanded earlier.

This was not only for a few leaders. Foreigners and native-born Israelites stood there together. Then Joshua read the words of the law, including the blessing and the curse, following what was written in the book of the law.

Joshua did not leave any part out. He read every word that Moses had commanded before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners among them. Everyone gathered was meant to hear God’s law. What do you notice about who was included in listening?