Israel learned from experience the blessings that flow from obedience and the curses that result from disobedience. In the previous chapter, they experienced a surprising defeat when they attacked the city of Ai. Three thousand went up to attack the city and they fled before the men of Ai. Thirty-six Israelites were killed, and the people were demoralized. The defeat was due to their sin, and it was an example of the curse of disobedience. However, after their sin was exposed and dealt with, God's presence returned to them. God encouraged them to go up and attack Ai again. He provided them with a plan for an ambush and even signaled when the trap should be sprung. This time, the Lord gave the Israelites all the plunder from the victory. These were the blessings of obedience.

After recounting the victory, the scene changes to a picture of worship at Mount Ebal. Here, we see the centrality of God's word and the importance of faithful obedience to it. Obeying what was written in the Law of Moses, Joshua constructed an altar on Mount Ebal and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He copied the Law of Moses on the stones of the altar. Half of the tribes stood in front of Mount Gerizim and the other half stood in front of Mount Ebal as Joshua read all of the law to all of the people.


Application: Father, thank you for your words of life.
One Word: Faithfully obey the word of God