The Stones of Remembrance: Building Altars in Our Lives

As we delve into Joshua 8:31, we encounter a profound moment in the journey of the Israelites. The verse states, "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" (KJV). This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience, remembrance, and worship in our spiritual lives.

To fully appreciate Joshua 8:31, it is vital to understand the context in which it was written. The Israelites had just achieved a significant victory over the city of Ai after a prior defeat that highlighted their need for divine guidance and purity in their actions. Following this triumph, God directed His people to build an altar — a sacred space dedicated to worship and remembrance of His divine provision. This instruction was not merely a ritual; it was a command rooted in the legacy of Moses and the covenant established by God.

The altar, made of "whole stones" emphasizes the importance of purity and authenticity in our worship. The stones were to remain untainted by human tools, symbolizing that our relationships with God should not be crafted by human ingenuity or effort but established through His design and intention. As we build our own spiritual altars in our lives, we must examine the materials we are using: Are they pure and unblemished? Are we relying on our strength and understanding, or are we surrendering to the divine plan laid out in Scripture?

Moreover, Moses’ command reminds us of the continuity of God’s covenant. The laws given by Moses were not to be disregarded; they held deep significance that connected the past with the present. We, too, are called to remember the commandments of God, the sacrifices He has made, and the teachings of Christ. These commands are not burdensome but serve as a guiding light for a life of obedience and worship.

When the Israelites offered "burnt offerings unto the LORD" and "sacrificed peace offerings," they were engaging in acts of worship that brought them closer to God. Burnt offerings symbolized total surrender and atonement, while peace offerings represented reconciliation and fellowship with the Lord. In modern terms, we may wonder how we can offer our burnt and peace offerings. Our spiritual sacrifices today are our time, prayers, praises, and openness to the Holy Spirit. We should ask ourselves: Are we presenting our whole selves to God? Are we seeking peace with Him and with others?

In addition, the act of erecting an altar served as a communal event, uniting the Israelites in worship. In our Christian walk, we must also remember the significance of community. It is in fellowship with other believers that we can strengthen our faith, support one another, and remind each other of the truth of God’s Word.

As we consider Joshua 8:31, let us reflect on the altars we are building in our lives. Are they made of whole stones, honoring the commands of God? Do our offerings reflect a heart fully devoted to serving Him? In our prayers, let us ask God to help us build altars of worship that glorify Him and unite us with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us commit to remembering the sacrifices that have been made for us – not just on the altar but in the very life and love of Jesus Christ.

So today, as you go about your life, remember to construct your own altars — spaces of worship, remembrance, and peace. Let these moments draw you closer to God, empower you through His Spirit, and connect you with the larger body of believers. For just as the Israelites were charged to remember and worship, we are also invited into the sacred act of building enduring altars in our hearts.

Artwork for Joshua 8:31

Joshua 8:31 - "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."

"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 8:31

Joshua 15:31 - "And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,"

Joshua 10:31 - "¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:"

Joshua 24:31 - "And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel."

"And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah," - Joshua 15:31

Joshua 19:31 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages."

Joshua 21:31 - "Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities."

Joshua 8:23 - "And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua."

Joshua 8:30 - "¶ Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,"

Joshua 9:8 - "And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?"

Joshua 8:28 - "And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day."

Joshua 24: 29-31 An image including old Jushua

Joshua 8:15 - "And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness."

Joshua 1:8

Romans 8:31

Deuteronomy 31:8

Romans 8:31

deuteronomy 31 8

Romans 8:31

Joshua 8:9 - "¶ Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people."

Joshua 8:3 - "¶ So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night."

Deuteronomy 31:14 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation."

"¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:" - Joshua 10:31

Joshua 4:1-8

Joshua 4:1-8

Joshua 8:10 - "And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai."

Joshua 8:18 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city."

Proverbs 8:22-31

1 Chronicles 8:31 - "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher."