And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This wasn't just a summary; it was a public declaration, permanently etched onto stone. Joshua wrote a copy of the Law, likely emphasizing its core principles, so that the Israelites would always have this visible, tangible reminder of God's covenant right there in their new land. It signifies that obedience wasn't just a private matter, but a public foundation for their life together.
And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following their victory over Ai, Joshua led the Israelites in a significant ceremony on Mount Ebal, fulfilling specific commands given by Moses. After building an altar of uncut stones and offering sacrifices, Joshua inscribed a copy of the Law onto stones, making God's commands visible to everyone. This act was immediately followed by the reading of the blessings and curses from the Law to the entire assembly, solidifying their covenant commitment as they entered the promised land.
Joshua inscribed God's Law on stones, but it wasn't just a physical act. This act was meant to be seen and remembered by everyone.
A Permanent Display
Joshua writes a copy of the Law of Moses on stones. This wasn't on the altar stones themselves, which were to remain unhewn and rough, but on separate stones that were plastered smooth. Think of it like a public monument or an ancient billboard.
What exactly did Joshua write on those stones? Was it the whole Bible? The experts have different ideas!
The Core of the Covenant
The exact content of the inscription is debated among scholars. While it's unlikely the entire Pentateuch could fit, the inscription likely focused on the most crucial aspects of the Law.
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Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
The divine instruction or teaching given by God to His people. It acts as the blueprint for life, revealing His character and the requirements for living in a holy relationship with Him.
This act on Mount Ebal was a pivotal moment, marking not just a military victory but a solemn covenant renewal. By physically inscribing God's law in a prominent place, Joshua ensured it would be a constant, visible reminder to the Israelites as they settled the land, grounding their new life in obedience.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River to begin their conquest of the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Jericho and Ai
The initial victories at Jericho and Ai mark the beginning of Israel's military campaign to claim the land.
c. 1406 BC
Command to Build Altar on Mount Ebal
Moses' final commands to Israel before his death include instructions for erecting an altar on Mount Ebal and inscribing the Law on stones.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Altar Built and Law Inscribed on Mount Ebal
Joshua follows God's commands by building an altar of unhewn stones on Mount Ebal and inscribing a copy of the Law onto plastered stones.
c. 1406 BC
Blessings and Cursings Proclaimed
Joshua reads aloud the blessings for obedience and the cursings for disobedience from the Law, as commanded by Moses, to the assembled nation.
c. 1405-1390 BC
Division of the Land
Following the conquest, Joshua oversees the distribution of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel.
This passage directly commands the erection of an altar on Mount Ebal and the writing of the law on plastered stones, providing the foundational context for Joshua's actions.
Nehemiah 8:1-3This describes a later public reading of the Law by Ezra in Jerusalem, showing a recurring pattern of making God's Word accessible and central to the community's life.
Psalm 119:105This psalm beautifully captures the essence of the inscribed Law, declaring God's word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, echoing the purpose of making the Law visible.
Romans 2:14-15This passage speaks of Gentiles who have the law written on their hearts, offering a spiritual parallel to the physical inscription of God's law on stones for Israel.
calvinJoshua 8:30-35: "Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,"
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 has lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.
Quemadmodum praeceperat Moses servus Jehovae filiis Israel: sicut scriptum est in libro legis Mosis, altare ex lapidibus integris,…
cambridgeJoshua 8:32: "And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel."
32 . a copy of the law ] “Short declaracioun of the lawe of Moyses,” Wyclif. This has been variously interpreted as meaning ( a ) the whole Law; ( b ) the Decalogue; ( c ) the Book of Deuteronomy; ( d ) the “commandments” proper, the “statutes” and “rights” contained in the Pentateuch, “six hundred and thirteen in number, according to the Jewish reckoning, not…
This wasn't just a summary; it was a public declaration, permanently etched onto stone. Joshua wrote a copy of the Law, likely emphasizing its core principles, so that the Israelites would always have this visible, tangible reminder of God's covenant right there in their new land. It signifies that obedience wasn't just a private matter, but a public foundation for their life together.
Following their victory over Ai, Joshua led the Israelites in a significant ceremony on Mount Ebal, fulfilling specific commands given by Moses. After building an altar of uncut stones and offering sacrifices, Joshua inscribed a copy of the Law onto stones, making God's commands visible to everyone. This act was immediately followed by the reading of the blessings and curses from the Law to the entire assembly, solidifying their covenant commitment as they entered the promised land.
Following their victory over Ai, Joshua led the Israelites in a significant ceremony on Mount Ebal, fulfilling specific commands given by Moses. After building an altar of uncut stones and offering sacrifices, Joshua inscribed a copy of the Law onto stones, making God's commands visible to everyone. This act was immediately followed by the reading of the blessings and curses from the Law to the entire assembly, solidifying their covenant commitment as they entered the promised land.
"And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written." — This wasn't just a summary; it was a public declaration, permanently etched onto stone. Joshua wrote a copy of the Law, likely emphasizing its core principles, so that the Israelites would always h…
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Last reviewed October 2026