“At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings.” — Joshua 8:30-31
While studying the book of Joshua this year, these verses caught my eye. Why would God command the Israelites to create an altar of uncut stones? Perhaps there is a reason it matters? Nonetheless, if the Israelites wanted to have a nice altar for God, why would He care?
I looked up the references in the Old Testament law. It certainly does tell them to use uncut or unhewn stones.
“If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it.” — Exodus 20:25
“And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 27:5-6
Never By Works
Today, some people incorrectly believe that salvation came from good works in the Old Testament. However, these verses flatly contradict that. Salvation has always been (by faith) in the sacrifice. And ultimately the blood of Jesus on the Cross. The Old Testament sacrifices were simply foreshadowing this.
Even in the Old Testament, the Lord was very serious about good works not saving people. So much so that He didn’t even want them to fashion an altar with cut stones. In other words, no human works or efforts should be associated with the sacrifices. And ultimately, people wouldn’t be tempted to think their works saved them.
I am so thankful that our salvation has always been about what the Lord has done for us. Without a doubt, it’s never been about what we have done.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor