Joshua 8:30 Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel,
Have you ever noticed that the same objects can have very different meanings depending on the circumstances of their use? A hand, for instance, can be one of the most loving things, gently stroking the face of a small child, while that same hand can be used to create the opportunity for learning when applied to that same child’s bottom! The hand has two very different symbolic meanings.
Red ink on a child’s homework assignment meant that the child would be getting in trouble at home. Red ink on the accountant’s spreadsheet means that they must transfer some funds in order to keep operating. Red ink on an artist’s portrayal of a small child’s lips means they are happy and healthy.
Stones in our story carry two different meanings. In our text, the altar that will be built with uncut stones is a celebration of the LORD’s presence and provision in the life of Israel. It will be part of their worship for many years to come. It becomes a sacred place.
But our narrative also tells us about some other piles of stones. These other piles of stones have been placed over those who have betrayed their loyalty to the LORD. They have been stoned to death by their peers for their offenses. And they a pile of stones has been mounded up over their dead bodies.
This later group of stones are there to remind the Israelites of the unfaithfulness and serves as a warning against repeating the history in their present day. These piles of stones are there for years, perhaps centuries. They give the opportunity for the elders in the community to pass along their corporate history.
What is fascinating is that they pass along the history of their failures as well as their victories. They are not afraid to face their past, checkered as it is. The consequences of forgetting must be very great indeed!
The first collection of stones was built on Mount Ebal, the mountain from which curses were proclaimed, curses that warned and encouraged the Israelites to remain, or become, faithful to the LORD. This mountain, which stood opposite to Mount Gerizim from which the blessings were pronounced, was to be a permanent reminder of the promises made to Israel.
The LORD had promised not only good but also punishment. That’s right. The LORD pronounced blessing if they obeyed, and curses if they disobeyed. The choice was up to them whether they would receive blessing or curse.
And now there was a pile of stones on the curse mountain to its first victim. I wonder how many other mounds of stones would be built up on that mountain over the years. How many other people have disobeyed, and have yet to be placed in their cursed burial spot!
Aren’t you glad that we don’t carry out punishments like they did back then. But maybe, just maybe, people would heed the warning, unlike the Israelites who continued in rebellion. But the reality is, we aren’t much better than they are. We ourselves stay in rebellion, even when we see the piles of stones, perhaps proverbial stones, that are piled up over the lives of those in rebellion against the LORD.
We have the ability to learn from their examples, both the negative and the positive lessons. We don’t have to repeat them. They are here for our edification. They can teach us, if we are willing to listen. Are you willing to listen?
I would much rather have my life surrounded by the altars that remember the work of the LORD on my behalf, and on the behalf of others. Those stones proclaim His goodness and my gratefulness for that goodness. Those are stones I can support!
The Arnold Journey 