Where did Joshua build an altar?

What were Moses’ specifications for the altar? What type of offerings did they offer on it?

What did Joshua write a copy of the law of Moses on?

How much of Israel joined him? 

What other item took center stage there? Who was gathered around it?

What were all the groups of people mentioned?

What group of people bore the ark of the covenant?

Were the only people invited to the ceremony natural-born Israelites?

What were the names of the two mountains that the people stood on, half and half?

Who had commanded them to do this?

What did Joshua read?

Who did Joshua read them to?

Thought Questions

Read and compare the account of Moses’ command in Deuteronomy 27:1-10 where he outlines exactly what the Israelites are to do at this place. Does Joshua do a good job at following his directions?

Read all of Deuteronomy 28. What do you think about Deuteronomy 28:1? Do you think the “you” refers to the collective people of Israel or individuals, or does it matter? What are your thoughts on people who have served the Lord diligently, but have not always received these blessings?

Do you think the Old Testament supports the “prosperity gospel” idea that if you follow God’s laws He will make you rich and healthy, but if you disobey He will make you poor and sick? How do you resolve the conflict of Jesus’ statements in the New Testament, such as Matt. 5:3, Matt. 6:19, and Matt. 19:21-24, among other places?

What are your thoughts on the violent threats for disobedience (in Deuteronomy 28:15-68)? 

Were these laws, written down by Moses and read by Joshua, intended only for the Jews? (Joshua 8:35) Why were the “strangers” to partake of the ceremony as well?

If you spent some time reviewing what God expects of you, along with the results of obedience and disobedience, what result would it have in your life? Would you feel threatened, or would you be inspired to follow God more fully with the understanding of His requirements? Do you love His law (Psalm 119:20 and 47)?

My prayer is:

That I would take time to reflect on God’s laws, understand the consequences of obedience and disobedience—and to love them;

To seek understanding of God’s character, and why we suffer certain consequences—and the grace to accept that we can’t fully have all the answers.