Joshua 8

24–27 When the Israelites had finished killing the soldiers of Ai, they went back to the city and killed those who were in it—that is, the women and children and elderly. According to the Lord’s command, everyone was put to death (see Deuteronomy 20:16–18 and comment). Ai and its people were totally destroyed⁴⁰ (verse 26). But the livestock and plunder (precious metals) were taken by the soldiers, as the Lord had instructed (verse 2).

28–29 The king of Ai was hung . . . on a tree until sunset; then he was “buried” under a pile of stones. This was in accordance with Moses’ instructions that a body was not to be left unburied overnight (see Deuteronomy 21:22–23 and comment).

The Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal (8:30–35)

30–33 The time had come for the altar on Mount Ebal to be built and for the blessings and curses to be pronounced, all in accordance with Moses’ earlier commands. For the background and details of the ceremony on Mount Ebal, see Deuteronomy 11:26–32; 27:1–26 and comments.

Notice that aliens and citizens alike were expected to take part in this covenant renewal ceremony (verse 33). Non-Israelites were always welcome to join the community of Israel. Israel’s religion had always been a “missionary” religion—even from the beginning (Genesis 12:3).

34–35 The final event in the covenant renewal ceremony was Joshua’s reading of all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses (verse 34). It appears that Joshua read the entire Book of the Law—that is, the major portion of the book of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 31:9,24–25)—perhaps with special emphasis on the blessings and curses (see Leviticus 26:3–39; Deuteronomy 28:1–68 and comment). Joshua’s reading reminded the Israelites of their covenant obligation to obey God’s law. This law was to be the basis of their faith and conduct in their new land. To disobey the law would bring curses; to obey the law would bring blessings. The choice was Israel’s.