January 31st, 2026
Read Joshua 8:30-35 NIV
30 Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, 31 as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses—an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used. On it they offered to the LORD burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings. 32 There, in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua wrote on stones a copy of the law of Moses. 33 All the Israelites, with their elders, officials and judges, were standing on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD, facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Both the foreigners living among them and the native-born were there. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had formerly commanded when he gave instructions to bless the people of Israel.
34 Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.
The title for this section in my Bible is listed as “The LORD’s Covenant Renewed.” I am certain that the victory over Ai is fresh on everyone’s minds. But Joshua takes the time to lead the people in what is most important. He teaches them to acknowledge that any victory comes because they are God’s people. And so, He leads them in remembering and renewing their covenant with God. What a beautiful way to celebrate all that God had done!
Heavenly Father,
Today, I give thanks to You for all you have done for me. I recognize that every good thing comes from You, and I am grateful to be blessed by being one of your children. Thank You for loving me even when I am at my worst. Your kindness and patience draw me to You over and over. I seek to know Your heart and to allow You to convict and change my heart. I surrender all of me to You to search and point out any sins that I may be holding on to. I give them to You, and I renew my covenant with You today. Amen.
