built an altar

Genesis 8:20 And Noah built an altar to the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Genesis 12:7,8 And the LORD appeared to Abram, and said, To your seed will I give this land: and there built he an altar to the LORD...

in mount Ebal Moses himself had twice given express orders for this solemnity; once Deut.

11:29,30, in which he pointed out the very place where it was to be performed; and again, at the

27th chapter, there is a renewal of the instructions to Joshua, with special reference to minute particulars. It was a federal transaction: the covenant was now renewed between Gid and Israel upon their taking possession of the land of promise, that they might be encouraged in the conquest of it, and might know upon what terms they held it, and come under fresh obligations of obedience.

Joshua 8:33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges...