After the victory over Ai an altar was built on Mount Ebal. This was following the command of Moses.
Uncut stones were used for the altar, and sacrifices were offered. Furthermore the law of Moses was written on the stones. The foreigners and native-born Israelites were there. All the words of the Law were read out, and all heard it, men, women, children and foreigners.
We can note several things from this. First is the inclusivity. Men, women, children and foreigners were included in everything. It has always been God's plan that all people come into His kingdom. To Abraham He said all nations would be blessed.
Why were the stones to be uncut? Maybe to stress the lack of man-madeness of the altar.
The Law was crucial.. The foundation of the nation was the sacrifices and the Law. It is the same today. It is the cross and the commands of Jesus. If we love Jesus we will obey Him, as it says in John's gospel and his letters. At the end of Matthew Jesus commands His disciples to teach all peoples to obey His words.
At each key step the same covenant is renewed. The latest victory did not change things.
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