Is Joshua’s Altar Still on Mount Ebal?

The story of Joshua’s altar on Mount Ebal is a captivating one, steeped in biblical history and archaeological intrigue. This article explores the evidence surrounding this ancient monument, examining the arguments for and against its identification as the very altar described in the Book of Joshua.

The Biblical Account

According to the Book of Joshua, after conquering Canaan, Joshua erected a large stone altar on Mount Ebal. This act served as a symbolic representation of the Israelites’ covenant with God, a reminder of their commitment to his laws. The altar was built from unhewn stones, and inscribed with the words of the law, a testament to the importance of God’s word in their lives.

Adam Zertal’s Discovery

In the 1980s, Israeli archaeologist Adam Zertal made a groundbreaking discovery on Mount Ebal: a massive stone altar, dating back to the Late Bronze Age, the period when Joshua is believed to have lived. Zertal argued that this altar was the very one built by Joshua, citing its size, location, and the presence of inscribed stones.

Arguments for Zertal’s Identification

Zertal’s arguments are compelling. The altar’s size and location match the biblical description, and the inscribed stones provide evidence of a deliberate act of inscription, potentially related to the law.

Size and Location: The altar’s dimensions and position on Mount Ebal align with the biblical account.
Inscribed Stones: The presence of inscribed stones, though their exact meaning is debated, suggests a deliberate act of inscription, potentially related to the law.

Arguments Against Zertal’s Identification

Despite the compelling evidence, Zertal’s identification of the altar as Joshua’s has been met with skepticism from some scholars. They argue that:

Dating: While the altar dates back to the Late Bronze Age, it is difficult to definitively link it to Joshua, as other possible explanations for its construction exist.
Inscriptions: The meaning and significance of the inscriptions remain unclear, making it difficult to definitively link them to the law.
Alternative Explanations: Some scholars suggest that the altar was built for other purposes, such as a Canaanite religious site.

The Ongoing Debate

The debate surrounding the identification of Joshua’s altar continues. While Zertal’s discovery provides intriguing evidence, further research is needed to definitively confirm or refute his theory. Archaeological investigations, including further excavation and analysis of the inscriptions, are crucial to unraveling the true purpose and significance of this ancient monument.

Conclusion

The discovery of the stone altar on Mount Ebal has sparked a fascinating debate about the location of Joshua’s altar. While the evidence is compelling, more research is needed to definitively confirm or refute Zertal’s identification. Regardless of the outcome, the altar stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Joshua and the Israelites’ covenant with God.

Is Joshua’s Altar Still on Mount Ebal?