The establishment of the Law on stones is a significant event in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the permanence and unchanging nature of God's commandments. This event is primarily recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua, and it underscores the importance of the Law in the life of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land.

Biblical Context

The command to inscribe the Law on stones is found in Deuteronomy 27. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River into Canaan, Moses instructed them to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster. Upon these stones, they were to write all the words of the Law. This act was to occur after they had crossed the Jordan, marking a new chapter in their covenant relationship with God. Deuteronomy 27:2-3 states, "And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land the LORD your God is giving you, you are to set up large stones and coat them with plaster. Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over, so that you may enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you."

Purpose and Significance

The inscription of the Law on stones served several purposes. Firstly, it was a tangible reminder of the covenant between God and Israel. The stones were a physical representation of the Law's enduring nature, meant to be a witness to the people of Israel and to future generations. Secondly, the act of writing the Law on stones in the Promised Land signified the centrality of God's commandments in the life and governance of the nation. It was a declaration that the land itself was to be governed by divine law.

Fulfillment in Joshua

The fulfillment of this command is recorded in the book of Joshua. After the Israelites had entered Canaan and defeated the city of Ai, Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal as Moses had commanded. Joshua 8:32 recounts, "And there in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua inscribed on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written." This act was accompanied by offerings and the reading of the Law to the entire assembly of Israel, including women, children, and foreigners residing among them. This public reading emphasized the inclusivity of the covenant and the responsibility of the entire community to uphold the Law.

Theological Implications

The establishment of the Law on stones highlights the unchanging nature of God's word and His expectations for His people. It serves as a reminder that God's commandments are not subject to human alteration or neglect. The stones, enduring and immovable, symbolize the steadfastness of God's covenant promises and the call for His people to live in obedience.

Furthermore, this event foreshadows the New Covenant, where the Law would be written not on stones but on the hearts of believers, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33. This transition from stone to heart signifies a deeper, more personal relationship with God, where His laws are internalized and lived out through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Law on stones is a profound moment in biblical history, reflecting the enduring nature of God's commandments and the central role they play in the life of His people. It serves as a testament to the covenant relationship between God and Israel and points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of the Law in Christ.