And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use an iron tool on them. You shall build with whole stones the altar of the Lord your God, and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 27:5-6)
As was mentioned in the previous devotion, the entirety of the Torah was written upon large stones at Mount Ebal to remind Israel that the one and only God had brought them into the land — obedience to His Word would keep them there. It was also mentioned that along with these stones, an altar was set up. So let us take note of the fact that, upon entering the land, the first thing Israel did was to build an altar for worship. It should also be noted that no iron tool was to be used for this altar –- only whole stones were to be used (other translations render it “unhewn stones”). The Hebrew word used here is שלמות sh’lemot which is literally “whole” or “peaceful” stones.
Judaism teaches that the altar represented that which restores peace and oneness between Israel and God. In fact, Deuteronomy 27:7 mentions the peace offerings that were presented upon this altar; the Hebrew word used is שלמים shalamim which is literally “wholeness” thus connecting the offerings to the altar of whole stones. That being so, it only makes sense that the purpose of the altar should not be polluted with the use of iron which is, traditionally, a symbol of war and conflict. The connection between iron and articles of war is established in the beginning — Tubal Cain was an artificer of things made with bronze and iron (Genesis 4:22), believed to be weapons.
All of this reminds us that God’s house was to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). In other words, God’s house should not be infested with division, strife and other such things that cause brother to be against brother. If something as hard and unrelenting as a stone can be used for God’s peaceful purposes, certainly His people can do the same, if not more. In fact, more is what He expects of us — not to be hard and calloused as stone but to joyfully receive His Word with hearts of flesh. Therefore, as living stones, let us be built up into the spiritual house that invites His Presence into our lives so that all men of all nations will be drawn unto Him and bring their offerings of peace and thanksgiving to the Creator of all things.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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