built an altar: Genesis 8:20, Genesis 12:7-8
in mount Ebal: Moses himself had twice given express orders for this solemnity; once Deuteronomy 11:29-30, in which he pointed out the very place where it was to be performed; and again, at the Deuteronomy 27:1, 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 God 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 to obedience. Joshua 8:33