Then Joshua built an altar to Yahweh, the God of Israel, in Mount Ebal,
"Then Joshua built an altar ..." Take a look at that altar.  It was built exactly as Moses had commanded in  Deuteronomy 27:5ff.  This marvelous passage shows the close bond between the Pentateuch and Joshua.  The importance of the sacrifices and the ceremonies outlined in this abbreviated paragraph is profound.  "Israel's right to possess the Promised Land is tied to the proclamation of, and subjection to, God's covenant claims upon his people ...  This basic lesson should not be lost."[35]