A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the book of Joshua finished a little…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the booke of Iosue finished a little…

30 Then Joshua builded, &c.) This first extraordinary sacrifice, God would have to be offered unto him in the land of Canaan: whereby the thankfulness of the people might be testified, and the land might begin to be consecrated with a solemn ceremony. For before this time they could not do it freely, and in their own ground, until they had obtained some void region. There were two things, which God commanded at one time: that they should set up an altar in Mount Ebal: and secondarily, that they should set ¹up two stones, and plaster them with plaster, in which they might write the law, that every one which passed by, might read it plainly. Now we read that both was faithfully performed. The third precept was rehearsing the blessings and cursings, which Joshua did likewise execute, with no less diligence. Now, to begin with the altar, it is said, that it was made according to the commandment of God, of unhewn stones: for whole stones, over which no iron hath been lifted, are called rough & unwroughte stones. This is especially prescribed of the altar, whereof mention is now made, Deut. 27. But the same law was given before generally of ⟨p. 45⟩all other altars of stone. The reason why, is in vain of the interpreters drawn out of an Allegory: that the hand and diligence of many is forbidden, because that as soon as we bring forth our own inventions, the worship of God is defiled. Which is in deed truly and skilfully spoken, but out of place, because the purpose of God was none other, but to forbid altars of continuance and perpetuity. For we know, that this was the law of right sacrificing, that they should have but one altar common to them all, both to nourish consent among them, and also to prevent all corruptions, that no strange superstition might creep in amongst them. Finally, that the religion might remain one and simple: for by variety of altars, they might easily have fallen to discord. So the people should have been drawn into sects, and true godliness been rent in pieces. Now to choose a place for Gods worship, was not in the peoples authority: for God doeth always in the books of Moses reserve that to him self. Therefore, he restraineth the exercises of godliness unto that place, where he should put the memory of his name.