In the division of God's people on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, a profound dichotomy emerges between curses and blessings. On Mount Ebal, associated with cursing, God commands the building of an altar, a puzzling choice given its connection to disobedience and sin. The stones inscribed with the law are placed there, not on Gerizim, the mount of blessing, suggesting that those on Ebal have access only to the law in its written form, lacking the deeper spiritual understanding. Furthermore, only burnt and peace offerings are permitted on this altar, with no sin offerings allowed, despite Ebal's symbolic link to rebellion. Those standing on Mount Ebal, not at peace with God nor fully committed to His service, need this altar to offer sacrifices, reflecting their spiritual state. In contrast, those on Mount Gerizim, representing individuals fully at peace with God and wholly dedicated to Him, have no need for an altar or further offerings. Their lives are already living sacrifices, embodying total dedication, with God's laws written on their hearts rather than on stones. This distinction underscores the vast symbolic difference between the two groups, highlighting the spiritual division initiated by God's judgment.

The frequent mentions of an altar in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob reveal that, once converted, their relationship with God was at the very top of their concerns. An altar symbolizes worship of, allegiance to, and communication with God, serving as the means by which one's devotion to Him is most clearly expressed. Their devotion was an almost unbroken continuous part of their daily life, demonstrating the manner and level of conduct that qualifies them as sons of Abraham. This consistent discipline of seeking God through the altar enabled them to draw on His grace daily, which was essential to their enduring faith and success in meeting the tests they faced.

In the context of Israel's worship practices as a holy nation set apart by God, the concept of the altar holds significant importance. Deuteronomy 12 strictly forbids the erection of altars for normal ceremonial worship at any place other than the location chosen by God Himself. Once in the Promised Land, Israel was no longer permitted to worship by erecting an altar and offering sacrifices wherever they wished; instead, all sacrifices, except for the Passover, had to be conducted on one national altar at the Tabernacle, God's designated dwelling place. This central sanctuary was vital for maintaining both loyalty to God and national unity among the Israelites. The Tabernacle, with its brazen altar, was not erected until the land had rest from the warfare of conquering the Canaanites, a period of peace that occurred seven years after crossing the Jordan, at Shiloh, as recorded in Joshua 18:1. During this interim, no sacrificing as part of normal worship was performed, highlighting God's prioritization of certain tasks before establishing regular worship practices. Joshua 22 recounts a near conflict among the tribes over an altar built by the eastern tribes, which was perceived as a rebellious act against God's command for a single sanctuary altar at Shiloh. However, it was clarified as a memorial, not a competing altar, intended to symbolize unity under God. Additionally, Joshua 8:30 describes an altar erected on Mount Ebal as part of a covenant renewal ceremony commanded by God in Deuteronomy 11:26-32. This one-time altar did not conflict with the commands of Deuteronomy 12, as it was not for normal worship but served as a significant reminder of Israel's responsibility and God's faithfulness during the conquest of the land. These instances underscore the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions regarding the altar and worship, ensuring that Israel's actions reflected their status as a sanctified people dedicated to Him alone.