Burnt offerings were sacrifices that entirely consumed the animals and they were offered as an aroma pleasing to the Lord
(Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 1:9, Leviticus 1:13, Leviticus 1:17) to atone for sins (Leviticus 1:4). The fact that these offerings were made shows that one function of the activities at Ebal was to atone for the nation’s sins.
Peace offerings were joyful offerings in which portions of the sacrificial animals were to be eaten by the ones presenting them (Leviticus 3:1–17; Leviticus 7:11–21). The fact that these were being offered shows that another function of the activities was to re-establish a sense of relationship and well being with God.1
31 just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings.