The western tribes understood that the altar was built for the purposes of sacrifice and thus it was unlawful and not in keeping with God’s commandments (Leviticus 17:1–9). Previously Joshua had built an altar on Mount Ebal and offered sacrifices on it. However, this was not sinful since it was in keeping with God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 27:1–26) and the tent of meeting (ark of the covenant) was also there at the time (Joshua 8:33). After the covenant renewal ceremony, the altar (that Joshua built) was not meant to be used for sacrifice but to be a witness of the covenant made between Israel and the Lord.
16 “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the LORD by building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the LORD?