Deuteronomy 27 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Moses instructs the people to set up large stones inscribed with the Law, build an altar, and offer sacrifices. The chapter then details a solemn ritual where blessings are pronounced from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal, with the people affirming each curse with “Amen.” This dramatic scene underscores the seriousness of their commitment to God's covenant and the dire consequences of disobedience.
Historical context
Deuteronomy, meaning “second law,” is Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It recounts and expounds upon the Law given at Mount Sinai, adapting it for a new generation about to settle in Canaan. The book is structured much like an ancient Near Eastern treaty, with historical prologue, stipulations, blessings, and curses.
Chapter 27 specifically describes a future ceremony to take place immediately after crossing the Jordan River. This event was to be held between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, two prominent mountains in the central hill country of Canaan, near the city of Shechem. Mount Gerizim, to the south, was fertile and green, while Mount Ebal, to the north, was barren and rocky. This geographical contrast likely symbolized the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience, respectively. The instructions here are a direct command from God, delivered through Moses, to ensure the covenant's stipulations were deeply ingrained in the national consciousness of Israel.
Verse by verse
- 1:
Moses, along with the elders of Israel, commands the people to keep all the commands given to them. This opening sets a serious tone, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the nation to uphold God's covenant.
- 2:
Upon crossing the Jordan, the Israelites are to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and cover them with plaster. This act symbolizes the permanence and public nature of the Law, making it visible and accessible to all.
- 3:
On these plastered stones, the people are commanded to write “all the words of this law.” This inscription would serve as a constant reminder of their covenant obligations, a tangible representation of God's expectations for His people.
- 4:
The specific location for these inscribed stones is Mount Ebal. This choice is significant, as Mount Ebal is later designated as the place from which the curses would be pronounced, linking the Law's demands directly to the consequences of disobedience.
- 5:
An altar of unhewn stones is to be built on Mount Ebal. The command for unhewn stones ('abanim shlemoh, “whole stones”) reflects a purity requirement, ensuring no human tool or artifice defiled the sacred space, as seen in Exod 20:25.
- 6:
On this altar, burnt offerings and peace offerings are to be presented to the Lord. These sacrifices signify atonement, communion, and thanksgiving, demonstrating Israel's renewed commitment and fellowship with God even in the place of judgment.
- 8:
Moses reiterates the command to write the Law clearly on the plastered stones. The emphasis on clarity (ba'er hetev, “explain clearly”) ensures that the covenant's terms are understood by everyone, leaving no room for ignorance as an excuse.
- 9:
Moses and the Levitical priests declare that Israel has become the people of the Lord their God. This statement is a powerful affirmation of their unique identity and calling, reminding them of the special relationship they share with the Almighty.
- 11:
Moses instructs the people on how to divide themselves for the ceremony: six tribes on Mount Gerizim for blessings and six tribes on Mount Ebal for curses. This physical arrangement highlights the stark choice before them.
- 12:
The tribes designated to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings are Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. These tribes represent a significant portion of Israel, emphasizing the promise of blessing for obedience.
- 13:
The tribes designated for Mount Ebal to pronounce curses are Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. This division ensures that all Israel participates in this solemn declaration of the covenant's terms.
- 15:
The first curse is pronounced against those who make idols in secret. The people's response, “Amen,” signifies their agreement that such hidden idolatry is detestable to the Lord and deserving of judgment. This pattern of curse and affirmation continues for the subsequent verses.
- 26:
The final curse is a comprehensive one: “Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the terms of this law by obeying them.” This sweeping statement encapsulates the entire covenant, underscoring that partial obedience is not enough; wholehearted adherence is required. This verse is echoed in Gal 3:10, highlighting humanity's inability to perfectly keep the Law.
Key themes
- Covenant renewal
- Consequences of obedience and disobedience
- Public declaration of the Law
- The seriousness of God's commands
- Israel's identity as God's people
Application
Deuteronomy 27 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness with which God views His covenant with His people. For us today, it underscores that God's moral law is not arbitrary but reflects His holy character and His desire for our good. While we are no longer under the Old Covenant law for salvation, the principles of obedience, justice, and faithfulness remain vital. The “Amen” response to the curses reminds us to acknowledge the just consequences of sin and to affirm God's righteous judgment.
Ultimately, this chapter points us to Christ. The comprehensive curse in Deuteronomy 27:26, which states that anyone who fails to keep the entire Law is cursed, highlights humanity's desperate need for a Savior. We cannot perfectly uphold the Law. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore its curse on the cross (Gal 3:13). Our response to this truth is not a fearful “Amen” to a curse, but a joyful “Amen” to God's grace and the salvation offered through Christ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim in Deuteronomy 27?
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim were chosen as the sites for a dramatic covenant renewal ceremony. Mount Gerizim, being fertile, was associated with blessings, while barren Mount Ebal was associated with curses. This geographical contrast visually reinforced the two paths before Israel: obedience leading to blessing, and disobedience leading to judgment. The ceremony ensured that the covenant's terms were deeply ingrained in the national consciousness.
Why were the stones plastered and inscribed with the Law?
The large stones, plastered and inscribed with “all the words of this law,” served as a public, permanent, and accessible record of God's covenant. This act ensured that the Law was visible to everyone and could not be easily forgotten or ignored. It symbolized the foundational importance of God's commands for the nation's life and identity, making the covenant stipulations clear and undeniable (Deut 27:8).
What does the people's response of “Amen” signify?
The repeated response of “Amen” (meaning “so be it” or “truly”) by the people after each curse signifies their solemn agreement and affirmation. It was a public declaration that they understood the consequences of disobedience and acknowledged the justice of God's judgment if they were to violate the covenant. This collective affirmation bound them to the covenant's terms.
How does Deuteronomy 27 relate to the New Testament and Christ?
Deuteronomy 27, particularly the comprehensive curse in verse 26, highlights humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's Law. This sets the stage for the New Testament's message of salvation through Christ. Galatians 3:10-13 explicitly quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 to show that all who rely on works of the Law are under a curse. Christ, however, redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us, fulfilling its demands and bearing its penalty on the cross.
What kind of sins are highlighted in the curses of Deuteronomy 27?
The curses in Deuteronomy 27 target a range of sins, many of which are hidden or perpetrated against the vulnerable. These include idolatry (v. 15), dishonoring parents (v. 16), moving boundary markers (v. 17), misleading the blind (v. 18), perverting justice for the vulnerable (v. 19), various sexual sins (vv. 20-23), murder (v. 24), and bribery (v. 25). The final curse (v. 26) is a general one, encompassing all failures to uphold the entire Law, emphasizing God's demand for holistic obedience.