Deuteronomy 27: A Covenant Renewed and Curses Declared
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.
And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:
And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.
Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God:
And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the Lord thy God.
And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.
And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God.
Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.
And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,
These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:
And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Deuteronomy 27 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey, detailing a covenant renewal ceremony designed to solidify their commitment to God as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter outlines the specific instructions given by Moses, emphasizing the blessings for obedience and the dire consequences – the curses – for disobedience. The ceremony served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of their covenant relationship with the Lord and the importance of adhering to His laws. This chapter highlights the importance of public and private obedience, reminding us that God sees all and holds us accountable for our actions.
A Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal (Deuteronomy 27:1-10)
Moses, in conjunction with the elders of Israel, commanded the people to participate in a covenant renewal ceremony (Deuteronomy 27:1). This ceremony was to involve inscribing the law on large stones, which were then to be covered with plaster for preservation and visibility (Deuteronomy 27:2-3). These stones were to be erected on Mount Ebal, located approximately thirty-five miles north of Jerusalem.
Furthermore, the Israelites were instructed to build an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal and offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord (Deuteronomy 27:4-7). The burnt offerings, completely consumed by fire, symbolized total dedication and commitment to God. The fellowship offerings, on the other hand, were eaten in a communal meal, expressing thanksgiving to God and celebrating joy in His presence. These offerings visually and tangibly represented the people's renewed commitment to the covenant.
Moses emphasized the significance of this moment, declaring, "This day you have become the people of the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 27:9). This statement doesn't imply that the Israelites were not God's people previously. Rather, it highlights the gravity of this recommitment at a critical juncture in their history. As they stood on the cusp of entering the land God had promised, they were drawing a "new line in the sand," reaffirming their pledge to obey His covenant. This was a deliberate act of choosing to walk in obedience and embrace their identity as God's chosen people.
Blessings and Curses Proclaimed (Deuteronomy 27:11-14)
To underscore the importance of the covenant, Moses instructed the people to divide themselves into two groups of six tribes each, positioning themselves between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:12-13). From these vantage points, they would hear the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience, respectively. The Levites were specifically designated to read the curses to the people (Deuteronomy 27:14), a sobering reminder of the consequences of breaking the covenant.
The Weight of Secret Sins (Deuteronomy 27:15-26)
The chapter concludes with a series of twelve curses, each pronounced against specific acts of disobedience. These curses were not merely abstract pronouncements; the people were required to respond to each one with a resounding "Amen!" (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). This "Amen" served as a solemn affirmation that they understood the implications of the curse and that they were giving God permission to bring the stated consequences upon them should they commit the sin described. This act of affirmation underscored the seriousness of their commitment and their awareness of the potential consequences of disobedience.
A recurring theme within these curses is the idea of secrecy. Many of the sins listed could be committed in private, hidden from the eyes of others. For example, dishonoring parents "in secret" (Deuteronomy 27:15), moving a neighbor's boundary marker under the cover of darkness (Deuteronomy 27:17), or exploiting the vulnerable without public knowledge (Deuteronomy 27:18-19). Even sexual sins and murder could potentially be concealed from human authorities (Deuteronomy 27:20-25).
However, the chapter emphasizes that no sin, no matter how concealed, is hidden from God. The omniscient and omnipresent God sees all and will ultimately judge every offender. This serves as a powerful warning against the temptation to commit "secret sins," reminding us that our actions are always visible to God, and we will be held accountable for them.
The final curse is particularly striking: "Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out" (Deuteronomy 27:26). This verse highlights the impossibility of perfect obedience to the law. As Israel would discover through painful experience, they were incapable of consistently keeping God's law. This is because the law, in itself, does not provide the power to obey. It serves as a mirror, reflecting our imperfections and revealing our need for a Savior. The law exposes our shortcomings without offering a means of overcoming them. As Paul explains in Galatians 3:10-14, the law ultimately points us to our need for Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law on our behalf and provides the grace and power to live in obedience.
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.
And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:
And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.
Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God:
And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the Lord thy God.
And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.
And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God.
Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.
And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,
These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:
And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Deuteronomy 27 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey, detailing a covenant renewal ceremony designed to solidify their commitment to God as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter outlines the specific instructions given by Moses, emphasizing the blessings for obedience and the dire consequences – the curses – for disobedience. The ceremony served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of their covenant relationship with the Lord and the importance of adhering to His laws. This chapter highlights the importance of public and private obedience, reminding us that God sees all and holds us accountable for our actions.
A Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal (Deuteronomy 27:1-10)
Moses, in conjunction with the elders of Israel, commanded the people to participate in a covenant renewal ceremony (Deuteronomy 27:1). This ceremony was to involve inscribing the law on large stones, which were then to be covered with plaster for preservation and visibility (Deuteronomy 27:2-3). These stones were to be erected on Mount Ebal, located approximately thirty-five miles north of Jerusalem.
Furthermore, the Israelites were instructed to build an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal and offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord (Deuteronomy 27:4-7). The burnt offerings, completely consumed by fire, symbolized total dedication and commitment to God. The fellowship offerings, on the other hand, were eaten in a communal meal, expressing thanksgiving to God and celebrating joy in His presence. These offerings visually and tangibly represented the people's renewed commitment to the covenant.
Moses emphasized the significance of this moment, declaring, "This day you have become the people of the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 27:9). This statement doesn't imply that the Israelites were not God's people previously. Rather, it highlights the gravity of this recommitment at a critical juncture in their history. As they stood on the cusp of entering the land God had promised, they were drawing a "new line in the sand," reaffirming their pledge to obey His covenant. This was a deliberate act of choosing to walk in obedience and embrace their identity as God's chosen people.
Blessings and Curses Proclaimed (Deuteronomy 27:11-14)
To underscore the importance of the covenant, Moses instructed the people to divide themselves into two groups of six tribes each, positioning themselves between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:12-13). From these vantage points, they would hear the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience, respectively. The Levites were specifically designated to read the curses to the people (Deuteronomy 27:14), a sobering reminder of the consequences of breaking the covenant.
The Weight of Secret Sins (Deuteronomy 27:15-26)
The chapter concludes with a series of twelve curses, each pronounced against specific acts of disobedience. These curses were not merely abstract pronouncements; the people were required to respond to each one with a resounding "Amen!" (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). This "Amen" served as a solemn affirmation that they understood the implications of the curse and that they were giving God permission to bring the stated consequences upon them should they commit the sin described. This act of affirmation underscored the seriousness of their commitment and their awareness of the potential consequences of disobedience.
A recurring theme within these curses is the idea of secrecy. Many of the sins listed could be committed in private, hidden from the eyes of others. For example, dishonoring parents "in secret" (Deuteronomy 27:15), moving a neighbor's boundary marker under the cover of darkness (Deuteronomy 27:17), or exploiting the vulnerable without public knowledge (Deuteronomy 27:18-19). Even sexual sins and murder could potentially be concealed from human authorities (Deuteronomy 27:20-25).
However, the chapter emphasizes that no sin, no matter how concealed, is hidden from God. The omniscient and omnipresent God sees all and will ultimately judge every offender. This serves as a powerful warning against the temptation to commit "secret sins," reminding us that our actions are always visible to God, and we will be held accountable for them.
The final curse is particularly striking: "Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out" (Deuteronomy 27:26). This verse highlights the impossibility of perfect obedience to the law. As Israel would discover through painful experience, they were incapable of consistently keeping God's law. This is because the law, in itself, does not provide the power to obey. It serves as a mirror, reflecting our imperfections and revealing our need for a Savior. The law exposes our shortcomings without offering a means of overcoming them. As Paul explains in Galatians 3:10-14, the law ultimately points us to our need for Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law on our behalf and provides the grace and power to live in obedience.