Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Deuteronomy 27
Deuteronomy 27:8And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly."
This command to write the law 'very plainly' on plastered stones emphasizes that God's expectations are not meant to be hidden or confusing, but accessible to everyone.Deuteronomy 27:9-10Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, "Keep silence and hear, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the Lord your God. “You shall therefore obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.”
Here, Moses and the priests mark a pivotal moment, declaring that Israel's identity as God's people is now formalized, bringing with it the significant responsibility to listen and obey.Deuteronomy 27:26“‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Historical & Cultural Context
Final Instructions on the Edge of the Promised Land
As Deuteronomy nears its conclusion, Moses is giving his final addresses to a new generation of Israelites. They are camped on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River and enter the land God promised their ancestors. This chapter isn't a historical narrative but a set of forward-looking instructions for a foundational ceremony. The goal is to ensure that as soon as they take possession of the land, they formally and physically establish God's law as the center of their national life.
A Sacred Ceremony Between Two Mountains
The instructions pinpoint a specific location for this ceremony: the valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, near the city of Shechem. This area would serve as a natural amphitheater for the entire nation. By dividing the twelve tribes, with six on each mountain, Moses sets the stage for a dramatic call-and-response. This physical separation visually represents the two paths set before Israel: the path of blessing for obedience and the path of cursing for disobedience.
Staging a National Covenant Ceremony
In Deuteronomy 27, Moses lays out the blueprint for a solemn ceremony that will define Israel's identity in the Promised Land. This is not a mere suggestion but a divine command to be executed once they cross the Jordan. The scene is set in a valley flanked by two mountains, Ebal and Gerizim, where the entire nation will publicly declare its allegiance to God and formally accept the terms of His covenant, including the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience.
Memorials of Law and Worship (Deuteronomy 27:1-8)
1 Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, "Keep the whole commandment that I command you today.
2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster.
3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you.
4 So when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster.
5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them;
6 You shall build the altar of the Lord your God of uncut stones, and you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God.
7 And you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God.
8 And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly."
Commentary:
Israel is commanded to write God's law on stone pillars and build an altar, linking obedience with joyful worship.
A Declaration of Identity (Deuteronomy 27:9-10)
9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, "Keep silence and hear, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the Lord your God.
10 “You shall therefore obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.”
Commentary:
Moses and the priests formally declare Israel's identity as God's people, which requires their obedience.
Assigning Roles for the Ceremony (Deuteronomy 27:11-14)
11 That day Moses charged the people, saying,
12 “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin.
13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
14 And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel in a loud voice:
Commentary:
The tribes of Israel are divided onto two mountains, one for blessing and one for cursing, to prepare for the ceremony.
The Curses and the People's 'Amen' (Deuteronomy 27:15-26)
15 “‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’
16 “‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
17 “‘Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor's landmark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
18 “‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
20 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his father's wife, because he has uncovered his father's nakedness.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
21 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
22 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
23 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his mother-in-law.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
24 “‘Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
25 “‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Commentary:
The Levites declare twelve curses against specific sins, and the people affirm each one with 'Amen,' accepting accountability.
The Weight of Covenant and Community
Public Accountability
This ceremony was intentionally public, involving every person in Israel. By shouting 'Amen' together, they were active participants, not passive listeners. They agreed to God's standards and held themselves and their neighbors accountable.
The Tangible Word of God
God's law was not meant to be an abstract concept. By writing it on large, visible stones, Israel made the covenant a physical landmark in their new country, a constant and clear reminder of their commitments.
The Two Paths of Blessing and Cursing
The chapter starkly presents the two potential outcomes of Israel's national life. The mountains Gerizim and Ebal serve as giant object lessons: obedience to God leads to blessing, while disobedience leads to judgment and ruin. The choice, and its consequences, could not be clearer.
Justice for the Vulnerable
Several of the curses specifically protect the most vulnerable members of society - the blind, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. This highlights that a core part of upholding God's law is ensuring justice and compassion for those who cannot defend themselves.
Living Out Our 'Amen' Today
This chapter challenges the idea that faith is solely a personal matter. The Israelites' public 'Amen' (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) encourages you to consider how your beliefs are lived out openly. It's a call to be part of a community where you are both supported and held accountable in your walk with God.
Just as they were commanded to make the law visible (Deuteronomy 27:8), you can find tangible ways to keep God's word central in your life. This might mean placing scripture in your home, memorizing key verses, or making it a regular topic of conversation with family and friends, so that it actively shapes your daily thoughts and actions.
The specific curses against misleading the blind or perverting justice for the foreigner, orphan, and widow (Deuteronomy 27:18-19) reveal God's heart for the marginalized. This should prompt you to ask where you can be an advocate for justice and a voice for those who are overlooked in your own community.
A Public Choice, A Lasting Consequence
Deuteronomy 27 stages a national moment of decision, making it clear that entering God's promise requires accepting God's terms. The law is not a secret code but a public standard, written on stone for all to see and affirm. The message is that our relationship with God is a serious commitment with real-world consequences, demanding a wholehearted and public 'Amen' to His ways.
What This Means for Us Today
The ceremony on the two mountains was a powerful invitation for Israel to choose its future. By shouting 'Amen,' they were stepping into the story of God's covenant, accepting both its responsibilities and its rewards. This chapter invites us to consider our own 'Amen' - our active agreement to follow God's ways, not in secret, but as a public declaration of who we are and whose we are.
- In what area of your life do you need to give a fresh 'Amen' to God's commands?
- How can you and your community better support each other in living out your commitment to God publicly?
- Considering the curses protect the vulnerable, who is God calling you to stand up for?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter on giving firstfruits and tithes concludes the main body of the law, setting the stage for the covenant renewal ceremony.
This chapter provides the full text of the blessings and curses that were to be proclaimed from Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.
Connections Across Scripture
This passage records the fulfillment of Deuteronomy 27, as Joshua leads Israel in performing this exact ceremony after their victory at Ai.
The Apostle Paul quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 to explain that all are under the law's curse, from which Christ redeems us by becoming a curse for us.
Centuries later, the people of Israel gather for a similar public confession and renewal of their covenant with God, showing the enduring importance of this practice.
Theological Themes
This verse speaks of a New Covenant where God's law will be written not on stone, but on human hearts.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God commanded such a dramatic and public ceremony? What impact would hearing these curses and shouting 'Amen' have had on an individual Israelite?
- Many of the curses in Deuteronomy 27 deal with sins committed in secret. What does this reveal about God's concern for our character when no one is watching?
- The ceremony includes both building an altar for joyful worship (vv. 5-7) and proclaiming curses for sin (vv. 15-26). How do these two elements - grace and law, joy and judgment - work together in a relationship with God?
Glossary
places
Mount Ebal
The mountain in the heart of Canaan designated for the proclamation of the curses for disobedience.
Mount Gerizim
The mountain opposite Mount Ebal, designated for the proclamation of the blessings for obedience.
Jordan River
The river Israel had to cross to enter the Promised Land, symbolizing a major transition in their journey with God.
figures
theological concepts
Covenant
A sacred, binding agreement between God and His people that defines their relationship, promises, and responsibilities.
Curse
The declared negative consequence for breaking the covenant, signifying judgment and separation from God's favor.
Blessing
The declared positive reward for keeping the covenant, signifying God's favor, presence, and provision.
terms
Amen
A Hebrew word used to express solemn agreement, meaning 'so be it' or 'it is true'.
Altar of Uncut Stones
A place of sacrifice made from natural stones, as commanded by God, to signify that worship should be pure and not reliant on human craftsmanship.
Landmark
A boundary marker, often a stone, used to define property lines; moving one was a serious offense against a neighbor.