The Law · Chapter 27 of 34

Deuteronomy 27

The covenant is to be written in stone and proclaimed on the mountains. Crossing Jordan, Israel is to set up plastered stones inscribed with the law and build an unhewn altar on Mount Ebal for offerings. Six tribes stand on Gerizim to bless and six on Ebal to curse, while the Levites pronounce twelve curses on hidden sins, and all the people answer, Amen.

What happens in Deuteronomy 27

Moses and the elders command that on crossing into the land, Israel set up great stones coated with plaster and write on them all the words of this law very plainly. On Mount Ebal they are to build an altar of whole, unhewn stones, offer burnt and peace offerings, and rejoice before the LORD. Moses declares that this day Israel has become the people of the LORD. He then arranges a covenant ceremony: six tribes stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, and six on Mount Ebal to curse.

The Levites recite aloud twelve curses, largely against secret sins: idolatry hidden away, dishonoring parents, moving a landmark, misleading the blind, perverting justice for the vulnerable, sexual corruptions, secret violence, taking a bribe to kill, and finally a comprehensive curse on anyone who does not confirm all the words of this law. To each the whole people answer, Amen.

Deuteronomy 27 in context

This chapter sets a covenant-ratification ceremony for the land, later carried out by Joshua at Shechem between the two mountains. Writing the law on plastered stone made it public and permanent.

The curses target especially sins done in secret, where only God sees, and the people's Amen turned each one into a self-conscious oath binding the whole nation to the covenant's terms.

Main themes of Deuteronomy 27

Deuteronomy 27 (KJV)

1And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. 2And 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: 3And 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. 4Therefore 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. 5And 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. 6Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God: 7And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God. 8And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly. 9And 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. 10Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. 11And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12These 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: 13And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 15Cursed 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. 16Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. 17Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. 18Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. 19Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. 20Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. 21Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. 22Cursed 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. 23Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. 24Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. 25Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. 26Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Verses to carry from Deuteronomy 27

“And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.”Deuteronomy 27:8

“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.”Deuteronomy 27:15

“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”Deuteronomy 27:26

Reflection

Read the list of curses and notice how many concern what no one else would see. Where does your hidden life not match your public Amen? Bring one secret thing into God's light today, trusting that Christ has already borne its curse.

A prayer from Deuteronomy 27