Deuteronomy 27: Proclaiming Curses and Affirming God’s Law

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Deuteronomy 27 unfolds with a solemn pronouncement of blessings and curses, a pivotal moment in Israel’s covenant renewal ceremony. After crossing the Jordan River, the tribes were to gather at Mount Gerizim (for blessings) and Mount Ebal (for curses) to affirm their commitment to God’s law. The chapter outlines specific transgressions, each followed by the pronouncement “Cursed is the one who…” This served as a potent reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of upholding the covenant. The law, moreover, was to be inscribed on plastered stones, a public and enduring testament to God’s commands. This powerful ceremony underscored the importance of obedience and faithfulness in maintaining their relationship with the Almighty, offering both a warning and a pathway to sustained blessing. Let us examine how web hosting can help spread God’s message.

This chapter details the important ceremony of covenant renewal after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. Deuteronomy 27, Curses from Mount Ebal and the Law Written on Stones emphasizes the vital importance of obedience to God’s Law and the consequences of disobedience. Let’s explore its profound spiritual significance for us today.

📜 Commentary Sections 📜

Deuteronomy 27:1-4 (KJV)

1 And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. 2 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 plaster them with plaster: 3 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. 4 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 plaster them with plaster.

The initial command is clear: to meticulously observe all commandments. The setting up of large, plastered stones is significant. Plaster, made from lime and gypsum, was a common building material, ensuring a smooth, durable surface for inscribing the Law. The stones, set up on Mount Ebal, would serve as a public and permanent reminder of God’s covenant. The land flowing “with milk and honey” is a powerful symbol of God’s provision and blessing, contingent upon obedience. This physical act mirrors the spiritual reality of internalizing God’s law. As St. Athanasius says, “Οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ὁ νόμος ἔξω ἡμῶν, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἡμῖν ἐστιν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ καὶ διδάσκων καὶ νουθετῶν” (Ou gar estin ho nomos exō hēmōn, all’ en hēmin estin ho logos tou Theou, ho kai didaskōn kai nouthetōn – “For the law is not outside of us, but the Word of God is within us, teaching and admonishing”). (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes* 41).

Spiritual Application: Just as the Law was written on stones, we must strive to have God’s law written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). This requires diligent study, prayer, and obedience to His commandments, letting the word of God shape our thoughts and actions.

Deuteronomy 27:5-8 (KJV)

5 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. 6 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: 7 And thou shalt sacrifice peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the Lord thy God. 8 And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

An altar built of unhewn stones represents purity and simplicity in worship. The prohibition against using iron tools likely symbolized avoiding defilement of the altar, representing an unspoiled offering to God. The burnt offerings and peace offerings signify atonement and fellowship with God. Eating and rejoicing before the Lord emphasize the joyful aspect of the covenant relationship. The explicit instruction to write the law “very plainly” underscores the importance of understanding and internalizing its principles. Coptic tradition emphasizes the unblemished nature of sacrifice, mirroring the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. As Cyril of Alexandria notes, “Τὸ γὰρ ἀναμάρτητον τῷ Θεῷ προσήκει” (To gar anamartēton tō Theō prosēkei – “For that which is without sin belongs to God”). (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John* 1.10).

Spiritual Application: We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), approaching God with humility and a pure heart, avoiding anything that would defile our worship and service.

Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (KJV)

9 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. 10 Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

Moses, along with the Levites, reinforces the covenantal relationship. “This day thou art become the people of the Lord” highlights the ongoing nature of their commitment. Each day requires renewed dedication. The call to obey God’s voice and keep His commandments is a constant imperative. This reminds us of the daily spiritual warfare and the need for constant vigilance in our faith. The imperative nature of the command is echoed in Coptic hymns, which continually call believers to obedience and faithfulness.

Spiritual Application: Every day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to God and to live in obedience to His Word. We must cultivate a listening ear and a willing heart to follow His guidance.

Deuteronomy 27:11-13 (KJV)

11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12 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: 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, and Dan, and Naphtali.

The division of tribes onto Mount Gerizim (blessing) and Mount Ebal (cursing) underscores the binary choice before Israel: obedience leads to blessing, disobedience to cursing. Mount Gerizim, known for its fertile slopes, symbolizes blessing, while Mount Ebal, barren and rocky, represents cursing. The specific tribes assigned to each mountain may have historical or tribal significance, though the text does not explicitly state this. This physical positioning reinforces the seriousness of the covenant and the tangible consequences of their choices. The contrast aligns with the teaching on the two ways in the Didache, a very early Christian writing.

Spiritual Application: We are constantly faced with choices that lead either to blessing or cursing. We must be mindful of the path we choose, aligning our lives with God’s will to experience His blessings.

Deuteronomy 27:14-26 (KJV)

14 And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 15 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. 16 Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. 17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. 18 Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. 19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. 20 Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. 21 Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. 22 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. 23 Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. 24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. 25 Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. 26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

This section lists specific transgressions, each followed by the pronouncement of a curse and the people’s affirmation, “Amen.” These transgressions encompass idolatry, disrespect for parents, theft, injustice, sexual immorality, and murder. The secrecy mentioned in some curses (“in a secret place,” “smiteth his neighbor secretly”) indicates that even hidden sins have consequences. The repeated “Amen” signifies the people’s agreement with God’s judgment and their acceptance of the covenant. This series of curses reflects a holistic view of morality, covering both public and private sins. As St. Macarius the Great teaches, “Πᾶσα ἁμαρτία ἔχει τὴν ρίζαν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ” (Pasa hamartia echei tēn rhizan en tē kardia – “Every sin has its root in the heart”). (Macarius the Great, *Homilies* 15.20).

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that sin, in all its forms, is an offense against God and carries serious consequences. We must examine our hearts and actions, seeking forgiveness and striving to live in accordance with God’s law, avoiding even hidden sins.

✨ Subtopic: The Significance of “Amen” ✨

The repetition of “Amen” after each curse is profoundly significant. It’s not merely a rote response, but a powerful affirmation of God’s justice and the people’s commitment to upholding the covenant.

• Agreement with God’s Judgment: The “Amen” signifies the people’s agreement that these actions are indeed wrong and deserving of God’s judgment.
• Acceptance of the Covenant: By saying “Amen,” the Israelites acknowledge their responsibility to abide by the terms of the covenant and to avoid the specified transgressions.
• Personal Accountability: Each individual, by saying “Amen,” is personally committing to uphold the law and to hold themselves and others accountable for their actions.
• Corporate Responsibility: The collective “Amen” underscores the communal aspect of the covenant. All of Israel is bound together in their commitment to God’s law.
• Anticipation of Blessing or Cursing: It sets the stage for the blessings that will be proclaimed from Mount Gerizim and the curses from Mount Ebal, highlighting the two possible outcomes of their choices.
• Prophetic Echo: The “Amen” prefigures the use of the same word in the New Testament, especially in Revelation, to affirm the truth and trustworthiness of God’s pronouncements.

❓ FAQ ❓

Q: Why were the curses pronounced on Mount Ebal and not blessings?

A: Mount Ebal was chosen for the curses to emphasize the seriousness of disobedience and the consequences of breaking the covenant. The placement on the barren mountain would have served as a stark visual reminder of the potential for desolation and judgment. The blessings were placed on the more fertile Mount Gerizim, signaling the flourishing that results from obedience.

Q: What is the significance of writing the Law on plastered stones?

A: Writing the Law on plastered stones provided a public and enduring record of God’s commandments. The plaster would have made the inscription more visible and durable, ensuring that the Law was accessible to all. This physical act symbolized the importance of internalizing God’s Word and making it a central part of their lives.

Q: How does this chapter relate to the New Testament?

A: While the Old Testament focuses on the Law and its consequences, the New Testament fulfills the Law through Jesus Christ. However, the underlying principles of obedience, righteousness, and the consequences of sin remain relevant. The New Testament affirms the need for holiness and warns against various forms of immorality, echoing the concerns expressed in Deuteronomy 27.

Q: How can we apply the principles of Deuteronomy 27 to our lives today?

A: While we are no longer under the Old Testament Law, the principles of obedience, righteousness, and accountability remain essential. We must strive to live in accordance with God’s Word, seeking to obey His commandments and to avoid sin in all its forms. We can also learn from the “Amen” response the importance of actively affirming our faith and holding ourselves accountable to God’s standards. Deuteronomy 27, Curses from Mount Ebal and the Law Written on Stones teaches us that obedience to God is not just an external act but a commitment of the heart.

🕊️ Conclusion 🕊️

Deuteronomy 27 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience, accountability, and the consequences of sin. The stark contrast between the blessings proclaimed from Mount Gerizim and the curses from Mount Ebal underscores the serious choice before us: to follow God’s way and experience His blessings, or to reject His law and face the consequences of disobedience. The people’s affirmation with “Amen” after each curse is a call to each of us to take responsibility and consciously align our lives with God’s will. This chapter is not merely a historical account; it’s a timeless message that challenges us to examine our hearts, to strive for righteousness, and to live in faithful obedience to our Lord. By internalizing these truths, we can walk in the path of blessing and experience the fullness of God’s grace.

Tags

Deuteronomy, Mount Ebal, Mount Gerizim, Curses, Blessings, Law of Moses, Old Testament, Covenant, Obedience, Scripture

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Explore Deuteronomy 27: Curses from Mount Ebal and the Law Written on Stones. A verse-by-verse commentary on obedience, covenant, and consequences.