Deuteronomy 27
Deuteronomy 27 gives instructions for a covenant ceremony after Israel crosses the Jordan. It includes commands to set up stones inscribed with the law, build an altar on Mount Ebal, offer sacrifices, and publicly affirm the covenant. The chapter then records a series of covenant curses to which the people respond, 'Amen.'
1verseMoses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep all the commandment which I command you today.
2verseIt shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Jordan to the land which the LORD your God gives you, that you shall set yourself up great stones, and coat them with plaster.
3verseYou shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have passed over, that you may go in to the land which the LORD your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you.
4verseIt shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall coat them with plaster.
5verseThere you shall build an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You shall not use any iron tool on them.
6verseYou shall build the LORD your God’s altar of uncut stones. You shall offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God.
7verseYou shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there. You shall rejoice before the LORD your God.
8verseYou shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.”
9verseMoses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of the LORD your God.
10verseYou shall therefore obey the LORD your God’s voice, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.”
11verseMoses commanded the people the same day, saying,
12verse“These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin.
13verseThese shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
14verseWith a loud voice, the Levites shall say to all the men of Israel,
15verse‘Cursed is the man who makes an engraved or molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ All the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’
16verse‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or his mother.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
17verse‘Cursed is he who removes his neighbor’s landmark.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
18verse‘Cursed is he who leads the blind astray on the road.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
19verse‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, fatherless, and widow.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
20verse‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he dishonors his father’s bed.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
21verse‘Cursed is he who lies with any kind of animal.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
22verse‘Cursed is he who lies with his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
23verse‘Cursed is he who lies with his mother-in-law.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
24verse‘Cursed is he who secretly kills his neighbor.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
25verse‘Cursed is he who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
26verse‘Cursed is he who doesn’t uphold the words of this law by doing them.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”
Writing the Law and Building the Altar
The command to write the law plainly on plastered stones emphasizes that God's instruction is to be publicly known and remembered by the whole community. The altar built with uncut stones and the offerings presented there show that covenant obedience is closely connected with worship, gratitude, and restored relationship with God.
Mount Gerizim, Mount Ebal, and the Covenant Response
The tribes are divided between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal for the covenant ceremony. Although the broader ceremony concerns blessing and curse, this chapter specifically records the curses announced by the Levites. The repeated response of 'Amen' shows the people's public acceptance of the covenant's moral and communal responsibilities.
The Content of the Curses
The curses address hidden idolatry, dishonoring parents, moving boundary markers, exploiting the vulnerable, sexual violations, violence, bribery, and failure to uphold the law. The list emphasizes that covenant life includes both loyalty to God and justice toward neighbors.
Points for Reflection
- Why is it important for a community to make its moral commitments public and clear?
- How do hidden actions, not only public behavior, affect the integrity of a community?
- What does the repeated 'Amen' suggest about shared responsibility?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Consider what standards guide your private and public actions.
- Reflect on whether your words of agreement are matched by responsible conduct in daily life.
