Deuteronomy 27
OGCSUMMARY OF CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Moses commands the people to write the law upon stones, when they shall come to the promised land, 1-3. And to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, 4; and to build an altar of unhewn stones, and to offer on it burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, 5-7. The words to be written plainly, and the people to be exhorted to obedience, 8-10. The six tribes which should stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, 11, 12. Those who are to stand upon Mount Ebal to curse the transgressors, 13. The different transgressors against whom the curses are to be denounced, 14-26.
QUESTIONS, LESSON TWENTY ONE (Deuteronomy 27:1 to Deuteronomy 28:68)
OVER CHAPTER 27
Describe the monument to be set up on mount Ebal, including as many details as possible.
Why no iron tools used in its construction?
What purpose(s) did it serve?
There is a common denominator in the origin of most of those tribes receiving the curse, and again among most of those receiving the blessing. What is it in each case?
Describe the setting of this event: Where are Ebal and Gerizim? What lay between them? How were the people arranged? Where were the Levites? What did they do?
How did the idolator cursed in the verses set up shop?
Who is one that setteth light by his father or mother?
The final curse of Cha. 27 is rather all-inclusive. Do you remember it
OVER CHAPTER 28 9.
What is the blessing of thy basket (Deuteronomy 28:5)?
What are two effects Israel’s righteousness and prosperity would have on the surrounding nations?
What is heavenly treasure, specifically and generally?
Israel is to be destroyed. perish. crushed away. In view of the fact that there are many Jewish people in the world today, did this prophecy fail?
What is signified by a brass sky? Iron earth? (Deuteronomy 28:23)
Israel was to be tossed to and from among all the kingdoms of the earth (Deuteronomy 28:25). Cite at least three obvious ancient examples and one modern one.
Can you recall three indications of the unstable and dangerous conditions which would exist in an Israel oppressed by a foreign power?
As a general rule, we may say Deuteronomy 28:36-46 best describe the__________ conquest, Deuteronomy 28:47-57 best describe the
Why say as a general rule?
Which nation(s) best fits the phrase, whose tongue thou shalt not understand, and why not Babylon?
Recall several phrases or statements of this chapter that describe a desperate and starving people.
What is this glorious and fearful name?
What country’s diseases will afflict them?
How many other plagues and sicknesses?
How extensively would Israel be scattered?
Unto what country would they return which they had previously left, and by what means?
Deuteronomy 27:1-8
LESSON TWENTY-ONE Deuteronomy 27:1 to Deuteronomy 28:68
III. THE THIRD DISCOURSE
Future of Israel Foretold (Deuteronomy 27:1 to Deuteronomy 30:20)
A. ALTAR TO BE BUILT UPON MOUNT EBAL FOR THE RECORDING OF GOD’S LAW (Deuteronomy 27:1-8)
And Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandment which I command you this day. 2 And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over the Jordan unto the land which Jehovah 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 Jehovah thy God giveth thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath promised thee. 4 And it shall be, when ye are passed over the Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster. 5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto Jehovah thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt lift up no iron tool upon them. 6 Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones; and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God: 7 and thou shalt sacrifice peace-offerings, and shalt eat there; and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God. 8 And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 27:1-8
Read Joshua 8:30-35 for fulfillment of the promises made here.
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What was to be written upon the stones? How much of the law? How large were the stones?
Was the altar the same as the stones upon which was written the laws of Jehovah? Cf. Joshua 8:31-32.
What specific purpose or purposes were served in fulfilling these instructions?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 27:1-8
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, Keep all the commandments with which I charge you today. 2 And on the day when you pass over the Jordan to the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall set you up great stones, and cover them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have passed over, that you may go into the land which 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 And when you have gone over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, on Mount Ebal, and coat them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones; you shall not lift up any iron tool upon them. 6 You shall build the altar of the Lord your God of whole stones, and offer burnt offerings on it to Him; 7 And you shall offer peace offerings, and eat there, and rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.
COMMENT 27:1-8
See also Joshua 8:30-35 where we have these instructions carried out.
SET THEE UP GREAT STONES (Deuteronomy 27:2)These were to be unhewn stones, Deuteronomy 27:5, Exodus 20:25. Hewn and engraven stones were associated with idolatry. Thus graven images were forbidden, Deuteronomy 27:15, Deuteronomy 4:16 ff. Recall Aaron in making the golden calf fashioned it with a graving tool (Exodus 32:4). The whole stones would contrast to the idolator’s hewn and graven ones. Compare memorials set up in the Jordan (Joshua 4:8-9), and Gilgal (Joshua 4:20). Perhaps for this (as well as other reasons), no iron tool was used on the temple premises (1 Kings 6:7).
PLASTER THEM WITH PLASTER (Deuteronomy 27:2)Some believe the Hebrew is better read, cement them with cement. Smith has white washing them with lime. But regardless of the mixture used, its purpose is apparent: to serve as a binder and provide a relatively smooth surface for writing (we suppose before it hardened).
WRITE UPON THEM ALL THE WORDS OF THE LAW (Deuteronomy 27:3)Are all the words of Moses meant? The laws of the book meant? The laws of the book of Deuteronomy just given? Surely not the entire Pentateuch! Nor is there any valid reason for supposing only the decalogue to be meant. Clarke suggests that the (… Torah) law or ordinance in question simply means the blessings and curses mentioned in-’ this and the following chapter; and indeed these contained a very good epitome of the whole law in all its promises and threatenings, in reference to the whole of its grand moral design.
But it seems difficult to understand all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 27:3; Deuteronomy 27:8) as not referring to a legal code. And in view of the ability of the Hebrew language to say much in a few words, we would tend to believe that at least the legislative portion of Deuteronomythis law is meant. It may have been condensed or abbreviated. Note especially Joshua 8:32, where it is called a copy of the law of Moses, which is distinguished from the book of the law of Moses, (Deuteronomy 29:21). As we are not told the size of the monument, no problem exists concerning making it large enough for a lengthy inscription.
IN MOUNT EBAL (Deuteronomy 27:4)On the side of this mount the stones were to be set up. It was the mountain of curses, 3,075 feet, and stood to the north and directly opposite mount Gerizim, the mountain of blessings, 2,850 feet. Between them lay a vale, and the town of Shechema city of ancient origin (Genesis 12:6; Genesis 33:18), before which lay a relatively wide plain.
AND THERE SHALT THOU BUILD AN ALTAR (Deuteronomy 27:5)Not a different structure from the memorial, but the same one, Joshua 8:31-32.
Deuteronomy 27:9-10
B. CURSES TO BE REPEATED FROM MT. EBAL (Deuteronomy 27:9-26)
9 And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Keep silence, and hearken, O Israel: This day thou art become the people of Jehovah thy God. 10 Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of Jehovah thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 27:9, 10
In what sense was Israel becoming a people of Jehovah? Why were they not before this time?
Is there some distinction between commandments and statutes?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 27:9, 10
9 And 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 So you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and do His commandments and statutes, which I command you today.
COMMENT 27:9, 10
THIS DAY THOU ART BECOME THE PEOPLE OF JEHOVAH (Deuteronomy 27:9)The normal sense of this day in Deuteronomy is at this time (Deuteronomy 26:16-18). But in a very wondrous and real way, the could then say they were the people of Goda nation, a country, and they had finally arrived at their home! The impressive ceremony of Jos 8:30-35 must certainly also have been a very emotion-filled one, as Israel officially claimed the land.
11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are passed over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall answer, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice.
Deuteronomy 27:11-14
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 27:11-14
Why the choice of the tribes to bless?
What impression was this whole ceremony to make upon Israel?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 27:11-14
11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying. 12 These [tribes] shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have passed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph’s [sons], and Benjamin. 13 And these [tribes] shall stand upon Mount Ebal to pronounce the curse [for disobedience]: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall declare with a loud voice to all the men of Israel:
COMMENT 27:11-14
On the sides of these two mountains the people were to be placed, half on one and half on the other, while in the vale between (with Shechem to one side) stood the ark, with the Levites. Those who stood on Gerizim responded to the blessings, those on Ebal to the cursings, as these were spoken with a loud voice by the Levites. (Apparently the acoustics were goodJotham later spoke to all Shechem by standing on the top of mount Gerizim, Judges 9:7.[45] See also Deuteronomy 11:26-32.
[45] In consequence of the dispute which arose over the marriage of Manasseh, who belonged to the high-priestly family, with a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite (Nehemiah 13:28), a temple was built on Gerizim as a rival to that in Jerusalem (c 432 B.C.), (I.S.B.E.). This was the beginning of the schism between Jew and Samaritan which lasts to the present day. According to Josephus, however, Sanballat, with the sanction of Alexander the Great, built a temple for the Samaritans on Mt. Gerizim, of which Manasseh became high priest. At any rate, by the time of Jesus the Samaritan of both nations (John 4:12), woman could very truthfully say, Our fathers worshipped in this mountain (John 4:20). Jacob, a common ancestor worshipped either on or near it, Genesis 33:20.
Adam Clarke, following Dr. Parry, positions the tribes of Israel as follows:
According to the Talmud, six tribes went up towards the top of Gerizim and six towards the top of Ebal. The priests and Levites stood beneath the two with the ark. They then turned their faces towards Mount Gerizim and pronounced the blessings (see ch. 28). To this both sides responded with Amen! As the scripture reads, however, the Amen was to come after each curse. 15 Cursed be the man that maketh a graven or molten image, an abomination unto Jehovah, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and setteth it up in secret. 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 neighbor’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 wresteth the justice due to the sojourner, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.
20 Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife, because he hath uncovered 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 neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say, Amen. 25 Cursed be he that taketh a bribe to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. 26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Deuteronomy 27:16-26
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 27:15-26
Try to imagine the great attraction of idolatry. There must have been some rationalization, attempt to express it.
What is meant by the use of the word light as used in Deuteronomy 27:16?
Are we to believe a man could be put to death for changing a property line?
Why would anyone be so cruel as to mislead a blind man?
Kindness and generosity was a very prominent part of Israel’s morality. Why?
Why mention his father’s skirt in the case of adultery with the wife of the father?
Was morality so lax in Israel, or was there some other reason for these regulations?
What is involved in the word confirmeth in Deuteronomy 27:26?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 27:15-26
15 Cursed be the man who makes a graven 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, Amen. 16 Cursed be he who dishonors his father or his mother. All the people shall say, Amen. 17 Cursed be he who moves (back) his neighbor’s landmark. All the people shall say, Amen. 18 Cursed be he who misleads a blind man from his way. All the people shall say, Amen. 19 Cursed be he who perverts the justice due to the sojourner or the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. All the people shall say, Amen. 20 Cursed be he who lies with his father’s wife, because he uncovers what belongs to his father. All the people shall say, Amen. 21 Cursed be he who lies with any beast. All the people shall say, Amen. 22 Cursed be he who lies with his half-sister, whether his father’s or his mother’s daughter. All the people shall say, Amen. 23 Cursed be he who lies with his mother-in-law. All the people shall say, Amen. 24 Cursed be he who slays his neighbor secretly. All the people shall say, Amen. 25 Cursed be he who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person. All the people shall say, Amen. 26 Cursed be he who does not support and give assent to the words of this law to do them [as the rule of his life]. All the people shall say, Amen.
COMMENT 27:15-26
It is quickly seen that most of these curses have been discussed in previous Chapter s.
GRAVEN OR MOLTEN IMAGE (Deuteronomy 27:15)See Deuteronomy 4:15-19, notes, Deuteronomy 5:8-10.
AND SETTETH IT UP IN SECRET (Deuteronomy 27:15)Lest his fellow-Israelite or leaders discover his sin, (Like Rachel, who hid the teraphim under the camel’s saddle without even her husband’S knowledge, Genesis 31:32-35). But the eyes of Jehovah are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). He seeth under the whole heaven (Job 28:24), Cf. 2 Chronicles 16:9, Proverbs 5:21.
HE THAT SETTETH LIGHT BY HIS FATHER OR HIS MOTHER (Deuteronomy 27:16)he who is making light of his father and his mother (Young’s Literal); he who dishonors his father or his mother (R.S.V.); he who insults his father or mother (Torah). Setteth light by is a rendering of the Heb, verb Kalah, which Baumgartner’s Lexicon defines as treat with contempt. See Leviticus 20:9, Ezekiel 22:7, and our previous discussion under Deuteronomy 21:18-21.
HE THAT REMOVETH HIS NEIGHBOR’S LANDMARK (Deuteronomy 27:17)See Deuteronomy 19:14, notes.
THAT MAKETH THE BLIND TO WANDER (Deuteronomy 27:18)See also Leviticus 19:14. It is difficult to conceive of one so inhumane as to mistreat or deceive the blind, but in our own generation we have witnessed such in the sadistic and cruel treatment of elderly men and women who are robbed, abused or beaten on the streets.
JUSTICE DUE THE SOJOURNER, FATHERLESS, AND WIDOW (Deuteronomy 27:19)Cf. Deuteronomy 1:16-18, Deuteronomy 10:17-18; Deuteronomy 16:19, Deuteronomy 24:17-18, notes: Exodus 22:21-24.
HE THAT LIETH WITH HIS FATHER’S WIFE (Deuteronomy 27:20)See Deuteronomy 22:30, notes.
HE THAT LIETH WITH ANY MANNER OF BEAST (Deuteronomy 27:21)See Deuteronomy 23:18, notes. Cf. Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:15.
HE THAT LIETH WITH HIS SISTER (Deuteronomy 27:22)This curse applies to half sisters as well as full sisters. See Leviticus 18:6-18, esp. Leviticus 18:9. Also Leviticus 20:17.
HE THAT LIETH WITH HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW (Deuteronomy 27:23)See also Leviticus 20:14. A careful reading of Leviticus, Chapter s 18 and 20, will show how God abhorred any kind of incest, adultery, or fornication, under the Mosaic code. And surely this fact is clear from the many condemnations of these sins we have found in this book.
HE THAT SMITETH HIS NEIGHBOR IN SECRET (Deuteronomy 27:24)See Deuteronomy 4:41-43 and especially Deuteronomy 19:1-13, notes. The reference here is obviously to premeditated murder.
HE THAT TAKETH A BRIBE TO SLAY AN INNOCENT PERSON (Deuteronomy 27:25)Compare Deuteronomy 10:17-19, Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Deuteronomy 25:1; Exodus 23:1-3; Exodus 23:6-8.
CURSED BE HE THAT CONFIRMETH NOT THE WORDS OF THIS LAW TO DO THEM (Deuteronomy 27:26)Compare Deuteronomy 26:16-19. Again and again the necessity of doing the words of the law is emphasized. This was a prerequisite of God’s fullest blessing. But this very truth pointed up the need of a Redeemer. The fact that no one (save the Lord Jesus) kept the law completely and perfectly, meant that the law itself served as their condemning agent. Thus Paul affirms, For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for The righteous shall live by faith; and the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. See Galatians 3:9-14.