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Deuteronomy 27

World English Bible

WEB

1Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep all the commandment which I command you today. 2It shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Jordan to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, that you shall set yourself up great stones, and coat them with plaster. 3You shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have passed over, that you may go in to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4It 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. 5There you shall build an altar to Yahweh your God, an altar of stones. You shall not use any iron tool on them. 6You shall build Yahweh your God’s altar of uncut stones. You shall offer burnt offerings on it to Yahweh your God. 7You shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there. You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God. 8You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” 9Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of Yahweh your God. 10You shall therefore obey Yahweh your God’s voice, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.” 11Moses commanded the people the same day, saying, 12“These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13These shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14With a loud voice, the Levites shall say to all the men of Israel, 15‘Cursed is the man who makes an engraved or molten image, an abomination to Yahweh, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ All the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’ 16‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or his mother.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 17‘Cursed is he who removes his neighbor’s landmark.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 18‘Cursed is he who leads the blind astray on the road.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 19‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, fatherless, and widow.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 20‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he dishonors his father’s bed.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 21‘Cursed is he who lies with any kind of animal.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 22‘Cursed is he who lies with his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 23‘Cursed is he who lies with his mother-in-law.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 24‘Cursed is he who secretly kills his neighbor.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 25‘Cursed is he who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 26‘Cursed is he who doesn’t uphold the words of this law by doing them.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Deuteronomy Chapter 27 presents a significant moment in the life of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Moses instructs the people to set up large stones on Mount Ebal, which are to be coated with plaster and inscribed with the laws of God. This act serves as a public declaration of their commitment to obey God's commandments. The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering and adhering to the covenant that God established with His people, reinforcing the idea that obedience leads to blessings while disobedience results in curses. The stones symbolize a lasting reminder of their covenant relationship with #God and the seriousness of His laws.

The chapter continues with the pronouncement of blessings and curses. The Levites are to proclaim these blessings for those who obey the commandments and curses for those who violate them. This public declaration serves to unify the community in their commitment to God’s laws and to instill a sense of accountability among the people. The specific curses mentioned include actions such as idolatry, dishonoring parents, and injustice, highlighting the moral and ethical standards expected of the Israelites. This chapter ultimately underscores the gravity of the covenant and the necessity of faithfulness to God as they embark on their journey into the land He promised to their ancestors.

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Referenced by

  1. Joshua 8:30-31v4Joshua 8:30-31 describes Joshua building an altar on Mount Ebal as commanded in Deuteronomy 27:4-6, fulfilling the law given by Moses.
  2. 1 Kings 6:7v51 Kings 6:7 describes the construction of the Temple with stones prepared at the quarry, so no sound of iron tools was heard. This reflects Deuteronomy 27:5-6, where altars were to be built with uncut stones, emphasizing reverence and holiness.
  3. Jeremiah 11:3v26Jeremiah 11:3 pronounces a curse on those who do not obey the covenant, echoing the curse found in Deuteronomy 27:26, which emphasizes the importance of adherence to God's law.
  4. Galatians 3:10v26Galatians 3:10 references Deuteronomy 27:26 to highlight that those who rely on the law are under a curse, as it is impossible to uphold the law perfectly.

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