Deuteronomy 27:4

And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster.

Study Bible

And when you have crossed the Jordan
The phrase "crossed the Jordan" signifies a pivotal moment for the Israelites, marking their transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. The Jordan River, a significant geographical and spiritual boundary, represents a passage from a period of wandering to a time of fulfillment of God's promises. In Hebrew, "Jordan" (יַרְדֵּן, Yarden) is derived from a root meaning "to descend," symbolizing humility and submission to God's will as the Israelites enter a new chapter in their covenant relationship with Him.

you are to set up these stones
Setting up stones was a common ancient practice for commemorating significant events or covenants. These stones served as a physical and enduring testimony to the Israelites' commitment to God's law. In the Hebrew context, stones (אֲבָנִים, avanim) often symbolize strength and permanence, reflecting the enduring nature of God's commandments and the importance of remembering His acts and promises.

on Mount Ebal
Mount Ebal, located in the heart of the Promised Land, holds significant theological and covenantal importance. It is one of the two mountains, along with Mount Gerizim, where the Israelites were to pronounce blessings and curses. The choice of Mount Ebal for setting up the stones underscores the reality of the covenant: the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Archaeological evidence suggests that Mount Ebal was a site of ancient worship, reinforcing its role as a place of covenant renewal.

as I am commanding you today
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and authority of God's command. The use of "today" (הַיּוֹם, hayom) in Hebrew underscores the urgency and relevance of God's instructions, reminding the Israelites that obedience is not a future consideration but a present responsibility. It reflects the ongoing nature of God's covenant with His people, requiring daily commitment and action.

and you are to coat them with plaster
Coating the stones with plaster (שִׂיד, sid) served a practical and symbolic purpose. Practically, it provided a smooth surface for inscribing the law, ensuring its visibility and legibility. Symbolically, the act of plastering represents purity and preparation, akin to the purification rituals in the Hebrew tradition. This preparation of the stones signifies the readiness of the Israelites to receive and uphold God's law as they enter the land He promised them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments to the people before they enter the Promised Land.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are about to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the desert.

3. Mount Ebal
A mountain in the land of Canaan where the Israelites are instructed to set up stones and coat them with plaster as a sign of their covenant with God.

4. The Jordan River
The river that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land.

5. The Covenant Ceremony
The event where the Israelites reaffirm their covenant with God by setting up stones and writing the law on them.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The act of setting up stones on Mount Ebal signifies the importance of obeying God's commands. It serves as a physical reminder of the covenant between God and His people.

The Importance of Remembrance
Coating the stones with plaster and writing the law on them ensures that the Israelites remember God's laws. This teaches us the importance of keeping God's Word at the forefront of our lives.

Symbolism of Crossing the Jordan
Crossing the Jordan represents a transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. It symbolizes moving from a life of wandering to one of purpose and fulfillment in God's promises.

The Role of Community in Faith
The communal act of setting up the stones emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Israelites to uphold God's laws. It reminds us of the importance of community in our faith journey.

The Consequences of Choices
Mount Ebal, associated with curses, serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. It challenges us to consider the outcomes of our choices in light of God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance does the act of setting up stones on Mount Ebal hold for the Israelites, and how can we apply this practice of remembrance in our own lives?

2. How does the crossing of the Jordan River symbolize a transition in the life of a believer, and what "Jordan" might you need to cross in your spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we ensure that God's Word remains central in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites writing the law on stones?

4. How does the communal aspect of the Israelites' covenant ceremony on Mount Ebal inform our understanding of the role of community in our faith?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between obedience and disobedience. What were the consequences, and how does this relate to the symbolism of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 8:30-35
This passage describes the fulfillment of the command given in Deuteronomy 27:4, where Joshua leads the Israelites in setting up an altar on Mount Ebal and writing the law on stones.

Exodus 24:4
Moses writes down all the words of the Lord, similar to the act of writing the law on stones, emphasizing the importance of recording God's commandments.

Deuteronomy 11:29
This verse mentions Mount Ebal as the place of curses, contrasting with Mount Gerizim, the place of blessings, highlighting the choice between obedience and disobedience.