◄ Deuteronomy 27 ►
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The Altar on Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:30–35) 1Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all the commandments I am giving you today. 2And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. 3Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4And 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. 5Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them. 6You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God. 7There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God. 8And you shall write distinctly upon these stones all the words of this law.” 9Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel: “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the LORD your God. 10You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God and follow His commandments and statutes I am giving you today.” Curses Pronounced from Ebal 11On that day Moses commanded the people: 12“When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14Then the Levites shall proclaim in a loud voice to every Israelite: 15‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 16‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 17‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 18‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 19‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 20‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’a And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 21‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 22‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 23‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 24‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 25‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 26‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’b And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Footnotes: 20 a Or uncovered his father’s skirt 26 b LXX Cursed is every man who does not continue in all the words of this law; cited in Galatians 3:10 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Deuteronomy 27 Summary The Altar on Mount Ebal Verses 1–8 – Stones and Altar Instructions Moses and the elders charge Israel to keep every command. Once the people cross the Jordan, they are to set up large stones on Mount Ebal, coat them with lime, and write the entire law on them. Beside the stones they must build an altar of untouched stones, offer burnt offerings, present fellowship offerings, eat before the LORD, and rejoice. The writing must be “plainly inscribed” so everyone can read it. Verses 9–10 – Covenant Affirmation Moses and the Levitical priests quiet the crowd and announce, “Today you have become the people of the LORD your God.” Israel’s identity is tied to listening and obeying: “Therefore you shall obey the voice of the LORD your God and follow His commands and statutes.” Verses 11–13 – Assigning the Tribes to Bless and Curse Six tribes—Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin—will stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessing. Six—Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali—will stand on Mount Ebal for the curses. The scene turns the natural amphitheater at Shechem into a covenant courtroom. Verses 14–26 – Twelve Curses Affirmed by All Israel The Levites shout twelve solemn warnings covering idolatry, family honor, property rights, compassion for the vulnerable, sexual purity, and judicial integrity. After each declaration the people answer, “Amen,” agreeing that the stated offense deserves God’s curse. The final curse sweeps in anyone who “does not put the words of this law into practice.” Deuteronomy 27 sees Moses providing further instructions to the Israelites about blessings and curses as they stand at the threshold of the Promised Land. This chapter emphasizes the communal responsibility to uphold the law, showcasing the consequences and rewards for doing so. Historical and Covenant Background Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell message on the plains of Moab. The chapter’s ceremony stands at the hinge between wilderness and promised land, mirroring Exodus 19 where Israel first became “a kingdom of priests.” Writing the law on plastered stones turns God’s words into a permanent land-marker, signaling that life in Canaan must be shaped by His instruction. Stone Monuments and Lime Plaster • Writing laws on public monuments was common in the ancient Near East. Hammurabi engraved his code on a basalt stele; Pharaohs chiseled decrees on temple walls. Israel’s version, however, is accessible—large limestone blocks covered with white lime so the letters stand out. • Joshua 8:30-35 records the later fulfillment: Joshua built the altar on Mount Ebal, wrote the law on stones, and read it aloud “with the women, the children, and the foreigners who were living among them.” • The visibility of the text underlines Deuteronomy 6:9: “Write them on the doorposts of your houses.” God wants His word in everyday view, not hidden in an ivory tower. The Altar of Uncut Stones “Do not use any iron tool on them” (v. 5). The altar’s rough stones prevent human workmanship from competing with divine grace. Similar directions appear in Exodus 20:25. Burnt offerings (total dedication) and fellowship offerings (shared meals) keep worship balanced: wholehearted surrender and joyful community. Silence, Identity, and Obedience Verse 9’s call for silence echoes Habakkuk 2:20—“The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Israel hears first, then obeys. This order prefigures Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing.” Identity as God’s people is not genetic alone; it is ratified by responsive obedience. Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal: Geography and Symbolism The twin peaks rise on either side of Shechem, forming a natural amphitheater. Modern acoustics tests show a voice on one slope can be heard clearly on the other. Gerizim, the greener southern slope, hosts blessings; Ebal, the barer northern ridge, hosts curses—a visual parable of life and death (Deuteronomy 30:19). The Twelve Curses in Focus 1. Idolatry (v. 15) 2. Dishonoring parents (v. 16) 3. Moving boundary stones (v. 17) 4. Misleading the blind (v. 18) 5. Injustice to foreigners, orphans, widows (v. 19) 6-9. Four sexual sins that fracture family and community (vv. 20–23) 10. Secret violence (v. 24) 11. Judicial murder for bribes (v. 25) 12. General disobedience to the law (v. 26) All are “secret” or easily hidden, stressing that God sees what neighbors may miss. Each echoes earlier commands: e.g., idolatry (Exodus 20:4), honoring parents (Exodus 20:12), sexual purity (Leviticus 18). Archaeological Notes: The Mount Ebal Structure In the 1980s, archaeologist Adam Zertal uncovered a large stone installation on Mount Ebal featuring: • A quarried-stone altar-like platform (approx. 8 × 9 meters) • Ash layers with bones of clean animals (goat, sheep, cattle) • A secondary stone structure possibly matching “unhewn” requirements While debate continues, many see the find as physical support for Joshua 8’s altar. Even critics admit the location and dating (Late Bronze II) fit the biblical timeframe. Scripture Connections • Covenant format: Deuteronomy 27 parallels treaty renewal scenes—preamble, stipulations, blessings/curses—seen earlier in Exodus 24 and later in Joshua 24. • Galatians 3:10-13 quotes verse 26 to show that everyone falls under the curse; Christ “redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us.” • Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts Mount Sinai’s fear with Mount Zion’s joy, yet both rest on the same call: hear and obey. Practical Takeaways for Today • Keep God’s Word public. Whether on a phone lock screen or kitchen wall, visible reminders shape daily choices. • Worship blends awe and celebration. Like Israel’s burnt and fellowship offerings, genuine devotion bows low and lifts hands high. • Small, secret sins matter. The chapter highlights hidden offenses—private lust, quiet bribery, unspoken prejudice. God’s standard reaches the heart. • Community accountability counts. The nation answers “Amen” together. Church life mirrors this when believers encourage one another to walk in the light (1 John 1:7). Closing Thought On two mountains in Canaan, Israel heard both warning and promise. The scene still echoes: choose blessing through trust and obedience, or choose curse by ignoring the God who speaks so plainly. Connections to Additional Scriptures Joshua 8:30-35 This passage describes the fulfillment of the instructions in Deuteronomy 27, where Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and reads the law to the people. Psalm 119:11 I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. This verse echoes the importance of internalizing God's Word. James 1:22-25 Encourages believers to be doers of the Word, not just hearers, aligning with the call to obedience in Deuteronomy 27. Teaching Points Covenant Renewal Deuteronomy 27:1-8 emphasizes the renewal of the covenant as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The physical act of inscribing the law on stones signifies the permanence and importance of God's commandments. Public Declaration Verses 9-10 highlight the communal aspect of the covenant. The Israelites are called to listen and obey, reinforcing the idea that faith is both personal and communal. Blessings and Curses Verses 11-26 outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This section serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's law. Role of the Levites The Levites play a crucial role in proclaiming the curses, demonstrating the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the community in truth and accountability. Practical Applications Value of God's Word Just as the Israelites inscribed the law on stones, we should inscribe God's Word on our hearts, making it a central part of our daily lives. Community Accountability Engage in community worship and study, recognizing the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability in our faith journey. Obedience and Consequences Reflect on the areas of your life where you may be experiencing the consequences of disobedience and seek God's guidance for repentance and restoration. Spiritual Leadership Support and pray for your spiritual leaders, acknowledging their role in guiding the community in truth. People 1. Moses As the leader of the Israelites, Moses is the primary figure giving instructions to the people. He commands the people to set up large stones and coat them with plaster once they cross the Jordan River, and to write the words of the law on them (Deuteronomy 27:1-3). 2. The Elders of Israel Alongside Moses, the elders are involved in instructing the people. They represent the leadership and authority within the Israelite community (Deuteronomy 27:1). 3. The Levites This group of priests is responsible for proclaiming the curses to the people. The Levites play a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of Israel (Deuteronomy 27:14). 4. All the People of Israel The entire assembly of Israelites is addressed and involved in the ceremony. They are instructed to respond with "Amen" to the curses pronounced by the Levites, signifying their agreement and understanding (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). The chapter emphasizes the communal aspect of the covenant and the collective responsibility of the Israelites to uphold the law. The Hebrew roots of the text highlight the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience within the covenant relationship between God and His people. Places 1. Mount Ebal This is the mountain where the Israelites were instructed to set up large stones and coat them with plaster. They were to write the words of the law on these stones once they crossed the Jordan River. Mount Ebal is also the location where an altar to the LORD was to be built using uncut stones. The Hebrew root for "Ebal" (עֵיבָל) suggests a place of barrenness or a bare mountain. 2. Mount Gerizim Opposite Mount Ebal, Mount Gerizim is where the blessings were to be proclaimed. The Hebrew root for "Gerizim" (גְּרִזִים) is less clear, but it is traditionally associated with fertility and blessing, contrasting with Mount Ebal. 3. The Jordan River The Israelites were to cross the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. The Jordan (יַרְדֵּן) is a significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites, symbolizing the transition from the wilderness to the land of Canaan. Events 1. Setting Up Stones and an Altar (Deuteronomy 27:1-8) Moses, along with the elders of Israel, commands the people to set up large stones and coat them with plaster once they cross the Jordan River. They are to write all the words of the law on these stones. Additionally, they are instructed to build an altar to the LORD their God on Mount Ebal using uncut stones and to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on it. The Hebrew word for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) emphasizes a place of sacrifice and worship. 2. Obedience to the Law (Deuteronomy 27:9-10) Moses and the Levitical priests address all Israel, urging them to be silent and listen, as they have become the people of the LORD their God. They are commanded to obey the LORD's commands and decrees. The Hebrew root for "obey" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies listening with the intent to act. 3. Curses Pronounced from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:11-13) Moses instructs the people that once they cross the Jordan, six tribes are to stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, and six tribes on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses. This division underscores the covenantal blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience. 4. Specific Curses for Disobedience (Deuteronomy 27:14-26) The Levites are to proclaim a series of curses, and all the people are to respond with "Amen." These curses cover various transgressions, including idolatry, dishonoring parents, moving a neighbor's boundary stone, leading the blind astray, perverting justice, and other moral and social sins. The Hebrew word "ארור" (arur) for "cursed" signifies being under divine disfavor or judgment. Lessons from Deuteronomy 27 1. The Power of Obedience In Deuteronomy 27, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The chapter begins with Moses and the elders instructing the Israelites to keep all the commandments they are given. Obedience is not just a duty but a pathway to blessings. As it is written, "Obey the voice of the LORD your God and follow His commandments and statutes" (Deuteronomy 27:10). This lesson encourages us to align our lives with God's will, knowing that His guidance leads to a fulfilling and blessed life. 2. The Significance of Remembrance The Israelites were instructed to set up large stones and coat them with plaster, writing the law on them as a permanent reminder. This act of remembrance is crucial for us today. By keeping God's word at the forefront of our minds, we ensure that His teachings guide our daily actions. "Write on them all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 27:3) serves as a call to embed Scripture in our hearts and lives. 3. The Role of Community in Faith Moses and the elders addressed the entire community, highlighting the collective responsibility in upholding God's laws. Faith is not a solitary journey; it thrives in community. "All the people shall answer and say, 'Amen!'" (Deuteronomy 27:15) emphasizes the power of communal affirmation and support in living out our faith. 4. The Importance of Clear Communication The instructions to write the law clearly on stones underscore the need for clear communication of God's word. In our lives, clarity in sharing the gospel and living out our faith is essential. "You shall write very clearly all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 27:8) reminds us to be articulate and transparent in our witness. 5. The Consequences of Disobedience Deuteronomy 27 outlines curses for disobedience, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from God's path. This lesson is a call to vigilance in our spiritual walk, understanding that choices contrary to God's will lead to spiritual and sometimes physical repercussions. "Cursed is the one who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out" (Deuteronomy 27:26) is a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. 6. The Call to Integrity The chapter lists specific actions that are cursed, many of which involve deceit or injustice. This highlights the importance of integrity in our dealings with others. Living a life of honesty and fairness is not just a moral choice but a divine mandate. "Cursed is the one who leads the blind astray on the road" (Deuteronomy 27:18) calls us to act with righteousness and compassion. 7. The Value of Public Declaration The public reading and writing of the law signify the importance of declaring our faith openly. Our commitment to God should be visible and vocal, serving as a testimony to others. "Set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today" (Deuteronomy 27:4) encourages us to make our faith known in the world. 8. The Necessity of Worship The building of an altar and offering of sacrifices in Deuteronomy 27 underscores the centrality of worship in our relationship with God. Worship is an expression of gratitude and reverence, drawing us closer to the Creator. "Build an altar to the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 27:5) reminds us to prioritize worship in our lives. 9. The Role of Leadership Moses and the elders lead the people in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of godly leadership. Leaders are called to guide others in faith and obedience, setting an example for the community. "Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel" (Deuteronomy 27:9) highlights the responsibility of leaders to shepherd their flock with wisdom and integrity. 10. The Assurance of God's Presence Finally, Deuteronomy 27 reassures us of God's presence as we follow His commandments. The instructions and blessings are a testament to His ongoing relationship with His people. "You have now become the people of the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 27:9) is a comforting reminder that we are never alone on our journey of faith, for God is with us every step of the way. Topics 1. Setting Up Stones and an Altar (Deuteronomy 27:1-8) Moses and the elders of Israel command the people to set up large stones and coat them with plaster upon crossing the Jordan. The law is to be written on these stones. An altar of uncut stones is also to be built for burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Hebrew word for "stones" is אֲבָנִים (avanim), emphasizing the permanence and significance of the law. 2. Obedience to the Law (Deuteronomy 27:9-10) Moses and the Levitical priests instruct the Israelites to obey the voice of the LORD and follow His commandments. The Hebrew root שָׁמַע (shama) for "obey" underscores the importance of listening and acting upon God's word. 3. Curses Pronounced from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:11-26) The tribes are divided between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to pronounce blessings and curses. Specific curses are listed for various transgressions, such as idolatry, dishonoring parents, and injustice. The Hebrew word אָרוּר (arur) for "cursed" highlights the serious consequences of disobedience. Each of these topics reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of failing to uphold God's law. Themes 1. Obedience to God's Commandments Deuteronomy 27 emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments as a covenantal requirement. The chapter begins with Moses and the elders of Israel instructing the people to "keep all the commandments that I am giving you today" (Deuteronomy 27:1). The Hebrew root for "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies careful observance and guarding of the commandments. 2. Establishment of the Law on Stones The Israelites are commanded to set up large stones and coat them with plaster, writing the law on them once they cross the Jordan into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 27:2-3). This act symbolizes the permanence and public nature of God's law, serving as a constant reminder to the people. 3. Altar Construction and Worship The chapter instructs the building of an altar on Mount Ebal using uncut stones, where burnt offerings and peace offerings are to be made (Deuteronomy 27:5-7). This reflects the theme of worship and the importance of approaching God in the prescribed manner, emphasizing purity and obedience. 4. Blessings and Curses Deuteronomy 27 introduces the concept of blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God's law. The Levites are to proclaim curses for specific transgressions, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God's commandments (Deuteronomy 27:11-26). The Hebrew word for "curse" (אָרוּר, arur) indicates being under divine disfavor. 5. Communal Responsibility and Accountability The chapter underscores the communal aspect of the covenant, where the entire nation is responsible for upholding God's law. The people are to respond with "Amen" to each curse, signifying their agreement and accountability (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). This collective affirmation stresses the unity and shared responsibility of the community in maintaining covenantal faithfulness. Prayer Points Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's Word in your life. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in areas where you need to align your life with God's commandments. Pray for unity and accountability within your faith community. Lift up your spiritual leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom and strength in their ministry. As we study Deuteronomy 27, let us be reminded of the power of God's Word to shape our lives and communities, and may we commit to living in obedience to His commands. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could the entire Law realistically be inscribed on plastered stones as commanded in Deuteronomy 27:2–3? 2. Why does Deuteronomy 27:4 specify Mount Ebal for the altar instead of Mount Gerizim, and is there any historical or textual contradiction behind this location? 3. Why is the use of iron tools prohibited when constructing the altar in Deuteronomy 27:5, and does archaeology support this command? 4. Does the command in Deuteronomy 27:8 to write the Law “very clearly” imply a significant difference from earlier recordings of the Law? 5. Do the curses in Deuteronomy 27:15–26 conflict with other biblical teachings on punishment and grace, revealing an inconsistency in divine justice? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the act of inscribing the law on stones symbolize the importance of God's commandments? 2. Why was it significant to use uncut stones for the altar? 3. How do the blessings and curses relate to the concept of collective responsibility? 4. In what ways do communal rituals strengthen a community's bond and shared purpose? 5. Why were specific tribes chosen for blessings and others for curses? 6. How do the detailed curses speak to the moral and ethical priorities of the Israelite community? 7. In today's context, how can we set up 'markers' or reminders of our commitments and values? 8. How do you think communities today handle collective responsibility? 9. What are the consequences in modern society for disregarding shared ethical standards? 10. How can we promote collective obedience to shared moral principles in a diverse society? 11. Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of collective responsibility. What did you learn from it? 12. How does the concept of blessings and curses resonate in our modern understanding of karma or "what goes around, comes around"? 13. How do you define 'rejoicing in the Lord's presence' in your life? 14. Can you identify 'mountains of blessing and curse' in your own life or community? 15. How can affirming good practices or condemning bad ones, as a community, influence individual behavior? 16. In the face of societal wrongs, how can communities come together to make amends? 17. What modern rituals or practices can be likened to the communal acknowledgment of these curses and blessings? 18. How might the act of collectively saying "Amen" to each curse influence the psyche of the Israelites? 19. In a world driven by individualism, how can we promote the importance of collective good and shared values? 20. How do you balance personal beliefs with communal responsibilities in your daily life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions