Deuteronomy 27:2

And 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.

Study Bible

And on the day you cross the Jordan
This phrase marks a significant transition for the Israelites, moving from their wilderness wanderings into the Promised Land. The Jordan River serves as a boundary between the desert and the land of Canaan. Crossing the Jordan symbolizes entering into God's promises and blessings. This event parallels the crossing of the Red Sea, signifying deliverance and new beginnings. The Jordan River is also significant in the New Testament, where John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry.

into the land that the LORD your God is giving you
This emphasizes the divine gift of the land, underscoring that it is not earned by the Israelites' merit but granted by God's grace. The land of Canaan is a fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents a physical manifestation of God's covenant and faithfulness. The phrase also highlights God's sovereignty and the Israelites' role as stewards of His gift.

set up large stones
The setting up of stones is a common practice in ancient cultures for memorializing significant events. These stones serve as a physical reminder of God's faithfulness and the covenant between God and Israel. In biblical history, stones are often used to commemorate divine encounters, such as Jacob's dream at Bethel. The large stones would be visible to all, serving as a public testimony to future generations.

and coat them with plaster
Coating the stones with plaster was a method used to prepare a smooth surface for inscribing text. This practice is supported by archaeological findings in the region, where plastered stones have been discovered. The plastering signifies the importance of the message to be inscribed, likely the words of the law, making it clear and legible. This act symbolizes the permanence and clarity of God's commandments, which are to be central in the life of the nation.

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. The Jordan River
The significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants.

5. Large Stones
Physical markers to be set up by the Israelites as a memorial and a means to inscribe the law.

Teaching Points

Memorials of Faith
Setting up stones serves as a physical reminder of God's faithfulness and the covenant relationship. Consider how we can create "memorials" in our lives to remember God's work and promises.

The Importance of God's Law
The act of inscribing the law on stones highlights the permanence and importance of God's commandments. Reflect on how we prioritize and internalize God's Word in our daily lives.

Obedience and Preparation
The instruction to prepare the stones before entering the land signifies the importance of obedience and readiness to follow God's commands. Evaluate how we prepare our hearts and lives to follow God's will.

Community and Accountability
The communal act of setting up stones involves the entire nation, emphasizing the role of community in upholding God's law. Consider how we can support and hold each other accountable in our faith communities.

Crossing into New Beginnings
Crossing the Jordan represents a transition into a new phase of God's promise. Reflect on the transitions in our own lives and how we can trust God through them.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance do the large stones have in the context of the Israelites' journey, and how can we create similar reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives today?

2. How does the act of inscribing the law on stones relate to the way we engage with Scripture in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the "new beginnings" or transitions that God leads us into?

4. How can we foster a sense of community and accountability in our faith journey, similar to the communal act of setting up stones?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "crossing of the Jordan" moment in your life. How did you see God's hand at work, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 4
This chapter describes the actual crossing of the Jordan River and the setting up of stones as a memorial, fulfilling the command given in Deuteronomy 27:2.

Exodus 24
The covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai where Moses builds an altar and sets up twelve pillars, paralleling the setting up of stones as a witness to the covenant.

Deuteronomy 6
The command to keep God's laws in their hearts and to teach them diligently, which is symbolized by the inscribing of the law on stones.

Psalm 119
Emphasizes the importance of God's law and the desire to meditate on it continually, reflecting the purpose of inscribing the law on stones.

Hebrews 8
Discusses the new covenant where God's laws are written on hearts, contrasting the physical stones with the spiritual internalization of God's commandments.