Deuteronomy 27:3

Write 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.

Study Bible

Write on them all the words of this law
This phrase refers to the command to inscribe the law on stones, symbolizing the permanence and importance of God's commandments. The act of writing the law emphasizes the need for the Israelites to remember and adhere to God's statutes. This practice is reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern treaties where laws were inscribed on stone or clay tablets. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, similar to the tablets of the Ten Commandments given to Moses.

When you have crossed over
This phrase indicates a future action, pointing to the Israelites' impending crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It signifies a transition from their wilderness journey to the fulfillment of God's promise. The crossing of the Jordan is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, akin to the crossing of the Red Sea, marking a new chapter of divine provision and faithfulness.

To enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you
This highlights the divine gift of the land, emphasizing that it is not earned by the Israelites but granted by God's grace. The land is a central theme in the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing God's faithfulness to His promises. It also foreshadows the ultimate rest and inheritance believers find in Christ, as the land is a type of the eternal inheritance promised to God's people.

A land flowing with milk and honey
This description portrays the fertility and abundance of the Promised Land, symbolizing prosperity and divine blessing. It reflects the agricultural richness of Canaan, contrasting with the barrenness of the wilderness. This phrase is used multiple times in Scripture to describe the land's desirability and God's provision, serving as a metaphor for the spiritual abundance found in a relationship with God.

Just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you
This phrase reaffirms the continuity of God's covenantal promises from the patriarchs to the current generation. It underscores God's unchanging nature and faithfulness to His word. The reference to "the God of your fathers" connects the Israelites to their heritage and the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reinforcing the idea that God's plans span generations and are fulfilled in His timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments and instructions to the people.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God who are about to enter the Promised Land.

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, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey," promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. The Law
Refers to the commandments and statutes given by God to the Israelites, which they are to inscribe on stones as a perpetual reminder.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
The act of writing the law on stones serves as a physical reminder of God's commandments and promises. In our lives, we should find ways to continually remind ourselves of God's word and His faithfulness.

Obedience as a Path to Blessing
The Israelites' entry into the Promised Land is contingent upon their obedience to God's law. Similarly, our spiritual blessings are often tied to our obedience to God's commands.

The Significance of God's Promises
The description of the land as "flowing with milk and honey" emphasizes the abundance and goodness of God's promises. We should trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.

The Role of Community in Faith
The communal act of inscribing the law underscores the importance of community in upholding and living out God's commandments. We should encourage and support one another in our faith journeys.

The Transition from Old to New
The crossing of the Jordan symbolizes a transition from the old life in the wilderness to a new life in the Promised Land. In Christ, we experience a similar transition from the old life of sin to a new life of grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance does the act of writing the law on stones hold for the Israelites, and how can we apply this principle of remembrance in our daily lives?

2. How does the promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey" reflect God's character, and what promises of God are you holding onto today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that God's word is not only written in our hearts but also evident in our actions and decisions?

4. How does the communal aspect of inscribing the law on stones inform our understanding of the role of community in our spiritual growth?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a transition in your spiritual life. How did God's promises and commands guide you through that transition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 4
This chapter describes the crossing of the Jordan River and the setting up of memorial stones, which parallels the command in Deuteronomy 27:3 to inscribe the law on stones.

Exodus 3:8
This verse describes God's promise to bring the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey, connecting to the fulfillment of that promise in Deuteronomy 27:3.

Psalm 119:11
Highlights the importance of internalizing God's word, which complements the physical act of inscribing the law on stones.

Hebrews 8:10
Discusses the new covenant where God's laws are written on hearts, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical inscription of the law in Deuteronomy.