Then 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. Then Moses and the Levitical priestsThis phrase highlights the leadership structure in ancient Israel. Moses, as the prophet and leader, and the Levitical priests, as the spiritual guides, represent the dual leadership necessary for guiding the people both in civil and religious matters. The Levitical priests, descendants of Levi, were set apart for religious duties, emphasizing the importance of holiness and dedication to God. Historically, this underscores the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where religious and civil laws were intertwined. spoke to all Israel
The phrase indicates a communal gathering, emphasizing the unity and collective identity of the Israelites. In the Hebrew context, "all Israel" signifies not just a gathering of individuals but a covenant community bound by shared faith and destiny. This communal aspect is crucial in understanding the covenant relationship between God and His people, where the actions and faith of the community as a whole are significant. Be silent, O Israel, and listen!
This command calls for reverence and attentiveness, highlighting the importance of the message being delivered. The Hebrew root for "be silent" (הַס) suggests a cessation of activity and noise, creating a space for divine communication. This moment of silence is a preparation for receiving God's word, reflecting the need for spiritual readiness and humility before God. It is a reminder of the sacredness of God's instructions and the need for the people to be fully present and receptive. Today you have become
The word "today" signifies a pivotal moment in the life of Israel, marking a transition or reaffirmation of their identity. In the Hebrew context, "today" (הַיּוֹם) often marks significant covenantal moments, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of the commitment being made. This phrase underscores the dynamic nature of the covenant relationship, where each day presents an opportunity to renew one's commitment to God. the people of the LORD your God
This phrase encapsulates the covenant identity of Israel. Being "the people of the LORD" signifies a special relationship with God, characterized by His protection, guidance, and blessings. The use of "LORD" (יהוה) refers to the personal name of God, highlighting the intimate and personal nature of the covenant. The phrase "your God" emphasizes the personal relationship each Israelite has with God, reinforcing the idea that this covenant is not just national but also personal. Historically, this identity set Israel apart from other nations, calling them to live according to God's laws and purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is reaffirming the covenant between God and Israel. 2. Levitical PriestsMembers of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and to serve as mediators between God and the people. They assist Moses in addressing the Israelites. 3. IsraelThe nation chosen by God to be His people, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Here, they are reminded of their identity and covenant relationship with God. 4. Mount Ebal and Mount GerizimThough not directly mentioned in this verse, these locations are significant in the surrounding context as places where blessings and curses are pronounced. 5. Covenant RenewalThe event where the Israelites are reminded of their covenant with God, emphasizing their identity and responsibilities as His people. Teaching Points Identity in GodJust as Israel was reminded of their identity as God's people, believers today are called to remember their identity in Christ. This identity shapes our actions and purpose. The Importance of ListeningThe call to "be silent and listen" emphasizes the need for attentiveness to God's word. In a world full of distractions, prioritizing time to hear from God is crucial. Covenant RelationshipThe renewal of the covenant highlights the ongoing relationship between God and His people. Believers are encouraged to regularly renew their commitment to God through prayer, study, and obedience. Role of Spiritual LeadersMoses and the Levitical priests played a key role in guiding the people. Today, spiritual leaders continue to have a responsibility to teach, guide, and remind believers of their covenant with God. Community of FaithThe collective address to "all Israel" underscores the communal aspect of faith. Believers are part of a larger community and are called to support and encourage one another in their walk with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding our identity as God's people influence our daily decisions and interactions with others? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a habit of listening to God amidst the noise of everyday life? 3. How can we actively participate in renewing our covenant relationship with God in our personal and communal faith practices? 4. What role do spiritual leaders play in your life, and how can you support them in their ministry? 5. How can we foster a sense of community and accountability within our local church or faith group, similar to the collective identity of Israel? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19This chapter describes the initial establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai, where God declares Israel as His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Joshua 8This passage recounts the fulfillment of the instructions given in Deuteronomy 27, where Joshua leads the Israelites in renewing the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. 1 Peter 2This New Testament passage echoes the identity of believers as a chosen people and a royal priesthood, drawing a parallel to the identity of Israel as God's people. People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Moses, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Jordan River, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Ear, Hast, Hearken, Heed, Levites, Levitical, Listen, O, Priests, Quiet, Saying, Silence, Silent, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 27:1-26 7797 teaching Deuteronomy 27:9-26 5827 curse Library Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten CommandmentsIn Judæa and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and Theology - Jews and Samaritans.
We have no means of determining how long Jesus may have tarried in Jerusalem after the events recorded in the previous two chapters. The Evangelic narrative [1850] only marks an indefinite period of time, which, as we judge from internal probability, cannot have been protracted. From the city He retired with His disciples to the country,' which formed the province of Judæa. There He taught and His disciples baptized. [1851] [1852] From what had been so lately witnessed in Jerusalem, as well …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
What Christ hath done to purchase, procure, and bring about our justification before God, is mentioned already, viz. That he stood in the room of sinners, engaging for them as their cautioner, undertaking, and at length paying down the ransom; becoming sin, or a sacrifice for sin, and a curse for them, and so laying down his life a ransom to satisfy divine justice; and this he hath made known in the gospel, calling sinners to an accepting of him as their only Mediator, and to a resting upon him for …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ.
O wretched Man! where shall I begin to describe thine endless misery, who art condemned as soon as conceived; and adjudged to eternal death, before thou wast born to a temporal life? A beginning indeed, I find, but no end of thy miseries. For when Adam and Eve, being created after God's own image, and placed in Paradise, that they and their posterity might live in a blessed state of life immortal, having dominion over all earthly creatures, and only restrained from the fruit of one tree, as a sign …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 27:9 NIVDeuteronomy 27:9 NLTDeuteronomy 27:9 ESVDeuteronomy 27:9 NASBDeuteronomy 27:9 KJV
Deuteronomy 27:9 Commentaries
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