Deuteronomy Chapter 27 — The Altar and the Curses
Moses instructs the Israelites to set up plastered stones inscribed with the law and details the ceremony of blessings and curses at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.
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Notable Verses
Deuteronomy 27:3
“You shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have passed over, that you may go in to the land which the LORD your God gives you...”
This verse emphasizes the importance of the written word as the foundation for the nation's life in the new land.
Deuteronomy 27:9
“Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, 'Be silent and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of the LORD your God.'”
It marks a formal transition and reaffirmation of Israel's identity as God's chosen people.
Deuteronomy 27:26
“Cursed is he who doesn’t uphold the words of this law by doing them.”
This final curse summarizes the requirement for total obedience and serves as a transition into the blessings and curses of the following chapter.
Chapter Summary
In Deuteronomy 27, Moses and the elders command the Israelites to observe a specific ritual upon crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. They are to set up large stones on Mount Ebal, coat them with plaster, and write all the words of the law clearly on them. Additionally, they are instructed to build an altar of uncut stones for burnt offerings and peace offerings to celebrate their covenant with God. The chapter then describes a formal ceremony where the tribes are divided: six tribes stand on Mount Gerizim to symbolize blessing, and six stand on Mount Ebal to symbolize cursing. The Levites are directed to recite twelve specific curses against those who commit sins in secret, such as idolatry, dishonoring parents, injustice toward the vulnerable, and various moral or ethical violations. The people are required to respond 'Amen' to each, confirming their commitment to uphold the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
The two mountains are Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to represent blessings, while the other six stood on Mount Ebal to represent the curses.
The stones were coated with plaster to provide a smooth, white surface. This allowed the words of the law to be written plainly and permanently for all the people to see.
The Israelites were commanded to build an altar made of uncut stones. They were specifically told not to use any iron tools on the stones, preserving their natural state.
The curses served as a public warning against specific sins, many of which are committed in secret. By saying 'Amen,' the people acknowledged that they were legally and spiritually bound to follow these moral standards.
Study Note
The command to use uncut stones for the altar follows the precedent set in Exodus 20:25, signifying that the altar should not be shaped by human craftsmanship or pride.
Related Chapters
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter continues the discourse on the specific blessings and curses resulting from obedience or disobedience.
Joshua 8
This chapter records the historical fulfillment of Moses' instructions regarding the altar and the reading of the law at Mount Ebal.
Exodus 20
The curses in Deuteronomy 27 reflect the moral foundations established in the Ten Commandments.
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