Chapter 27
Verses 1-26: Covenant Commitment and the Stones of Remembrance
1. “Now Moses, with the elders of Israel, commanded the people, saying, ‘Keep all the commandments which I command you today.
2. And it shall be, on the day when you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, that you shall set up large stones and coat them with plaster.
3. And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have crossed over, that you may enter the land which the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you.
4. Therefore it shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that on Mount Ebal you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, and you shall coat them with plaster.
5. And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use any iron tool on them.
6. You shall build the altar of the Lord your God of whole stones, and you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God.
7. You shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before the Lord your God.
8. And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law.’
9. Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, ‘Take heed and listen, O Israel: This day you have become the people of the Lord your God.
10. Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.’
11. And Moses commanded the people on the same day, saying,
12. ‘These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin;
13. and these shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
14. And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel with a loud voice:
15. “Cursed is the one who makes a carved or molded image, an abomination to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.” And all the people shall answer and say, “Amen!”
16. “Cursed is the one who treats his father or his mother with contempt.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
17. “Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s landmark.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
18. “Cursed is the one who makes the blind wander off the road.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
19. “Cursed is the one who perverts the justice due the stranger, the fatherless, and widow.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
20. “Cursed is the one who lies with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s bed.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
21. “Cursed is the one who lies with any kind of animal.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
22. “Cursed is the one who lies with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
23. “Cursed is the one who lies with his mother-in-law.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
24. “Cursed is the one who attacks his neighbor secretly.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
25. “Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
26. “Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law by doing them.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
Interpretation:
Chapter 27 of Deuteronomy outlines instructions for a covenant renewal ceremony upon entering the Promised Land. The command to inscribe the law on plastered stones and set up an altar on Mount Ebal symbolizes the permanence and sanctity of the law. The ceremony involves blessings on Mount Gerizim and curses on Mount Ebal, underscoring the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God’s commandments. The series of curses for various transgressions emphasizes the communal responsibility to uphold the law and the moral and ethical standards expected of the Israelite community. This chapter reflects the deep integration of religious practice and communal life, highlighting the Israelites’ commitment to living under God’s law.
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