Deuteronomy - Chapter 27

Deuteronomy 27.1 And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. Deuteronomy 27.2 And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister: Deuteronomy 27.3 And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee. Deuteronomy 27.4 Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister. Deuteronomy 27.5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. Deuteronomy 27.6 Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God: Deuteronomy 27.7 And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 27.8 And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly. Deuteronomy 27.9 And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 27.10 Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. Deuteronomy 27.11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, Deuteronomy 27.12 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: Deuteronomy 27.13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. Deuteronomy 27.14 And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, Deuteronomy 27.15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.16 Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.18 Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.20 Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.21 Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.22 Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.23 Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.25 Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27.26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Deuteronomy : Chapter 27

Covenant Renewal Ritual

Chapter 27 of Deuteronomy establishes a covenant renewal ritual between Israel and God. This sacred text questions how the people are to remember and affirm their commitment to the Most High. It commands the writing of the law on stones, the construction of an altar, and the proclamation of blessings and curses on the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim.

The Curses Enunciated

This chapter lists twelve specific curses that the people of Israel are to affirm, thus emphasizing the seriousness of their commitment to divine law. Through this text, Deuteronomy 27 reminds the faithful of the importance of keeping God's commandments.

Exploring Bible Passages

We invite you to explore five biblical passages that resonate with the covenant themes present in this solemn chapter.

Galatians 3:10

"All who depend on the observance of the law are under a curse, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'" - The Apostle Paul quotes Deuteronomy 27:26, highlighting the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling the law.

Joshua 8:30-32

"So Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the Israelites." - This excerpt testifies to the direct fulfillment of the instructions given in Deuteronomy 27:4-8, reinforcing the importance of obedience to divine law.

Matthew 5:23-24

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift before the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother." - Jesus expands the concept of proper worship, reflecting the spirit of the instructions in Deuteronomy 27.

Hebrews 12:18-21

"You have not reached the mountain that could be touched and was on fire, nor the darkness, the gloom, and the storm." - This excerpt evokes the This terrible scene on Mount Sinai finds a powerful echo in the ceremony described in Deuteronomy 27, recalling the sacred nature of the encounter with God.

1 Peter 2:5

"You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to become a holy priesthood." - The Apostle Peter uses the image of building stones, recalling the altar of unhewn stones mentioned in Deuteronomy 27:5-6, and underlines our vocation to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

Meditating on these passages, we We are called to renew our own covenant with God, committing ourselves to living according to His law and promoting reconciliation and love among brothers and sisters in Christ.