Deuteronomy 27
BSB1 Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all the commandments I am giving you today. 2 And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. 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. 4 And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster. 5 Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them. 6 You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God. 7 There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God. 8 And you shall write distinctly upon these stones all the words of this law." 9 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. 10 You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God and follow His commandments and statutes I am giving you today." 11 On that day Moses commanded the people: 12 “When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 Then the Levites shall proclaim in a loud voice to every Israelite: 15 ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 16 ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 17 ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 18 ‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 19 ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 20 ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 21 ‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 22 ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 23 ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 24 ‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 25 ‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 26 ‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 27
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Deuteronomy 27
- Themes from Deuteronomy 27
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 27
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 27 begins with Moses and the Levites instructing the Israelites to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and write the law on them (Deuteronomy 27:1-4). The Israelites are then to pronounce blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal, highlighting the consequences of disobedience (Deuteronomy 27:11-26). The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the rewards that come with it. The Israelites are also reminded of their covenant with God and the importance of following His laws (Deuteronomy 27:9-10).
Context for the Chapter
Deuteronomy chapter 27 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of sermons given by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The chapter is significant as it emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter points to Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:10). The chapter is also connected to other biblical themes, such as the importance of following God's laws (Romans 10:5) and the contrast between blessings and curses (Leviticus 26:1-46).
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the rewards that come with it. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own lives and to seek to follow God's laws. We are also reminded of the significance of the law in our lives, highlighting the need to study and obey God's commands (Deuteronomy 27:10).
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Deuteronomy chapter 27 is about the importance of following God's laws and the rewards that come with obedience. The Israelites are instructed to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and write the law on them, and then to pronounce blessings and curses. This chapter reminds us of the significance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:10 and Deuteronomy 27:26.
Voices from the Church
“The law is a mirror that shows us our sin, and it is also a guide that shows us the way of righteousness.”
— John Calvin
“The blessings and curses pronounced in Deuteronomy 27 are a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the rewards that come with it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Instruction to Set Up the Stones (Deuteronomy 27:1-4) — Moses and the Levites instruct the Israelites to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and write the law on them.
- The Pronouncement of Blessings and Curses (Deuteronomy 27:11-26) — The Israelites are to pronounce blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal, highlighting the contrast between obedience and disobedience.
- The Importance of Obedience (Deuteronomy 27:9-10) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Significance of the Law (Deuteronomy 27:3) — The law is written on the stones on Mount Ebal, emphasizing its importance in the lives of the Israelites.
- The Connection to Christ (Galatians 3:10, Romans 10:5) — The chapter points to Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law and has given us the gift of righteousness.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Obedience
- This chapter teaches us the importance of following God's commands, highlighting the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Significance of the Law
- The law is emphasized as a guide for the Israelites, highlighting its importance in their lives and the need to obey its commands.
- The Contrast Between Blessings and Curses
- The chapter highlights the contrast between blessings and curses, emphasizing the significance of following God's laws and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Connection to Christ
- The chapter points to Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law and has given us the gift of righteousness.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 27
- The Importance of Obedience — This chapter teaches us the importance of following God's commands, highlighting the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Significance of the Law — The law is emphasized as a guide for the Israelites, highlighting its importance in their lives and the need to obey its commands.
- The Contrast Between Blessings and Curses — The chapter highlights the contrast between blessings and curses, emphasizing the significance of following God's laws and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Connection to Christ — The chapter points to Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law and has given us the gift of righteousness.
- The Need for Heart Obedience — This chapter reminds us of the need for heart obedience, highlighting the importance of following God's commands and seeking to obey Him with all our heart.
Themes from Deuteronomy 27
- Obedience and Blessings — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Significance of the Law — The law is emphasized as a guide for the Israelites, highlighting its importance in their lives and the need to obey its commands.
- The Contrast Between Blessings and Curses — The chapter highlights the contrast between blessings and curses, emphasizing the significance of following God's laws and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Connection to Christ — The chapter points to Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law and has given us the gift of righteousness.
- The Need for Heart Obedience — This chapter reminds us of the need for heart obedience, highlighting the importance of following God's commands and seeking to obey Him with all our heart.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the stones on Mount Ebal, and how do they relate to the law?
- What is the contrast between the blessings and curses pronounced in Deuteronomy 27:11-26, and what does it teach us about obedience and disobedience?
- How does this chapter point to Christ, and what does it teach us about the significance of the law in our lives?
- What are the rewards of obedience to God's commands, and what are the consequences of disobedience?
- How can we apply the teachings of this chapter to our own lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to follow God's laws?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Instruction to Set Up the Stones (Deuteronomy 27:1-4)
| 27:1 | Moses and the Levites instruct the Israelites to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and write the law on them. |
| 27:2 | The stones are to be plastered with lime, and the law is to be written on them in a clear and understandable way. |
| 27:3 | The law is to be written on the stones, emphasizing its importance in the lives of the Israelites. |
| 27:4 | The stones are to be set up on Mount Ebal, and the law is to be read to the Israelites. |
2. The Pronouncement of Blessings and Curses (Deuteronomy 27:11-26)
| 27:11 | The Israelites are to pronounce blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal, highlighting the contrast between obedience and disobedience. |
| 27:12 | The Levites are to pronounce the blessings and curses, emphasizing the importance of following God's laws. |
| 27:13 | The curses are pronounced against those who disobey God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience. |
| 27:14 | The Levites are to read the curses to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's laws. |
| 27:15 | The curses are pronounced against those who make idols, highlighting the importance of worshiping God alone. |
| 27:16 | The curses are pronounced against those who dishonor their parents, highlighting the importance of respecting authority. |
| 27:17 | The curses are pronounced against those who move their neighbor's boundary stone, highlighting the importance of respecting the property of others. |
| 27:18 | The curses are pronounced against those who lead the blind astray, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. |
| 27:19 | The curses are pronounced against those who pervert justice, highlighting the importance of fairness and justice. |
| 27:20 | The curses are pronounced against those who have relations with their father's wife, highlighting the importance of respecting the marriage bond. |
| 27:21 | The curses are pronounced against those who have relations with any animal, highlighting the importance of respecting the natural order of creation. |
| 27:22 | The curses are pronounced against those who have relations with their sister, highlighting the importance of respecting the bonds of family. |
| 27:23 | The curses are pronounced against those who have relations with their mother-in-law, highlighting the importance of respecting the marriage bond. |
| 27:24 | The curses are pronounced against those who strike down their neighbor in secret, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. |
| 27:25 | The curses are pronounced against those who take a bribe to kill an innocent person, highlighting the importance of fairness and justice. |
| 27:26 | The curses are pronounced against those who do not obey the law, highlighting the importance of following God's commands. |
3. The Importance of Obedience (Deuteronomy 27:9-10)
| 27:9 | Moses and the Levites instruct the Israelites to obey God's commands and to follow His laws. |
| 27:10 | The Israelites are to obey the Lord their God and follow His commands and decrees, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's laws. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the stones on Mount Ebal?
The stones on Mount Ebal are significant because they represent the law and the importance of following God's commands. In Deuteronomy 27:3, we see that the law is to be written on the stones, highlighting its importance in the lives of the Israelites.
What is the contrast between the blessings and curses pronounced in Deuteronomy 27:11-26?
The contrast between the blessings and curses pronounced in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 highlights the significance of following God's laws and the consequences of disobedience. The blessings are pronounced against those who obey God's commands, and the curses are pronounced against those who disobey.
How does this chapter point to Christ?
This chapter points to Christ as it highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. In Galatians 3:10, we see that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, and in Romans 10:5, we see that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 27:1 → Joshua 8:30-35 | The instruction to set up the stones on Mount Ebal is fulfilled in Joshua 8:30-35, where Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and writes the law on it. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 27:11 → Leviticus 26:1-46 | The pronouncement of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 is similar to the blessings and curses pronounced in Leviticus 26:1-46, highlighting the importance of following God's laws. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 27:15 → Exodus 20:4 | The curse against those who make idols in Deuteronomy 27:15 is similar to the commandment against making idols in Exodus 20:4, highlighting the importance of worshiping God alone. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 27:16 → Exodus 20:12 | The curse against those who dishonor their parents in Deuteronomy 27:16 is similar to the commandment to honor one's parents in Exodus 20:12, highlighting the importance of respecting authority. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 27:20 → Leviticus 18:8 | The curse against those who have relations with their father's wife in Deuteronomy 27:20 is similar to the commandment against having relations with one's father's wife in Leviticus 18:8, highlighting the importance of respecting the marriage bond. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 27:22 → Leviticus 18:9 | The curse against those who have relations with their sister in Deuteronomy 27:22 is similar to the commandment against having relations with one's sister in Leviticus 18:9, highlighting the importance of respecting the bonds of family. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 27:24 → Exodus 20:13 | The curse against those who strike down their neighbor in secret in Deuteronomy 27:24 is similar to the commandment against murder in Exodus 20:13, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 27:26 → Galatians 3:10 | The curse against those who do not obey the law in Deuteronomy 27:26 is fulfilled in Galatians 3:10, where Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 27:10 → Romans 10:5 | The instruction to obey the Lord and follow His commands in Deuteronomy 27:10 is similar to the statement that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes in Romans 10:5, highlighting the importance of following God's laws. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 27:1-4 → Joshua 8:30-35 | The instruction to set up the stones on Mount Ebal in Deuteronomy 27:1-4 is fulfilled in Joshua 8:30-35, where Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and writes the law on it. |
Sermons on Deuteronomy 27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Faith Community Chapel) 10/31 Message by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing one's friends wisely and avoiding those who compromise their faith. The sermon encourages believers to distance t |
|
(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 26-29 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses addresses the children of Israel and reminds them of the covenant they have with God. He emphasizes that despite witnessing great miracles and signs, they hav |
|
|
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about three men who find a genie and are granted three wishes each. The first man wishes to be back in London, the second wishes to be ba |
|
|
Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
|
The Lost Gospel by Paul Washer (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of speaking about sin in order to understand the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He argues that without acknowl |
|
Worship in the Midst of War by Jono Sims | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faithful preaching and declares that the faithful man of God is called to declare the whole counsel of God, regardless of |
|
When the Weak Are Destroyed by the Powerful by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the critical issue of abortion in his sermon 'When the Weak Are Destroyed by the Powerful,' emphasizing the need to speak for the voiceless and defend the s |
|
The Cain (Canon) of Adamnan by Adamnan of Iona | Kuno Meyer's sermon focuses on the ancient Irish law treatise known as the Cain Adamnan, believed to be the first Irish law to protect women, children, and clergy from violence. Th |
|
The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe |
|
Holy Days Observed in the English Church by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the Holy days observed by the Church of England, categorizing them into Festivals, days of joy, and fasts, days of sorrow. The Festivals include signific |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 27
In Deuteronomy 27, we see the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter highlights the significance of the law in the lives of the Israelites, and the need to follow God's laws in order to receive His blessings. The pronouncement of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 is a reminder of the importance of following God's laws, and the consequences of disobedience. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The law is a rule of life, and those who obey it shall be blessed, but those who disobey it shall be cursed.' This chapter points to Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law and has given us the gift of righteousness. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of following God's laws and seeking to obey Him with all our heart. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's commands, highlighting the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. In Deuteronomy 27:10, we see that obedience is essential to receiving God's blessings.
The Contrast Between Blessings and Curses
The chapter highlights the contrast between blessings and curses, emphasizing the significance of following God's laws. This contrast is seen in the blessings pronounced from Mount Gerizim and the curses pronounced from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:11-26).
The Significance of the Law
The law is written on the stones on Mount Ebal, emphasizing its importance in the lives of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 27:3, we see that the law is to be written on the stones, highlighting its significance as a reminder of God's commands.