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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Deuteronomy 27  › Deuteronomy 27:4

Deuteronomy 27:4

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Deuteronomy 27:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And it shall be, when ye are passed over the Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when you have gone over Jordan, you are to put up these stones, as I have said to you today, in Mount Ebal, and have them coated with building-paste.

Free Bible Version FBV

After you've crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, having painted them with whitewash, as I've ordered you to do today.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore when ye shall passe ouer Iorden, ye shall set vp these stones, which I command you this daye in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And it hath been, in your passing over the Jordan, ye raise up these stones which I am commanding you to-day, in mount Ebal, and thou hast plaistered them with plaister,

World English Bible WEB

It shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall coat them with plaster.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore it shall be when ye have gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore when you are passed over the Jordan, set up the stones which I command you this day, in mount Hebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster:

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 27:4

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 27:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הָיָה֮ בְּ/עָבְרְ/כֶ֣ם אֶת הַ/יַּרְדֵּן֒ תָּקִ֜ימוּ אֶת הָ/אֲבָנִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֜י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם הַ/יּ֖וֹם בְּ/הַ֣ר עֵיבָ֑ל וְ/שַׂדְתָּ֥ אוֹתָ֖/ם בַּ/שִּֽׂיד
וְ/הָיָה֮ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְּ/עָבְרְ/כֶ֣ם ʻâbar H5674 to pass Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/יַּרְדֵּן֒ Yardên H3383 Jordan Art | N-proper
תָּקִ֜ימוּ qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/אֲבָנִ֣ים ʼeben H68 stone Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אָנֹכִ֜י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
מְצַוֶּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
הַ/יּ֖וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
בְּ/הַ֣ר har H2022 mountain Prep | N-ms
עֵיבָ֑ל ʻÊybâl H5858 Obal N-proper
וְ/שַׂדְתָּ֥ sîyd H7874 to whitewash Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אוֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/שִּֽׂיד sîyd H7875 lime Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 27:4

וְ/הָיָה֮ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/עָבְרְ/כֶ֣ם ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּן֒ Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
תָּקִ֜ימוּ qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֲבָנִ֣ים ʼeben H68 "stone" Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָנֹכִ֜י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
מְצַוֶּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יּ֖וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
בְּ/הַ֣ר har H2022 "mountain" Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
עֵיבָ֑ל ʻÊybâl H5858 "Obal" N-proper
Ebal is a mountain in Palestine, also known as the 'mountain of cursing', located north of Shechem and opposite Mount Gerizim. It is mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:29 and Joshua 8:30. The name Ebal means 'stone' or 'bare mountain'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.28; son of: Joktan (H3355); brother of: Almodad (H0486), Sheleph (H8026), Hazarmaveth (H2700), Jerah (H3392), Hadoram (H1913A), Uzal (H0187), Diklah (H1853), Abimael (H0039), Sheba (H7614H), Ophir (H0211), Havilah (H2341I) and Jobab (H3103) Another spelling of o.val (עוֹבָל "Obal" H5745) § Ebal = "stone" or "bare mountain" Arabian people, descended from Joktan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ebal. See also: Genesis 36:23; Joshua 8:30; 1 Chronicles 1:40.
וְ/שַׂדְתָּ֥ sîyd H7874 "to whitewash" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To whitewash or plaster is what this Hebrew word means, like covering a wall with a new layer. It's used to describe a fresh start or a new appearance.
Definition: (Qal) to whitewash
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: plaister. See also: Deuteronomy 27:2; Deuteronomy 27:4.
אוֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּ/שִּֽׂיד sîyd H7875 "lime" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to lime, a type of material used for building, made by burning bones or stones. It's also translated as whitewash, used to give a fresh new look.
Definition: 1) lime, whitewash 1a) made by burning bones
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lime, plaister. See also: Deuteronomy 27:2; Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:1.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 27:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 11:29–30 When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. Are not these mountains across the Jordan, west of the road toward the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah opposite Gilgal near the Oak of Moreh?
2 Joshua 8:30–33 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD, the God of Israel, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.” And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD, and they sacrificed peace offerings. And there in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua inscribed on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 27:4 Summary

In Deuteronomy 27:4, God commands the Israelites to set up stones on Mount Ebal as a reminder of His laws and promises. This was a way for them to publicly declare their commitment to following God's commands, just as we are called to do today (see Matthew 10:32-33). By setting up these stones, the Israelites were creating a visual reminder of their covenant with God, and we can do the same in our own lives by creating reminders of God's promises and laws. Just as the Israelites were to coat the stones with plaster to make the writing more visible, we can make God's laws and promises more visible in our own lives by sharing them with others and living them out in our daily actions (see Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of setting up stones on Mount Ebal?

Setting up stones on Mount Ebal, as commanded in Deuteronomy 27:4, was a way to memorialize God's covenant with the Israelites, serving as a visual reminder of His laws and promises, similar to the stone monument in Joshua 24:26-27.

Why were the stones to be coated with plaster?

The stones were to be coated with plaster, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 27:4, to provide a smooth surface for writing the words of the law, making them more visible and durable, much like the practice of writing on plastered stones in ancient times, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:8.

What is the importance of Mount Ebal in this context?

Mount Ebal was chosen as the location for setting up the stones because it was a prominent location in the newly inherited land, allowing the Israelites to publicly declare their commitment to God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:29 and Joshua 8:30-35.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Deuteronomy?

This verse is part of the larger theme of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes the importance of remembering and obeying God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and Deuteronomy 30:19-20, and serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can publicly declare my faith and commitment to God's laws in my own life?
  2. How can I create reminders of God's promises and laws in my daily life, just as the Israelites did with the stones on Mount Ebal?
  3. What are some ways I can honor God's commands and laws in my own community, just as the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 27:4?
  4. How can I use everyday objects or rituals to remind myself of God's covenant with me, just as the Israelites used the stones on Mount Ebal?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:4

And therefore it shall be, when ye be gone over Jordan,.... Some time after they had passed that river: [that] ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Ebal; a mountain

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:4

Mount Ebal; the mount of cursing. Here the law is written, to signify that a curse was due to the violators of it, and that no man could expect justification or blessing from the works of the law, by the sentence whereof all men are justly accursed, as being all guilty of the transgression of it in one kind and deuce or other. Here the sacrifices are to be offered, to show that there is no way to be delivered from this curse but by the blood of Christ, which all these sacrifices did typify, and by Christ’ s being made a curse for us, .

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:4

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.Ver. 4. In mount Ebal.] Where the curse was denounced, to signify, that those that sought salvation in the law, must needs be left under the curse. The law is a yoke of bondage, as Jerome calls it; and they who look for righteousness from thence are like oxen, who toil and draw, and when they have done their labour, are fatted for slaughter.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:4

XXVII. THE LAW TO BE IN CANAAN AS THE LAW OF THE LAND.(1) Moses with the elders.—Here joined in exhortation for the first time in this book. Keep.—Literally, to keep. Possibly we are intended to connect the two verses. In order to keep them, ye shall write them. Deuteronomy 27:2-4 THE TO BE WRITTEN ON MOUNT EBAL.(2) Set . . . up great stones, and plaister them with plaister.—The idea is to make a smooth surface, on which the Law could be inscribed. “Plaister” only here and in Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:2. In both those places it is rendered “lime.” (3) Thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in.—Again it is evident that the “going in” to the land and the “passing over” Jordan are not identical. The “Law of God” was to be set up in the heart of the country, as soon as Israel had entered it, in order that they might complete the conquest of it. It is abundantly clear that Israel’s title to Canaan was dependent upon their maintaining the Law of Jehovah as the law of the land. For the fulfilment of this precept, see Joshua 8:32-35. The words of this verse are an additional reason for the view taken in the Note on that passage, that the Law was set up on Ebal immediately after the capture of Ai, without waiting for the completion of the conquest (as some suppose).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:4

Verse 4. Set up these stones - in Mount Ebal] So the present Hebrew text, but the Samaritan has Mount Gerizim. Dr. Kennicott has largely defended the reading of the Samaritan in his second dissertation on the present state of the Hebrew text, and Dr. Parry has defended the Hebrew against the Samaritan in his Case between Gerizim and Ebal fairly stated. So has J. H. Verschuir, in his Dissert. Critica. Many still think Dr. Kennicott's arguments unanswerable, and have no doubt that the Jews have here corrupted the text through their enmity to the Samaritans. On all hands it is allowed that Gerizim abounds with springs, gardens, and orchards, and that it is covered with a beautiful verdure, while Ebal is as naked and as barren as a rock. On this very account the former was highly proper for the ceremony of blessing, and the latter for the ceremony of cursing.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:4

4. which I command you] LXX B, etc., thee; other codd. you. in mount Ebal] See on Deuteronomy 11:29, and introd. note to this passage. Sam. Gerizîm, the sacred mountain of the Samaritans. How far this direction for the site of the erected stones is consistent with that in Deuteronomy 27:2, on the day on which ye shall pass over Jordan, may be seen from the following. Mt ‘Ebal is about 18 miles from the nearest of the Jordan fords, at the present Jisr ed-Damieh, the most natural place of passage from E. to W. Palestine. Even if the writer intended this as the place of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan the interval is considerable between it and their arrival at Shechem. And, of course, the interval between Israel’s crossing at Jericho and their attainment of Shechem, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, is very much greater.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 27:4

In mount Ebal - Compare the marginal references. The Samaritan Pentateuch and Version read here Gerizim instead of Ebal; but the original text was probably, as nearly all modern authorities hold,

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:4

4. In Mount Ebal — The Samaritan Pentateuch reads Gerizim. This reading is adopted by Kennicott, Semler, Colenso, and others.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 27:4

SermonDescription
C.I. Scofield Jeroboam's Idolatry by C.I. Scofield C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12:25-33, highlighting the dangers of substituting true religion with false religion and the consequences of apostasy. Je
Jono Sims 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
John Nelson Darby Joshua 1 - 13 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby explores the themes of faith, obedience, and the spiritual journey of the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan into Canaan. He emphasizes the importance
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