Deuteronomychapter 27

26 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 213 cross-references outward and receives 163 — heaviest partner: Deuteronomy.

Chapter summary

Ebal and Gerizim. The third sermon begins. Great stones to be set up on Mount Ebal with all the words of this law written upon them, plastered with plaster. An altar of unhewn stones. Six tribes (Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin) on Mount Gerizim to bless; six (Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali) on Mount Ebal to curse. Twelve curses pronounced by the Levites with loud voice, each answered with ‘Amen’ — the graven image, the despiser of parents, the mover of the landmark, the misleader of the blind, the perverter of judgment, the incestuous, the smiter of the neighbour secretly, the confirmer of blood. The covenant's sanctions spoken.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Law · Moses — see the Deuteronomy overview for the book's full setting.

1 And Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandment which I command you this day.

2 And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over the Jordan unto the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaster them with plaster:

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 Jehovah thy God giveth thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath promised thee.

4 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.

5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto Jehovah thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt lift up no iron tool upon them.

6 Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones; and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God:

7 and thou shalt sacrifice peace-offerings, and shalt eat there; and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God.

8 And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

9 And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Keep silence, and hearken, O Israel: This day thou art become the people of Jehovah thy God.