271 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: "Keep all these commands that I give you today. 2 When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some 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 the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 And when you have crossed the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today, and coat them with plaster. 5 Build there an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron tool on them. 6 Build the altar of the Lord your God with fieldstones and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. 7 Sacrifice fellowship offerings there, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up." 9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, "Be silent, Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today."
11 On the same 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 pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali. 14 The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in a loud voice: 15 "Cursed is anyone who makes an idol-a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands-and sets it up in secret." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 16 "Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 17 "Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor's boundary stone." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 18 "Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray on the road." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 19 "Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 20 "Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his father's wife, for he dishonors his father's bed." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 21 "Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 22 "Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 23 "Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 24 "Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbor secretly." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 25 "Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 26 "Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"
271 And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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: 7 And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the Lord 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, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. 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.
11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 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: 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse;
271 Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, "Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; 6 you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut
11 That day Moses charged the people, saying, 12 "When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel in a loud voice: 15 "'Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.' And all the people shall answer and say, 'Amen.' 16 "'Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' 17 "'Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor's landmark.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' 18 "'Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' 19 "'Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' 20 "'Cursed be anyone who lies with his father's wife, because he has uncovered his father's nakedness.'
271 Moses commanded the leaders of Israel and charged the people: Keep every commandment that I command you today. 2 On the day you cross the Jordan into the land that God, your God, is giving you, erect large stones and coat them with plaster. 3 As soon as you cross over the river, write on the stones all the words of this Revelation so that you'll enter the land that God, your God, is giving you, that land flowing with milk and honey that God, the God-of-Your-Fathers, promised you. 4 So when you've crossed the Jordan, erect these stones on Mount Ebal. Then coat them with plaster. 5 Build an Altar of stones for God, your God, there on the mountain. Don't use an iron tool on the stones; 6 build the Altar to God, your God, with uncut stones and offer your Whole-Burnt-Offerings on it to God, your God. 7 When you sacrifice your Peace-Offerings you will also eat them there, rejoicing in the Presence of God, your God. 8 Write all the words of this Revelation on the stones. Incise them sharply. 9 Moses and the Levitical priests addressed all Israel: Quiet. Listen obediently, Israel. This very day you have become the people of God, your God. 10 Listen to the Voice of God, your God. Keep his commandments and regulations that I'm commanding you today.
11 That day Moses commanded: 12 After you've crossed the Jordan, these tribes will stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these will stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 The Levites, acting as spokesmen and speaking loudly, will address Israel: 15 God's curse on anyone who carves or casts a god-image - an abomination to God made by a craftsman - and sets it up in secret. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 16 God's curse on anyone who demeans a parent. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 17 God's curse on anyone who moves his neighbor's boundary marker. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 18 God's curse on anyone who misdirects a blind man on the road. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 19 God's curse on anyone who interferes with justice due the foreigner, orphan, or widow. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 20 God's curse on anyone who has sex with his father's wife; he has violated the woman who belongs to his father. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 21 God's curse on anyone who has sex with an animal. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 22 God's curse on anyone who has sex with his sister, the daughter of his father or mother. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 23 God's curse on anyone who has sex with his mother-in-law. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 24 God's curse on anyone who kills his neighbor in secret. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 25 God's curse on anyone who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person. All respond: Yes. Absolutely. 26 God's curse on whoever does not give substance to the words of this Revelation by living them. All respond: Yes. Absolutely.
271 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 which the Lord your God is giving you, that you shall set up for yourselves large stones, and whitewash them with lime. 3 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,' just as the Lord God of your fathers 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 whitewash them with lime. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use an iron tool on them. 6 You shall build with whole stones the altar of the Lord your God, and 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 priests, the Levites, 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 curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 "And the Levites shall speak with a loud voice and say to all the men of Israel: 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 to 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.'And all the people shall say, 'Amen!'
271 Then Moses and the leaders of Israel gave this charge to the people: "Obey all these commands that I am giving you today. 2 When you cross the Jordan River and enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. 3 Write this whole body of instruction on them when you cross the river to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you-a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 When you cross the Jordan, set up these stones at Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster, as I am commanding you today. 5 "Then build an altar there to the Lord your God, using natural, uncut stones. You must not shape the stones with an iron tool. 6 Build the altar of uncut stones, and use it to offer burnt offerings to the Lord your God. 7 Also sacrifice peace offerings on it, and celebrate by feasting there before the Lord your God. 8 You must clearly write all these instructions on the stones coated with plaster." 9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests addressed all Israel as follows: "OÂ Israel, be quiet and listen! Today you have become the people of the Lord your God. 10 So you must obey the Lord your God by keeping all these commands and decrees that I am giving you today."
11 That same day Moses also gave this charge to the people: 12 "When you cross the Jordan River, the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin must stand on Mount Gerizim to proclaim a blessing over the people. 13 And the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali must stand on Mount Ebal to proclaim a curse. 14 "Then the Levites will shout to all the people of Israel: 15 'Cursed is anyone who carves or casts an idol and secretly sets it up. These idols, the work of craftsmen, are detestable to the Lord .' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 16 'Cursed is anyone who dishonors father or mother.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 17 'Cursed is anyone who steals property from a neighbor by moving a boundary marker.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 18 'Cursed is anyone who leads a blind person astray on the road.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 19 'Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 20 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with one of his father's wives, for he has violated his father.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 21 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with an animal.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 22 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with his sister, whether she is the daughter of his father or his mother.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 23 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with his mother-in-law.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 24 'Cursed is anyone who attacks a neighbor in secret.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 25 'Cursed is anyone who accepts payment to kill an innocent person.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' 26 'Cursed is anyone who does not affirm and obey the terms of these instructions.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:1-30
Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:1-10
(Read Deuteronomy 27:1-10)
As soon as they were come into Canaan, they must set up a monument, on which they must write the words of this law. They must set up an altar. The word and prayer must go together. Though they might not, of their own heads, set up any altar besides that at the tabernacle; yet, by the appointment of God, they might, upon special occasion. This altar must be made of unhewn stones, such as they found upon the field. Christ, our Altar, is a stone cut out of the mountain without hands, refused by the builders, as having no form or comeliness, but accepted of God the Father, and made the Head of the corner. In the Old Testament the words of the law are written, with the curse annexed; which would overcome us with horror, if we had not, in the New Testament, an altar erected close by, which gives consolation. Blessed be God, the printed copies of the Scriptures among us, do away the necessity of such methods as were presented to Israel. The end of the gospel ministry is, and the end of preachers ought to be, to make the word of God as plain as possible. Yet, unless the Spirit of God prosper such labours with Divine power, we shall not, even by these means, be made wise unto salvation: for this blessing we should therefore daily and earnestly pray.
Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:11-26
(Read Deuteronomy 27:11-26)
The six tribes appointed for blessing, were all children of the free women, for to such the promise belongs, Galatians 4:31. Levi is here among the rest. Ministers should apply to themselves the blessing and curse they preach to others, and by faith set their own Amen to it. And they must not only allure people to their duty with the promises of a blessing, but awe them with the threatenings of a curse, by declaring that a curse would be upon those who do such things. To each of the curses the people were to say, Amen. It professed their faith, that these, and the like curses, were real declarations of the wrath of God against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, not one jot of which shall fall to the ground. It was acknowledging the equity of these curses. Those who do such things deserve to fall, and lie under the curse. Lest those who were guilty of other sins, not here mentioned, should think themselves safe from the curse, the last reaches all. Not only those who do the evil which the law forbids, but those also who omit the good which the law requires. Without the atoning blood of Christ, sinners can neither have communion with a holy God, nor do any thing acceptable to him; his righteous law condemns every one who, at any time, or in any thing, transgresses it. Under its awful curse we remain as transgressors, until the redemption of Christ is applied to our hearts. Wherever the grace of God brings salvation, it teaches the believer to deny ungodliness and wordly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, consenting to, and delighting in the words of God's law, after the inward man. In this holy walk, true peace and solid joy are to be found.