Deuteronomy 27:1-10

The Altar on Mount Ebal

1 Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all the commandments I am giving you today. ¹

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.”

Deuteronomy 27:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 27

In this chapter the people of Israel are ordered to write the law on plastered stones, and set them on Mount Ebal, De 27:1-4; where they are bid to erect an altar, and offer sacrifices on it, De 27:5-8; and are charged by Moses and the priests to obey the Lord, and keep his commandments, De 27:9,10; and a direction is given to each tribes which should stand and bless, and which curse, and where, De 27:11-13; and the curses which the Levites should pronounce with a loud voice, and the people should say Amen to, are recited, De 27:14-25; and the whole is concluded with a curse on all who in general do not perform the whole law, De 27:26.

Cross References

• 1. (Joshua 8:30–35)