The Wilderness Years

I haven't eaten any of this food when mourning, I haven't put any of it aside when unclean, nor have I given any of it for the dead. I have listened to what ADONAI my God has said, and I have done everything you ordered me to do.

Look out from your holy dwelling-place, from heaven; and bless your people Isra'el and the land you gave us, as you swore to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.'

"Today ADONAI your God orders you to obey these laws and rulings. Therefore, you are to observe and obey them with all your heart and all your being.

You are agreeing today that ADONAI is your God and that you will follow his ways; observe his laws, mitzvot and rulings; and do what he says.

In turn ADONAI is agreeing today that you are his own unique treasure, as he promised you; that you are to observe all his mitzvot;

and that he will raise you high above all the nations he has made, in praise, reputation and glory; and that, as he said, you will be a holy people for ADONAI your God."

Then Moshe and all the leaders of Isra'el gave orders to the people. They said, "Observe all the mitzvot I am giving you today.

When you cross the Yarden to the land ADONAI your God is giving you, you are to set up large stones, put plaster on them,

and, after crossing over, write this Torah on them, every word -so that you can enter the land ADONAI your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as ADONAI, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

When you have crossed the Yarden, you are to set up these stones, as I am ordering you today, on Mount 'Eival; and put plaster on them.

There you are to erect an altar to ADONAI your God, an altar made of stones. You are not to use any iron tool on them,

but are to build the altar of ADONAI your God of uncut stones; and you are to offer burnt offerings on it to ADONAI your God.

Also you are to sacrifice peace offerings, eat there and be joyful in the presence of ADONAI your God.

You are to write on the stones all the words of this Torah very clearly."

Next Moshe and the cohanim, who are L'vi'im, spoke to all Isra'el. They said, "Be quiet; and listen, Isra'el! Today you have become the people of ADONAI your God.

Therefore you are to listen to what ADONAI your God says and obey his mitzvot and laws, which I am giving you today."

That same day Moshe commissioned the people as follows:

"These are the ones who are to stand on Mount G'rizim and bless the people after you have crossed the Yarden: Shim'on, Levi, Y'hudah, Yissakhar, Yosef and Binyamin;

while these are to stand on Mount 'Eival for the curse: Re'uven, Gad, Asher, Z'vulun, Dan and Naftali.

The L'vi'im, speaking loudly, will proclaim to every man of Isra'el:

"'A curse on anyone who makes a carved or metal image, something ADONAI detests, the handiwork of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret!'All the people are to respond by saying, 'Amen!'

"'A curse on anyone who dishonors his father or mother.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

"'A curse on anyone who moves his neighbor's boundary marker.' All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

"'A curse on anyone who causes a blind person to lose his way on the road.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

"'A curse on anyone who interferes with justice for the foreigner, orphan or widow.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'