TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Deuteronomy 27 verses 1–10
Here is, I. A general charge to the people to keep God's commandments; for in vain did they know them, unless they would do them. This is pressed upon them, 1. With all authority. Moses with the elders of Israel, the rulers of each tribe (Deu 27:1), and again, Moses and the priests the Levites (Deu 27:9); so that the charge is given by Moses who was king in Jeshurun, and by their lords, both spiritual and temporal, in concurrence with him. Lest they should think that it was Moses only, an old and dying man, that made such ado about religion, or the priests and Levites only, whose trade it was to attend religion and who had their maintenance out of it, the elders of Israel, whom God had placed in honour and power over them, and who were men of business in the world and likely to be so long so when Moses was gone, they commanded their people to keep God's law. Moses, having put some of his honour upon them, joins them in commission with himself, in giving this charge, as Paul sometimes in his epistles joins with himself Silvanus and Timotheus. Note, All that have any interest in others, or power over them, should use it for the support and furtherance of religion among them. Though the supreme power of a nation provide ever so good laws for this purpose, if inferior magistrates in their places, and ministers in theirs, and masters of families in theirs, do not execute their offices, it will all be to little effect. 2. With all importunity. They press it upon them with the utmost earnestness (Deu 27:9, Deu 27:10): Take heed and hearken, O Israel. It is a thing that requires and deserves the highest degree of caution and attention. They tell them of their privilege and honour: "This day thou hast become the people of the Lord thy God, the Lord having avouched thee to be his own, and being now about to put thee in possession of Canaan which he had long promised as thy God (Gen 17:7, Gen 17:8), and which if he had failed to do in due time, he would have been ashamed to be called thy God, Heb 11:16. Now thou art more than ever his people, therefore obey his voice." Privileges should be improved as engagements to duty. Should not a people be ruled by their God?
II. A particular direction to them with great solemnity to register the words of this law, as soon as they came into Canaan. It was to be done but once, and at their entrance into the land of promise, in token of their taking possession of it under the several provisos and conditions contained in this law. There was a solemn ratification of the covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai, when an altar was erected, with twelve pillars, and the book of the covenant was produced, Exo 24:4. That which is here appointed is a somewhat similar solemnity.
1.They must set up a monument on which they must write the words of this law. (1.) The monument itself was to be very mean, only rough unhewn stone plastered over; not polished marble or alabaster, nor brass tables, but common plaster upon stone, Deu 27:2. The command is repeated (Deu 27:4), and orders are given that it be written, not very finely, to be admired by the curious, but very plainly, that he who runs may read it, Hab 2:2. The word of God needs not to be set off by the art of man, nor embellished with the enticing words of man's wisdom. But, (2.) The inscription was to be very great: All the words of this law, Deu 27:3, and again, Deu 27:8. Some understand it only of the covenant between God and Israel, mentioned Deu 26:17, Deu 26:18. Let this help be set up for a witness, like that memorial of the covenant between Laban and Jacob, which was nothing but a heap of stones thrown hastily together, upon which they did eat together in token of friendship (Gen 31:46, Gen 31:47), and that stone which Joshua set up, Jos 24:26. Others think that the curses of the covenant in this chapter were written upon this monument, the rather because it was set up in Mount Ebal, Deu 27:4. Others think that the whole book of Deuteronomy was written upon this monument, or at least the statutes and judgments from ch. 12 to the end of ch. 26. And it is not improbable that the heap might be so large as, taking in all the sides of it, to contain so copious an inscription, unless we will suppose (as some do) that the ten commandments only were here written, as an authentic copy of the close rolls which were laid up in the ark. They must write this when they had gone into Canaan, and yet Moses says (Deu 27:3), "Write it that thou mayest go in," that is, "that thou mayest go in with comfort, and assurance of success and settlement, otherwise it were well for thee not to go in at all. Write it as the conditions of thy entry, and own that thou comest in upon these terms and no other: since Canaan is given by promise, it must be held by obedience."
2.They must also set up an altar. By the words of the law which were written upon the plaster, God spoke to them; by the altar, and the sacrifices offered upon it, they spoke to God; and thus was communion kept up between them and God. 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, but the appointment of God, they might upon a special occasion. Elijah built a temporary altar of twelve unhewn stones, similar to this, when he brought Israel back to the covenant which was now made, Kg1 18:31, Kg1 18:32. Now, (1.) This altar must be made of such stones as they found ready upon the field, not newly cut out of the rock, much less squared artificially: Thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them, Deu 27:5. Christ, our altar, is a stone cut out of the mountain without hands (Dan 2:34, Dan 2:35), and therefore refused by the builders, as having no form or comeliness, but accepted of God the Father, and made the head of the corner. (2.) Burnt-offerings and peace-offerings must be offered upon this altar (Deu 27:6, Deu 27:7), that by them they might give glory to God and obtain favour. Where the law was written, an altar was set up close by it, to signify that we could not look with any comfort upon the law, being conscious to ourselves of the violation of it, if it were not for the great sacrifice by which atonement is made for sin; and the altar was set up on Mount Ebal, the mount on which those tribes stood that said Amen to the curses, to intimate that through Christ we are redeemed from the curse of the law. In the Old Testament the words of the law are written, with the curse annexed, which would fill us with horror and amazement if we had not in the New Testament (which is bound up with it) an altar erected close by it, which gives us everlasting consolation. (3.) They must eat there, and rejoice before the Lord their God, Deu 27:7. This signified, [1.] The consent they gave to the covenant; for the parties to a covenant ratified the covenant by feasting together. They were partakers of the altar, which was God's table, as his servants and tenants, and such they acknowledged themselves, and, being put in possession of this good land, bound themselves to pay the rent and to do the services reserved by the royal grant. [2.] The comfort they took in the covenant; they had reason to rejoice in the law, when they had an altar, a remedial law, so near it. It was a great favour to them, and a token for good, that God gave them his statutes; and that they were owned as the people of God, and the children of the promise, was what they had reason to rejoice in, though, when this solemnity was to be performed, they were not put in full possession of Canaan; but God has spoken in his holiness, and then I will rejoice, Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; all my own.
Continue studying Deuteronomy 27:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:10 serves as a foundational declaration of Israel's covenant obligation, powerfully exhorting the nation to immediate and active obedience to God's revealed will. Situated within Moses' climactic final instructions before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, this verse unequivocally asserts that their relationship with the LORD, and their future prosperity and well-being within the land, are entirely contingent upon diligently hearing and performing His divine commandments and statutes, which are presented as non-negotiable decrees from their sovereign God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:10 is a concise yet potent example of several literary devices. The most prominent is the Imperative Mood, conveyed by "Thou shalt... obey... and do," which functions as a direct command, leaving no room for negotiation or optionality. This imperative highlights the non-negotiable nature of God's covenant demands. The verse also employs Covenant Language, utilizing terms like "LORD thy God," "commandments," and "statutes," which are foundational to the legal and relational framework established at Sinai. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful Exhortation, a strong encouragement and warning combined, urging the people towards faithfulness. The phrase "this day" functions as a form of Temporal Deixis, grounding the command in the present moment and demanding immediate and continuous adherence, preventing the people from deferring their responsibility. The repetition of the concept of God's authoritative word through "voice," "commandments," and "statutes" also creates a form of Emphasis through synonymous parallelism, reinforcing the singular source and comprehensive nature of divine instruction.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:10 is a pivotal statement on the nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing that genuine faith is inextricably linked to active obedience. It articulates a fundamental biblical truth: that God's people are called not merely to intellectual assent or emotional devotion, but to a life lived in practical conformity to His revealed will. This obedience is not a means to earn salvation or favor, but rather the natural outflow and evidence of a heart that truly hears and loves God. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, finding profound resonance and transformation in the New Covenant through Christ, where obedience becomes a response of love empowered by the Spirit, rather than a burdensome legalistic requirement. It underscores that God's commands are for the good of His people, designed to lead them into a flourishing life of fellowship with Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:10 serves as a timeless and potent reminder that our relationship with the living God is not merely a matter of intellectual belief, emotional sentiment, or even theological understanding, but fundamentally one of active, responsive obedience. For believers today, while we are no longer under the Mosaic Law as a means of justification, the profound principle of hearing and diligently doing God's word remains foundational to genuine discipleship. Our love for God, our gratitude for His grace, and our commitment to His Lordship are powerfully demonstrated not just by what we profess with our lips, but by how we live our lives daily. This verse challenges us to a deep introspection: do our lives truly reflect a heart that listens intently to God's voice and a will that is eager to align with His purposes? It calls us to a dynamic, ongoing commitment, recognizing that God's commands, whether ancient statutes or New Testament teachings, are always given for our ultimate good, leading to spiritual flourishing, true freedom, and a deeper, more intimate walk with Him. It prompts us to move beyond passive consumption of spiritual truth to active application, transforming our understanding into tangible acts of devotion, righteousness, and love for God and neighbor.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the phrase "this day" in Deuteronomy 27:10?
Answer: The phrase "this day" (Hebrew: H3117 yôwm, hayyom hazzeh) is highly significant and pervasive in Deuteronomy, appearing over 80 times. It emphasizes the immediacy, urgency, and present binding nature of the covenant commands. It's not a historical relic or a future promise, but a living, active obligation for the generation standing before Moses at that very moment. It means that the Israelites were called to make a fresh, conscious decision to obey God's voice and do His commandments and statutes right now, and every day thereafter. This instills a sense of personal responsibility and ongoing commitment, highlighting that the covenant relationship is dynamic and requires continuous faithfulness. It contrasts sharply with a passive or delayed response, demanding an immediate and sustained alignment of will with God's. This emphasis on "this day" serves to prevent complacency and foster a continuous, active engagement with God's revealed will.
Is this verse still relevant for Christians today, given that we are not under the Mosaic Law?
Answer: Absolutely. While Christians are indeed not under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation or justification (which comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ), Deuteronomy 27:10 articulates a timeless and universal principle of God's relationship with His people: true faith expresses itself in active obedience. The specific "commandments and statutes" of the Old Covenant have been fulfilled and transformed in Christ, yet the underlying principle of hearing God's voice and doing His will remains central to Christian discipleship. Jesus Himself taught that love for Him is powerfully demonstrated by keeping His commandments (John 14:15). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in obedience to God's moral will, which is summarized in the "law of Christ" (e.g., Galatians 6:2). Therefore, Deuteronomy 27:10 serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is active, requiring us to diligently listen to God's Word (the Bible) and live it out daily as a response of love, gratitude, and worship for His saving grace and transforming power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:10, with its emphatic call to obey the voice of the LORD and diligently do His commandments and statutes, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly obedient Son, who not only perfectly heard and performed all of God's will but also embodied the Law in His very being. Unlike Israel, who repeatedly failed to obey the covenant, Jesus lived a life of flawless submission to His Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29). Through His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law on our behalf, becoming "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4). Furthermore, in the New Covenant established by His blood, Christ does not merely command obedience from without, but He transforms us from within. He promises to write His law on our hearts and put it in our minds (Hebrews 8:10), empowering us through the indwelling Holy Spirit to genuinely desire and perform His will. Thus, the imperative of Deuteronomy 27:10 is not abolished but fulfilled and enabled in Christ, who makes it truly possible for us to "obey the voice of the LORD our God" not out of legalistic striving, but out of a Spirit-empowered love, gratitude, and worship for our Savior (Romans 8:4).