Deuteronomy 27:2

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:

And it shall be on the day {H3117} when ye shall pass over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} unto the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, that thou shalt set thee up {H6965} great {H1419} stones {H68}, and plaister {H7874} them with plaister {H7875}:

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 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.

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:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:2 initiates a crucial command given by Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. This verse sets the stage for a significant act of covenant affirmation and national remembrance.

Context

This verse is part of Moses's final discourse to the nation of Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stood poised to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," reiterates and expands upon the Mosaic Law, preparing the new generation for life in the land God promised their ancestors. Chapter 27 specifically outlines a solemn ceremony to be performed immediately upon their entry into the land, involving the setting up of memorial stones and the public declaration of blessings and curses. The command in this verse emphasizes the immediacy and importance of this act once they cross over Jordan, marking a pivotal transition from wilderness wandering to settled inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Remembrance: The act of setting up great stones serves as a physical memorial of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness in bringing them into the land. It's a tangible reminder of their obligations under the Law.
  • Divine Provision: The phrase "the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" underscores that their inheritance is not by conquest alone, but by God's gracious gift. This emphasizes His sovereignty and their dependence on Him, echoing God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7).
  • Foundation for the Law: As the subsequent verses reveal (Deuteronomy 27:3), these plastered stones were to have the words of the Law written upon them. This signifies the centrality of God's commandments in their new national life and the importance of public proclamation of His Word.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "plaister" refers to a coating, likely a lime plaster or whitewash, applied to the stones. This was essential for preparing a smooth surface upon which the words of the Law could be clearly inscribed and made visible to all. It highlights the practical nature of the command, ensuring the memorial served its instructional purpose effectively.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 27:2 reminds us of the importance of marking significant transitions and new beginnings with an affirmation of our commitment to God's Word. Just as Israel was to establish a visible reminder of the Law upon entering their inheritance, we too are called to make God's commands central to our lives, especially during new phases or challenges. It encourages us to:

  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Acknowledge and celebrate how God has led us and provided for us, just as He gave Israel the Promised Land.
  • Prioritize God's Word: Ensure that God's commandments are not just known intellectually but are visibly and practically integrated into the fabric of our lives and communities.
  • Build Spiritual Memorials: Create ways to remember and teach God's truths to future generations, whether through personal disciplines, family traditions, or community initiatives, ensuring God's Word remains central.
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 11:19 (3 votes)

    And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

  • Joshua 8:31 (3 votes)

    As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up [any] iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.

  • Joshua 4:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

  • Ezekiel 36:26 (3 votes)

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

  • Deuteronomy 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it:

  • Joshua 4:5 (2 votes)

    And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:

  • Joshua 4:24 (2 votes)

    That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.