Deuteronomy 27:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt write {H3789} upon them all the words {H1697} of this law {H8451}, when thou art passed over {H5674}, that thou mayest go in {H935} unto the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, a land {H776} that floweth {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}; as the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of thy fathers {H1} hath promised {H1696} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah thy God giveth thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath promised thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:3 encapsulates a pivotal command given by Moses to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. It instructs them to inscribe the entirety of God's law upon large, plastered stones immediately after crossing the Jordan River. This act served as a profound public declaration of their covenant commitment, a tangible reminder of divine instruction, and a foundational prerequisite for inheriting and flourishing in the abundant land promised by the LORD to their forefathers—a land characterized by its extraordinary fertility and provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:3 is part of a larger, solemn ceremony outlined in Deuteronomy 27:1-26, which Moses commands the Israelites to perform upon entering Canaan. Specifically, verses 1-8 detail the construction of a monument on Mount Ebal, where large stones are to be set up, plastered, and inscribed with "all the words of this law." This act precedes the pronouncement of blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:11-26), creating a dramatic and unforgettable covenant renewal ceremony. The immediate preceding verses (Deuteronomy 27:1-2) establish the command to set up the stones and plaster them, making verse 3 the specific instruction to write the law upon them, emphasizing the content and purpose of the monument. This entire chapter serves as a climactic moment in Moses' final address, bridging the wilderness journey with the imminent entry into the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this command is the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from the land of Canaan. The Israelites, a new generation, stand poised to enter the land promised to Abraham centuries prior (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The practice of erecting stone monuments (stelae) to commemorate significant events, treaties, or laws was common in the ancient Near East. Plastering stones and writing on them ensured durability and public visibility, making the law accessible to all. The command to write "all the words of this law" underscores the comprehensive nature of the Mosaic covenant, which was to govern every aspect of Israelite life in the land. This act, performed immediately upon entry, signified a foundational commitment to God's authority as the true sovereign of the land and its people, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations whose laws were often based on human decree.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Remembrance**. The act of writing the law on stones ensures that the covenant stipulations are not forgotten by the new generation entering the land, serving as a tangible, public reminder of their obligations to God. This echoes the broader Deuteronomic emphasis on teaching and remembering the law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching the Law to Future Generations"). Secondly, it highlights the principle of **Obedience as Prerequisite for Blessing**. The ability to "go in unto the land" and enjoy its abundance is directly linked to the inscription and, by extension, the observance of the law. This foundational principle is extensively developed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Promises**. The description of the land as one "that floweth with milk and honey" and the declaration that it is given "as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee" vividly portray God's unwavering commitment to fulfill the ancient covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The land is presented as a divine **Gift and Inheritance**, not something earned, but graciously bestowed by the LORD.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Hebrew, _torah'_):** This term refers to divine instruction, teaching, or guidance, encompassing not just legal statutes but the entire body of God's revealed will. In Deuteronomy, _torah_ is presented as the foundational framework for Israel's life, identity, and relationship with God. Writing "all the words of this law" signifies the comprehensive and non-negotiable nature of God's covenant demands, which were to permeate every aspect of their existence in the Promised Land. It implies a holistic commitment to God's revealed truth.
* **Land (Hebrew, _'eretz'_):** More than mere territory, "the land" in Deuteronomy is deeply theological. It is the Promised Land, the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents God's gracious provision, the place of blessing and rest, and the arena where Israel's covenant fidelity would be tested. The phrase "which the LORD thy God giveth thee" emphasizes its status as a divine gift, highlighting God's sovereignty and generosity rather than Israel's merit.
* **Milk and Honey (Hebrew, _chalav u'devash'_):** This idiomatic phrase, frequently used in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - First Mention of Milk and Honey")), is a powerful descriptor of extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. "Milk" typically refers to the produce of livestock (dairy), while "honey" often refers to date syrup or wild honey, both symbolizing agricultural richness. It paints a vivid picture of a land capable of sustaining its inhabitants with ease and luxury, a stark contrast to the barren wilderness they had traversed for forty years, underscoring God's lavish provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law":** This is a direct, imperative command to the Israelites, mediated through Moses. "Them" refers to the large, plastered stones mentioned in the preceding verses. The act of writing was not merely symbolic; it was a concrete, public, and permanent inscription of the entire body of God's covenant stipulations. This emphasized the law's authority, accessibility, and foundational importance for the nation's life in the land.
* **"when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee":** This clause establishes the timing and purpose of the inscription. The act was to occur immediately after crossing the Jordan River, signifying the very first act of covenant commitment upon entering their inheritance. The purpose is explicitly stated: "that thou mayest go in," indicating that the inscription and the commitment it represented were essential for their successful entry and continued possession of the land. The land is emphatically described as a divine gift, highlighting God's initiative and grace.
* **"a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee":** This final clause describes the nature of the land and the theological basis for its bestowal. The vivid imagery of "milk and honey" promises unparalleled abundance and fertility, a stark contrast to the wilderness. Crucially, the verse reiterates that this land is given not by chance or conquest alone, but as the direct fulfillment of God's ancient, unwavering promises to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This connects the present generation to the foundational covenant history and underscores God's faithfulness across generations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**. The "stones" themselves are symbolic of permanence and a lasting witness, while the "writing" upon them symbolizes the indelible nature of God's law and its public declaration. The "land that floweth with milk and honey" is a potent **Idiom**, a vivid and recurring phrase throughout the Pentateuch, serving as a shorthand for extraordinary fertility and divine blessing. This idiom creates a powerful contrast with the barren wilderness and sets expectations for the abundance that awaits the obedient. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, particularly in the emphasis on the LORD "giveth thee" and "hath promised thee," which reinforces the foundational relationship between God and Israel, rooted in His gracious covenant. The **Repetition** of "the LORD thy God" and "the LORD God of thy fathers" emphasizes God's consistent character and His enduring faithfulness to His generational promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:3 stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's covenant with Israel and the principles governing their life in the Promised Land. It establishes that the inheritance of blessing is inextricably linked to the reception and obedience of divine law. The act of publicly inscribing the law on stones signifies that God's word is not a private matter but the very constitution of the nation, visible and accessible to all. This foundational commitment to the law upon entering the land underscores that true prosperity and security are found in fidelity to God, not merely in geographical possession. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises, demonstrating His character as a covenant-keeping God who provides richly for His people.

* [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise of a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - The Command to Teach the Law Diligently")
* [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Joshua Fulfills the Command to Write the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:3 calls us to consider the centrality of God's Word in our lives and our "promised lands." Just as the Israelites were commanded to publicly and permanently inscribe God's law, we are called to internalize God's Word, making it the foundational constitution of our hearts and homes. This involves not just passive reading, but active meditation, diligent study, and intentional obedience. The "land that floweth with milk and honey" serves as a powerful metaphor for the abundant life and spiritual blessings God offers to those who walk in His ways, reminding us that true flourishing comes from alignment with His divine will. This verse encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness in fulfilling His promises as a firm foundation for trusting Him with our present challenges and future aspirations, especially as we navigate new seasons or enter new spheres of influence in our lives. It challenges us to ask: Is God's Word visibly and functionally central in my life and community?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "write" God's law upon my heart and make it visible in my daily life?**
* **How does my understanding of God's faithfulness in the past strengthen my trust in His promises for my future?**
* **What "land flowing with milk and honey" might God be calling me to enter, and what commitment to His Word is required for that journey?**
* **How does the public nature of writing the law on stones challenge me to live out my faith openly and consistently?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Israelites to write the law on stones immediately upon entering the land?**

Answer: The act of writing the law on large, plastered stones immediately after crossing the Jordan River (as fulfilled in [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Joshua Builds an Altar and Writes the Law")) was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it served as a public and permanent declaration of their covenant with God, marking their entry into the land not as conquerors by their own strength, but as a people under divine authority. Secondly, it was an act of covenant renewal for a new generation, ensuring that they understood and committed to the comprehensive divine instructions that would govern their lives in the land. Thirdly, it established the law as the foundational constitution of their nation, visible and accessible to all, emphasizing that their prosperity and security in the promised "land that floweth with milk and honey" were contingent upon their obedience to God's commands. It symbolized their complete submission to the LORD as their sovereign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:3, with its emphasis on the Law, the Promised Land, and God's faithfulness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "words of this law," though foundational, pointed to a deeper reality—the perfect righteousness of Christ. While Israel struggled to keep the written law, Jesus perfectly embodied and fulfilled it (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the living Word, the ultimate revelation of God's will, upon whom the true "law" of God is eternally inscribed. The "land that floweth with milk and honey," a symbol of earthly abundance and rest, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and abundant life found in Christ (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Offers Abundant Life")). Through His sacrifice, Christ enables believers to "pass over" from death to life, entering into a spiritual reality far richer than any earthly land, a kingdom that cannot be shaken (cf. [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). God's promise to "the LORD God of thy fathers" is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the Seed of Abraham, through whom all nations are blessed (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed, Christ")). Thus, the physical inscription on stones points to the spiritual inscription of God's law on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (cf. [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters Written on Hearts")), enabling them to truly inherit the spiritual blessings and eternal rest promised in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 8:32

And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 26:9

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, [even] a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Hebrews 10:16

This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Jeremiah 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Numbers 13:27

And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this [is] the fruit of it.

Joshua 5:6

For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people [that were] men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.