Deuteronomy 27:4

KJV

Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, [that] ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, that ye shall set up {H6965} these stones {H68}, which I command {H6680} you this day {H3117}, in mount {H2022} Ebal {H5858}, and thou shalt plaister {H7875} them with plaister {H7874}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when ye are passed over the Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:4 commands the Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, to erect and plaster large stones on Mount Ebal. This act was a foundational covenant ceremony, designed to visibly inscribe and publicly display the Law of God, ensuring its prominence and serving as a permanent witness to Israel's commitment to the divine covenant before God and all generations. It underscored the solemnity of their new life in Canaan, which was to be governed by divine statutes rather than the customs of the surrounding nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:4 is embedded within Moses' final, urgent instructions to the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 27:1-3) lay out the general command for the elders and priests to instruct the people to set up these stones immediately after crossing the [Jordan River](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan River"). The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 27:5-8) detail the construction of an altar of unhewn stones on Mount Ebal and explicitly state that "all the words of this law" were to be written "very plainly" on the plastered stones. This entire chapter outlines a solemn covenant renewal ceremony involving the assembly of all Israel on two prominent mountains, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, for the pronouncement of blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 27:11-26). Thus, verse 4 initiates the physical preparation for this monumental spiritual event, ensuring the Law's public and permanent display as the foundation for their national life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this command is the cusp of Israel's transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in the Promised Land. The crossing of the Jordan signified a new era, demanding a clear re-establishment of their identity as God's covenant people. In the ancient Near East, the erection of stelae or monuments was a common practice to commemorate significant events, treaties, or legal codes. By commanding the setting up of stones on Mount Ebal, God was employing a culturally recognizable act but infusing it with unique theological significance. The use of "plaister" (lime plaster) was practical, providing a smooth, white, and durable surface for writing, ensuring the inscribed Law would be highly visible and resistant to the elements, serving as a lasting testimony in a prominent location.
* **Key Themes:** The command in Deuteronomy 27:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Covenant Remembrance**, providing a tangible, permanent reminder of the stipulations of the Mosaic Law and Israel's commitment to it. This act also highlights **Divine Authority and Obedience**, emphasizing that God's commands are non-negotiable and form the very foundation of their national existence in the land. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of **Preparation for the Land**, demonstrating that their success and well-being in Canaan were contingent not on military might or adopting Canaanite practices, but on spiritual adherence to God's Law. Finally, the instruction to plaster and write on the stones (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 27:8](/deuteronomy/27-8 "Deuteronomy 27:8 - Writing the Law on the Stones")) emphasizes the **Visibility and Accessibility of God's Word**, ensuring that the Law was not hidden but openly displayed for all to see, read, and obey, a command later fulfilled in [Joshua 8:30-32](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-32 - Joshua Builds an Altar on Mount Ebal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set up (Hebrew, _nāṣaḇ_):** This verb signifies to stand, to set, to establish, or to erect something firmly in place. In this context, it denotes the deliberate and permanent erection of a monument. It implies not just a temporary placement but a foundational act, establishing a visible and enduring witness. The action of "setting up" these stones is an authoritative, public declaration, mirroring the permanence and authority of the Law itself.
* **stones (Hebrew, _’eḇen_):** Referring to large, unhewn stones, this word emphasizes the raw, natural, and durable material chosen for this monument. Stones, by their very nature, convey permanence, stability, and a foundational quality. In biblical contexts, stones often serve as memorials or witnesses to significant events or covenants (e.g., [Genesis 31:45-48](/genesis/31-45 "Genesis 31:45-48 - Jacob and Laban's Covenant Pillar")). Here, they are to be the physical medium upon which God's eternal Law is inscribed.
* **plaister (Hebrew, _sîḏ_):** This term refers specifically to lime plaster, a common building material in the ancient Near East. Lime plaster, made from burned limestone, creates a smooth, white, and durable surface. Its application here was not merely for aesthetic purposes but for practical functionality: to provide an ideal surface for writing. The whiteness of the plaster would make the inscribed words stand out clearly, ensuring their legibility and visibility to all who passed by, even from a distance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise timing for the command's execution. The crossing of the Jordan River marks a pivotal moment—the transition from wilderness wandering to the inheritance of the Promised Land. The command is not for a future, indefinite time, but for the immediate aftermath of this crucial geographical and spiritual threshold, underscoring the urgency and foundational nature of the task for their new life in Canaan.
* **"[that] ye shall set up these stones,"**: This is the core imperative of the verse. The "these stones" refer to the large, unhewn stones mentioned in the preceding verses, which were to be prepared for the inscription of the Law. The command is direct and communal ("ye shall set up"), indicating a collective responsibility for this monumental act. The act of setting them up signifies the establishment of a public, permanent, and physical witness to the covenant.
* **"which I command you this day, in mount Ebal,"**: This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the command ("which I command you this day"), reinforcing that this is not a human initiative but a direct instruction from God through Moses. The specific location, "in mount Ebal," is crucial. Mount Ebal was known as the mountain of curses in the subsequent covenant ceremony (Deuteronomy 27:13). Placing the Law there, where the curses would be pronounced, highlights the solemnity and serious consequences of disobedience, grounding the Law not just in blessing but also in the stark reality of divine judgment for transgression.
* **"and thou shalt plaister them with plaister."**: This final instruction details the preparation of the stones for writing. The plastering was essential for creating a smooth, durable, and highly visible surface upon which "all the words of this law" were to be written "very plainly" (Deuteronomy 27:8). This act ensures that the Law would be not only physically present but also legible and accessible to all, serving as a constant, public reminder of their covenant obligations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the physical act of setting up and plastering stones on Mount Ebal serves as a powerful symbol. The **stones** themselves symbolize permanence, stability, and the enduring nature of God's covenant and Law. The **plaster** symbolizes the clarity and visibility with which God intended His Word to be known and understood, making the Law accessible to all. **Mount Ebal** functions as a symbolic location, representing the solemnity of the covenant and the gravity of its stipulations, particularly the consequences of disobedience, as it was the mountain designated for the curses. The entire command is presented in the **Imperative Mood**, underscoring the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions. This direct command emphasizes the immediate and collective responsibility of the Israelites. Furthermore, the verse functions as an act of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the grand covenant renewal ceremony described later in the chapter and ultimately fulfilled in [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - The Reading of the Law on Mount Ebal and Gerizim"), thereby linking the command to its future execution and historical significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:4 powerfully articulates the divine intention for God's Law to be central, visible, and foundational to the life of His people. The physical erection of the stones and the inscription of the Law upon them signify that obedience to God's commands is not a private matter but a public, national commitment. This act serves as a perpetual witness, reminding Israel of their covenant identity and the source of their blessings and curses. It underscores the truth that true national prosperity and individual well-being are rooted in faithful adherence to God's revealed will, which is to be understood, remembered, and lived out openly. This command establishes a precedent for the enduring importance of God's Word as the guiding principle for all generations.

* [Joshua 8:30-32](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-32 - Joshua Builds an Altar and Writes the Law on Mount Ebal")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - The Shema and Teaching the Law")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:4, though an ancient command for a specific historical moment, carries profound and enduring significance for believers today. Just as the Law was to be physically displayed and perpetually remembered by Israel, so too must God's Word be central, prominent, and visibly integrated into our lives. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the Bible and instead to actively prioritize, internalize, and outwardly manifest its truths. It calls us to consider how we "set up these stones" in our own spiritual landscape—whether through consistent study, memorization, prayerful meditation, or by allowing God's principles to visibly shape our decisions, relationships, and public witness. Our lives, like the plastered stones, should be clear, legible testimonies to the transformative power of God's Word, serving as a constant reminder of our covenant relationship with Him and the foundational principles upon which we build our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "set up" God's Word as a visible and foundational presence in my daily life and home?**
* **How does the command to "plaister them with plaister" encourage me to make God's truth clear and accessible to others through my words and actions?**
* **Considering Mount Ebal's association with curses, how does the public display of God's Law remind me of the seriousness of sin and the importance of living in obedience to God's covenant?**
* **What aspects of my life might be built on foundations other than God's Word, and how can I re-align them with His commands?**

### FAQ
**Why was Mount Ebal chosen for this monument, rather than Mount Gerizim, which was associated with blessings?**

Answer: Mount Ebal was chosen for the erection of the stones and the altar primarily because it was the mountain designated for the pronouncement of curses (Deuteronomy 27:13). This choice underscored the solemnity and gravity of the covenant. By placing the inscribed Law on the mountain of curses, it visually emphasized the serious consequences of disobedience and the non-negotiable nature of God's commands. It served as a stark reminder that while blessings followed obedience, severe judgment awaited those who turned away from God's Law. This location highlighted the absolute authority of God's Word and the critical importance of adhering to the covenant stipulations for life in the Promised Land, reinforcing the warning against apostasy that permeates the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**What exactly was written on these plastered stones?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 27:8 explicitly states that "all the words of this law" were to be written "very plainly" on the plastered stones. While scholars debate whether this referred to the entire Pentateuch, the entire book of Deuteronomy, or a summary of the Law (perhaps the Ten Commandments or a selection of key statutes), the emphasis is on the comprehensiveness and clarity of the inscription. The phrase "all the words of this law" most likely refers to the covenant stipulations and commandments that Moses had just finished reiterating to the Israelites. The intent was to provide a public, permanent, and legible record of God's foundational requirements for His people as they entered and settled the land, ensuring that the divine covenant was visibly established as their guiding constitution, as later fulfilled in [Joshua 8:32](/joshua/8-32 "Joshua 8:32 - Joshua Writes the Law on the Stones").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:4, with its command to visibly display God's Law on plastered stones, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical stones, inscribed with the words of the Law, served as a tangible witness to God's righteous demands and Israel's covenant obligations. However, the Law, though holy and good, revealed humanity's inability to perfectly keep it, thus pointing to the need for a greater, more enduring solution. Jesus, as the living Word of God (John 1:1), embodies the Law perfectly and fulfills its every demand (Matthew 5:17). He is the ultimate, visible manifestation of God's truth, not merely written on stone but dwelling among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ establishes a new covenant, not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). He is the true "foundation stone" (Ephesians 2:20), the rock upon whom the church is built, ensuring that God's truth is not merely seen but indwells and transforms His people. Thus, the visible Law on Mount Ebal foreshadowed the advent of Christ, who is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:4), making God's Word not just an external command but an internal, life-giving reality.

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 8:30

¶ Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,

Joshua 8:33

And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 11:29

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

Deuteronomy 11:30

[Are] they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?