Deuteronomy 27:5

KJV

And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up [any] iron [tool] upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there shalt thou build {H1129} an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, an altar {H4196} of stones {H68}: thou shalt not lift up {H5130} any iron {H1270} tool upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them.

American Standard Version

And there shalt thou build an altar unto Jehovah thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt lift up no iron tool upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:5 delivers a precise divine command to the Israelites for the construction of an altar on Mount Ebal. This altar, intended for burnt offerings and peace offerings as part of a significant covenant renewal ceremony, was to be built exclusively from natural, unhewn stones, with an explicit prohibition against the use of any iron tool. This instruction underscored foundational principles of purity, simplicity, and absolute reliance on God's prescribed terms for worship, rejecting human artifice, manipulation, or the implements of war and industry in the sacred space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27 initiates a pivotal section of Moses' final discourse, outlining the solemn covenant renewal ceremony to take place immediately upon Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Following the crossing of the Jordan, the tribes were to divide between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, with the Law proclaimed from both. Verses 1-8 specifically detail the instructions for Mount Ebal, beginning with the setting up of large, plastered stones inscribed with the Law (Deuteronomy 27:2-4). Immediately after this, verse 5 commands the construction of an altar for sacrifices, which would serve as the focal point for communion with God amidst this profound act of national rededication. This ritual act of building an altar and offering sacrifices was central to their covenant reaffirmation, symbolizing their dependence on God's provision and forgiveness as they established themselves in the land, setting the stage for the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and the broader covenant stipulations of [Deuteronomy 29-30](/deuteronomy/29-30 "Deuteronomy 29-30 - Covenant Renewal and Choice").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Deuteronomy 27:5 echoes an earlier, fundamental instruction given at Mount Sinai regarding the construction of altars (Exodus 20:25). In the ancient Near East, altars were ubiquitous, often elaborate and adorned with carved images or intricate designs, reflecting human craftsmanship and often idolatrous practices. The Israelite command for an altar of unhewn stones, untouched by iron tools, stood in stark contrast to these pagan practices. Iron, a relatively new and powerful metal in the Bronze Age transition, was associated with human technological advancement, industry, and, significantly, warfare and violence. By forbidding its use, God emphasized that the sacred space of worship was to be set apart from human power, defilement, or the instruments of bloodshed. Mount Ebal itself was designated as a place of curses (Deuteronomy 27:13), making the construction of a pure altar there a powerful statement of God's grace and the possibility of reconciliation even in a place associated with judgment and the consequences of disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** This specific instruction contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Purity and Wholeness in Worship**. The unhewn stones symbolized that worship before God must be pure, unblemished, and not reliant on human skill or manipulation. It emphasized God's absolute holiness and the need for His people to approach Him on His terms, not their own. Secondly, it underscores the paramount importance of **Obedience to Divine Command**. Even in seemingly minor details of worship, strict adherence to God's precise instructions was crucial, demonstrating that authentic worship is not about human preference or ingenuity, but about faithfully following [God's prescribed ways](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings of Obedience"). This theme is pervasive throughout Deuteronomy, emphasizing the covenant relationship. Thirdly, the requirement for natural stones suggests **Simplicity and Naturalness** in approaching God, contrasting with the elaborate, often idolatrous, altars of surrounding nations. This reinforced that God's presence and acceptance are not enhanced by human embellishment or sophisticated craftsmanship, but by humble, sincere adherence to His will, a principle also seen in [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - The Altar Command") and foundational to understanding true worship throughout the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. In this context, it refers to the physical construction of the altar, emphasizing the act of establishing a sacred structure according to divine specifications.
* **altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** from זָבַח; an altar; altar. Derived from the root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," this term refers to a raised structure where sacrifices were offered to God. It was the central place of worship and communion, symbolizing the means by which humanity could approach a holy God, often through atonement. The command to build "an altar of stones" emphasizes the specific material and natural form required.
* **iron (Hebrew, _barzel'_):** perhaps from the root of בִּרְזוֹת; iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement; (ax) head, iron. This word specifically denotes the metal iron or an implement made of it. In the context of the ancient world, iron tools were used for construction, carving, and especially for weapons of war. The prohibition against using such a tool on the altar stones carried profound symbolic weight, separating the sacred space from human power, industry, and violence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God":** This clause establishes the imperative command, the specific location (Mount Ebal, as indicated by the preceding verses), and the divine recipient of the worship. The altar is not for human glory or pagan deities, but exclusively "unto the LORD thy God," emphasizing Yahweh's sole claim to Israel's worship and the covenant relationship.
* **"an altar of stones":** This specifies the material. The repetition of "altar" followed by "an altar of stones" emphasizes the critical nature of the material. It was to be constructed from natural, raw stones, highlighting simplicity and reliance on God's creation rather than human artifice or refined craftsmanship.
* **"thou shalt not lift up [any] iron [tool] upon them":** This is the crucial prohibition. The phrase "lift up" (Hebrew, _nûwph'_) implies bringing or wielding the tool with intent to shape or alter. The absolute ban on iron tools signifies that the altar, a place of peace and reconciliation with God, must be untouched by instruments of human power, violence, or shaping. It means the stones were to be used in their natural state, without any attempt by human hands to "improve" or "perfect" them, thus symbolizing that worship is on God's terms, not man's.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:5 employs significant **Symbolism**. The "unhewn stones" of the altar are symbolic of purity, humility, and reliance on God's natural provision. They represent a worship that is untainted by human artifice, pride, or attempts to manipulate the divine. The very simplicity of the natural stone speaks to a raw, unadulterated approach to God, emphasizing that God's acceptance is not based on human embellishment. Conversely, the "iron tool" is a powerful symbol of human strength, technology, industry, and, critically, violence and defilement. Its prohibition on the altar signifies that human power, skill, or destructive capabilities have no place in the sacred act of approaching God. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the divine command for natural, untouched materials against the human inclination to shape, refine, or impose control. This highlights the fundamental difference between God's perfect design for worship and humanity's often flawed or self-serving attempts, underscoring the necessity of divine revelation over human invention in matters of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:5 is a profound theological statement on the nature of acceptable worship. It teaches that God demands to be approached on His terms, not ours. The prohibition against iron tools signifies that human ingenuity, strength, or violence have no place in mediating access to a holy God. True worship must be pure, humble, and dependent solely on divine instruction and grace, rather than human effort or embellishment. This principle extends beyond the physical altar to the spiritual posture of the worshiper, emphasizing sincerity and a heart unmarred by self-reliance or worldly defilement. It underscores that God's holiness requires a distinct separation from human sin and pride, and that reconciliation is achieved through divine provision, not human works. This foundational truth anticipates the New Testament emphasis on spiritual worship and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

* [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - The Command for Unhewn Altars")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:5 offers timeless principles for believers today, even though we no longer build physical altars for animal sacrifice. The core message is about the nature of our approach to God: it must be on His terms, not ours. We are called to come with humility, sincerity, and a recognition that our "best" human efforts, ingenuity, or sophisticated programs cannot "improve" upon God's design for worship or salvation. The unhewn altar reminds us that true spiritual effectiveness and blessing come from faithfully following God's revealed will, not from inventing our own methods or relying on human cleverness or strength. It challenges us to examine our worship practices, both corporately and individually, to ensure they are God-centered and pure, free from the "iron tools" of human manipulation, showmanship, or self-aggrandizement. Our offering to God should be our authentic selves, unhewn by the world's standards, presented in simple obedience and profound trust, acknowledging that true access to God comes through His provision, not our own crafting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prohibition against iron tools challenge our reliance on human ingenuity or elaborate productions in our contemporary worship?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "hew" or "shape" our approach to God, rather than coming to Him in simple humility and on His terms?**
* **What does the simplicity and naturalness of the unhewn altar teach us about the essence of true devotion and spiritual authenticity?**

### FAQ
**Why was iron specifically forbidden for the altar, while other tools might have been used for other sacred structures?**

Answer: The prohibition against iron tools for the altar, also stated in [Exodus 20:25](/exodus/20-25 "Exodus 20:25 - The Altar Command"), is highly symbolic. Iron was associated with tools of war, shaping, and human industry. By forbidding its use, God emphasized that the altar, a place of peace, atonement, and reconciliation, was to be untouched by human power, violence, or defilement. The altar was to be built from natural, unhewn stones, symbolizing purity, wholeness, and reliance on divine provision rather than human might or technological advancement. It underscored that humanity approaches God in humility, on His terms, and that the sacred space is set apart from the world's instruments of control and destruction.

**Is this command about unhewn altars still relevant for Christians today, given that we don't offer animal sacrifices?**

Answer: While Christians do not build physical altars for animal sacrifice, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 27:5 remain profoundly relevant. The command emphasizes approaching God on His terms, with humility, purity of heart, and reliance on His grace rather than human effort or elaborate external forms. It calls for authentic worship that is not manipulated by human showmanship, self-interest, or the "iron tools" of worldly wisdom or power, but is simple, sincere, and God-centered. It reminds us that our salvation and access to God are not achieved through human works or ingenuity, but through the perfect, divine provision of [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"), the ultimate "unhewn" sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:5, with its command for an altar of unhewn stones untouched by iron tools, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The unhewn stone symbolizes a purity and naturalness that is not a product of human effort, skill, or manipulation. This points to Christ as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, "unhewn" by human sin or the defiling "iron tools" of human works or violence. His atoning work was not a human invention or a product of human strength, but God's divinely appointed, perfect plan from eternity, as [1 Peter 1:18-20](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-20 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood") affirms, a Lamb "without blemish or spot." Just as the altar was to be built without the instruments of war or industry, so Christ's sacrifice was a work of peace, not violence initiated by humanity, bringing reconciliation between God and humanity, as [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood") declares. He is the "living Stone," rejected by human builders but chosen by God and precious (as seen in [1 Peter 2:4-8](/1_peter/2-4-8 "1 Peter 2:4-8 - Christ, the Living Stone")), the ultimate "natural" and perfect foundation upon which true worship is built. The prohibition of iron tools also points to the truth that salvation is not achieved by human strength, merit, or religious works, but by divine grace through faith in Christ's finished work, a concept beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Through Christ, we have access to God, not through elaborate human rituals or self-improvement, but through the simple, yet profound, reality of His perfect sacrifice, which requires no human embellishment or addition, as [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ") powerfully teaches.

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

Exodus 20:25

And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

1 Kings 18:31

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

1 Kings 18:32

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

Joshua 8:30

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

Joshua 8:31

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.