Deuteronomy 27:6

Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God:

Thou shalt build {H1129} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} of whole {H8003} stones {H68}: and thou shalt offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} thereon unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}:

but are to build the altar of ADONAI your God of uncut stones; and you are to offer burnt offerings on it to ADONAI your God.

You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God.

Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones; and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:6 provides specific instructions for building an altar to the LORD, emphasizing the use of "whole stones" and the purpose of offering "burnt offerings." This verse is part of a larger passage detailing the covenant renewal ceremony to be performed by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land.

Context

This command is given as Israel prepares to cross the Jordan River and settle in Canaan. Deuteronomy 27 outlines a significant ceremony on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, where the Law would be publicly affirmed and blessings and curses pronounced. The building of this specific altar immediately follows the instruction to write the Law on plastered stones (Deuteronomy 27:4). This altar was not merely a place of sacrifice but a foundational act of worship and covenant affirmation in their new land.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Wholeness in Worship: The instruction to use "whole stones" (Hebrew: 'avaním sh'lemót) means stones that have not been cut, shaped, or touched by iron tools. This theme emphasizes God's desire for natural, unadulterated materials in His worship, symbolizing purity and integrity. It distinguishes Israelite worship from pagan practices, which often involved elaborately carved idols and altars.
  • Divine Prescription: God dictates the terms of His worship, not human innovation. The specific command concerning the stones highlights that obedience to God's precise instructions is paramount in approaching Him.
  • Covenant Relationship: The altar served as a central point for interaction between God and His people, where sins could be atoned for through burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and reconciliation. This act reaffirmed their covenant relationship with the LORD.
  • Obedience and Distinction: By adhering to this unique building method, Israel was visually and spiritually set apart from the surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whole stones" is crucial. The Hebrew term 'avaním sh'lemót literally means "complete stones" or "perfect stones," implying they are untouched by human implements. This command is a reiteration of an earlier instruction given at Mount Sinai regarding altar construction (Exodus 20:25). The prohibition against using iron tools on the altar stones reflects a principle that human effort or ingenuity should not "defile" or alter what is set apart for God's sacred use. Iron was associated with warfare and human dominion, whereas the altar was meant to be a place of peace and divine presence, built simply as God commanded.

Practical Application

While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principles embedded in this command remain timeless. The emphasis on "whole stones" speaks to the purity and sincerity God desires in our worship today. Our approach to God should be authentic, unembellished by human pride or manipulation, and rooted in obedience to His Word. True worship is not about elaborate human effort or performance, but about offering ourselves wholly to God, just as the burnt offerings symbolized complete dedication. This verse subtly points forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who was "whole" and complete, requiring no further human 'hewing' or additions to His redemptive work (Hebrews 10:10). Our spiritual altars should be built with hearts dedicated to His truth, signifying a desire for unadulterated worship in spirit and truth.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • Leviticus 1:1

    ¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

  • Leviticus 1:17

    And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
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