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Commentary on Deuteronomy 27 verses 1–10
Here is, I. A general charge to the people to keep God's commandments; for in vain did they know them, unless they would do them. This is pressed upon them, 1. With all authority. Moses with the elders of Israel, the rulers of each tribe (Deu 27:1), and again, Moses and the priests the Levites (Deu 27:9); so that the charge is given by Moses who was king in Jeshurun, and by their lords, both spiritual and temporal, in concurrence with him. Lest they should think that it was Moses only, an old and dying man, that made such ado about religion, or the priests and Levites only, whose trade it was to attend religion and who had their maintenance out of it, the elders of Israel, whom God had placed in honour and power over them, and who were men of business in the world and likely to be so long so when Moses was gone, they commanded their people to keep God's law. Moses, having put some of his honour upon them, joins them in commission with himself, in giving this charge, as Paul sometimes in his epistles joins with himself Silvanus and Timotheus. Note, All that have any interest in others, or power over them, should use it for the support and furtherance of religion among them. Though the supreme power of a nation provide ever so good laws for this purpose, if inferior magistrates in their places, and ministers in theirs, and masters of families in theirs, do not execute their offices, it will all be to little effect. 2. With all importunity. They press it upon them with the utmost earnestness (Deu 27:9, Deu 27:10): Take heed and hearken, O Israel. It is a thing that requires and deserves the highest degree of caution and attention. They tell them of their privilege and honour: "This day thou hast become the people of the Lord thy God, the Lord having avouched thee to be his own, and being now about to put thee in possession of Canaan which he had long promised as thy God (Gen 17:7, Gen 17:8), and which if he had failed to do in due time, he would have been ashamed to be called thy God, Heb 11:16. Now thou art more than ever his people, therefore obey his voice." Privileges should be improved as engagements to duty. Should not a people be ruled by their God?
II. A particular direction to them with great solemnity to register the words of this law, as soon as they came into Canaan. It was to be done but once, and at their entrance into the land of promise, in token of their taking possession of it under the several provisos and conditions contained in this law. There was a solemn ratification of the covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai, when an altar was erected, with twelve pillars, and the book of the covenant was produced, Exo 24:4. That which is here appointed is a somewhat similar solemnity.
1.They must set up a monument on which they must write the words of this law. (1.) The monument itself was to be very mean, only rough unhewn stone plastered over; not polished marble or alabaster, nor brass tables, but common plaster upon stone, Deu 27:2. The command is repeated (Deu 27:4), and orders are given that it be written, not very finely, to be admired by the curious, but very plainly, that he who runs may read it, Hab 2:2. The word of God needs not to be set off by the art of man, nor embellished with the enticing words of man's wisdom. But, (2.) The inscription was to be very great: All the words of this law, Deu 27:3, and again, Deu 27:8. Some understand it only of the covenant between God and Israel, mentioned Deu 26:17, Deu 26:18. Let this help be set up for a witness, like that memorial of the covenant between Laban and Jacob, which was nothing but a heap of stones thrown hastily together, upon which they did eat together in token of friendship (Gen 31:46, Gen 31:47), and that stone which Joshua set up, Jos 24:26. Others think that the curses of the covenant in this chapter were written upon this monument, the rather because it was set up in Mount Ebal, Deu 27:4. Others think that the whole book of Deuteronomy was written upon this monument, or at least the statutes and judgments from ch. 12 to the end of ch. 26. And it is not improbable that the heap might be so large as, taking in all the sides of it, to contain so copious an inscription, unless we will suppose (as some do) that the ten commandments only were here written, as an authentic copy of the close rolls which were laid up in the ark. They must write this when they had gone into Canaan, and yet Moses says (Deu 27:3), "Write it that thou mayest go in," that is, "that thou mayest go in with comfort, and assurance of success and settlement, otherwise it were well for thee not to go in at all. Write it as the conditions of thy entry, and own that thou comest in upon these terms and no other: since Canaan is given by promise, it must be held by obedience."
2.They must also set up an altar. By the words of the law which were written upon the plaster, God spoke to them; by the altar, and the sacrifices offered upon it, they spoke to God; and thus was communion kept up between them and God. The word and prayer must go together. Though they might not, of their own heads, set up any altar besides that at the tabernacle, yet, but the appointment of God, they might upon a special occasion. Elijah built a temporary altar of twelve unhewn stones, similar to this, when he brought Israel back to the covenant which was now made, Kg1 18:31, Kg1 18:32. Now, (1.) This altar must be made of such stones as they found ready upon the field, not newly cut out of the rock, much less squared artificially: Thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them, Deu 27:5. Christ, our altar, is a stone cut out of the mountain without hands (Dan 2:34, Dan 2:35), and therefore refused by the builders, as having no form or comeliness, but accepted of God the Father, and made the head of the corner. (2.) Burnt-offerings and peace-offerings must be offered upon this altar (Deu 27:6, Deu 27:7), that by them they might give glory to God and obtain favour. Where the law was written, an altar was set up close by it, to signify that we could not look with any comfort upon the law, being conscious to ourselves of the violation of it, if it were not for the great sacrifice by which atonement is made for sin; and the altar was set up on Mount Ebal, the mount on which those tribes stood that said Amen to the curses, to intimate that through Christ we are redeemed from the curse of the law. In the Old Testament the words of the law are written, with the curse annexed, which would fill us with horror and amazement if we had not in the New Testament (which is bound up with it) an altar erected close by it, which gives us everlasting consolation. (3.) They must eat there, and rejoice before the Lord their God, Deu 27:7. This signified, [1.] The consent they gave to the covenant; for the parties to a covenant ratified the covenant by feasting together. They were partakers of the altar, which was God's table, as his servants and tenants, and such they acknowledged themselves, and, being put in possession of this good land, bound themselves to pay the rent and to do the services reserved by the royal grant. [2.] The comfort they took in the covenant; they had reason to rejoice in the law, when they had an altar, a remedial law, so near it. It was a great favour to them, and a token for good, that God gave them his statutes; and that they were owned as the people of God, and the children of the promise, was what they had reason to rejoice in, though, when this solemnity was to be performed, they were not put in full possession of Canaan; but God has spoken in his holiness, and then I will rejoice, Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; all my own.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:8 conveys a divine imperative for the Israelites, immediately upon their entry into the Promised Land, to inscribe "all the words of this law very plainly" upon large, plaster-covered stones erected on Mount Ebal. This act was a profoundly symbolic and foundational public declaration, ensuring the enduring visibility, accessibility, and supreme authority of God's covenant stipulations for the new generation settling in Canaan, serving as a permanent witness to their unwavering commitment to Yahweh and His righteous standards.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral component of Moses' culminating discourse to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just prior to their momentous entry into Canaan. Specifically, it is situated within Deuteronomy 27, which meticulously outlines a solemn covenant renewal ceremony. The preceding verses, Deuteronomy 27:1-7, command the erection of these large stones on Mount Ebal, their plastering, and the construction of an altar for burnt offerings and peace offerings. Following this crucial inscription, Deuteronomy 27:9-26 details the dramatic pronouncement of curses from Mount Ebal, powerfully contrasted with the blessings from Mount Gerizim in Deuteronomy 28. The inscription of the law on these stones therefore functions as the foundational legal document for this pivotal covenant renewal ritual, rendering the terms of Israel's relationship with God undeniably clear and publicly accessible to all participants.
Historical & Cultural Context: The divine command in Deuteronomy 27:8 is issued at a profoundly critical juncture in Israel's historical trajectory: the transition from four decades of nomadic wandering in the wilderness to a settled, agrarian life in the Promised Land. This monumental shift necessitated a profound and public recommitment to the covenant originally established at Mount Sinai. In the broader ancient Near East, public inscriptions on imposing stone monuments were a pervasive practice for recording treaties, legal codes, and significant historical events, serving as enduring records and public declarations. By commanding the inscription of the entire law on stones, God was uniquely establishing a divine legal code as the supreme authority for the nascent nation of Israel, thereby distinguishing them from the often arbitrary or polytheistic legal systems of surrounding pagan nations. The physical act of writing on plaster-covered stones (which provided a smooth, writable surface) on a prominent mountain ensured its maximal visibility and permanence, powerfully emphasizing the binding nature of the covenant for all future generations.
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 27:8 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the permanence and immutability of God's law, presenting it as an unchangeable, foundational bedrock for Israel's very existence in the land, far more than merely a temporary set of rules. The emphatic command to write "very plainly" highlights the theme of divine revelation and accessibility, emphasizing God's profound desire for His truth to be widely known and deeply understood by all His people, not confined to a privileged priestly elite. This public act also serves as a profound expression of covenant renewal and commitment, marking a fresh, solemn dedication by the new generation to the precise terms of their unique relationship with Yahweh as they prepare to inherit the land. Furthermore, it robustly reinforces the fundamental theme of obedience as the indispensable basis for blessing and the dire consequences of disobedience, meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic pronouncements of blessings and curses that follow in the subsequent chapters of Deuteronomy.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:8 employs several significant and impactful literary devices. The most prominent is Symbolism. The profound act of writing the law on large, plaster-covered stones, strategically placed on a prominent mountain, serves as a powerful symbol of the law's permanence, its foundational and unshakeable role in Israel's nascent society, and its supreme divine authority. These inscribed stones represent an enduring, tangible, and public witness to the sacred covenant established between God and His chosen people. The command itself is presented as an Imperative, a direct, unambiguous divine order, powerfully underscoring the non-negotiable nature of God's sovereign will and the absolute necessity of Israel's obedient response. Furthermore, the phrase "all the words of this law" utilizes Totality or Completeness, emphatically emphasizing that the covenant demands are comprehensive, all-encompassing, and extend to every conceivable aspect of Israelite life, leaving no sphere untouched by God's perfect instruction. The instruction to write "very plainly" also carries a strong element of Emphasis, highlighting the critical and paramount importance of clarity, accessibility, and unambiguous understanding in divine revelation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:8 establishes a profound and enduring theological principle: God's unwavering desire for His revealed will to be permanently accessible and perfectly clear to His people. This divine command underscores the immutability of divine truth and the non-negotiable, binding nature of the covenant. It powerfully reflects God's inherent character as a God of perfect order, unblemished justice, and crystal-clear communication, who justly holds humanity accountable to what He has so plainly revealed. The public inscription on stones served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique identity as a covenant people, whose entire national life was to be meticulously ordered by divine instruction, rather than by fleeting human wisdom or prevailing cultural norms. This foundational act profoundly foreshadows the enduring nature of God's Word across all generations and its indispensable, foundational role in shaping a people consecrated entirely to Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound command to write the law "very plainly" on stones carries timeless and deeply significant implications for believers in every generation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of God's Word as the unchanging, authoritative foundation for all true faith and righteous living. Just as the law was to be publicly displayed and easily understood by all Israelites, so too should God's eternal truth be made accessible, comprehensible, and deeply relevant to every generation. This divine mandate calls us, as followers of Christ, to profoundly value clear, uncompromised biblical teaching, to engage in diligent and consistent personal study of the Scriptures, and to ensure that the transformative gospel message is communicated with profound simplicity, compelling clarity, and divine power. Moreover, it challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's commands, striving for a heart-level transformation that manifests in consistent, joyful, and obedient living. Our lives, lived in authentic accordance with God's plain and revealed truth, thus become a visible, living testimony to a watching world, powerfully reflecting the illuminating light of His Word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of writing the law on "stones" and covering them with "plaster"?
Answer: The use of large stones for inscription was a common and significant practice in the ancient Near East for monumental, public declarations. Stones provided an inherently durable and permanent medium, powerfully symbolizing the enduring and unchangeable nature of God's covenant and His divine law. Covering these stones with plaster, as explicitly commanded in Deuteronomy 27:2, served a crucial practical purpose: it created a smooth, white surface that was ideal for writing, ensuring that the inscription would be highly visible and perfectly legible. Some scholars suggest the words might have been painted onto the plaster, or perhaps chiseled into the stone and then filled with a contrasting material or painted, making them stand out vividly. This meticulous preparation ensured that the divine command to write "very plainly" was not only achievable but also maximally effective, rendering the law undeniably accessible to all who passed by and witnessed this profound act.
What does "all the words of this law" refer to in this context?
Answer: "All the words of this law" refers to the comprehensive and complete body of divine instruction and covenant stipulations that God had meticulously given to Israel through Moses. While it is highly improbable that the entire Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) was inscribed verbatim (given the immense volume of text and the practical limitations of stone size), it most likely refers to the core covenant stipulations, such as the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20, and perhaps a summary of the law found within Deuteronomy itself, particularly the blessings and curses that immediately follow this command in Deuteronomy 28. The profound emphasis is on the completeness and sufficiency of God's revealed will as the indispensable foundation for their national life in the Promised Land, ensuring that the fundamental principles governing their sacred relationship with God and their interactions with one another were publicly declared, understood, and perpetually accessible.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:8, with its profound emphasis on the law being written "very plainly" on external stones, finds its ultimate and transformative fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant law was externally inscribed on tablets of stone as a constant witness to Israel's obligations and a mirror reflecting their inability to perfectly obey, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, promises a far deeper, internal inscription. As powerfully prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33, God declares, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts." This glorious promise is miraculously realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's perfect will not out of external compulsion or fear of punishment, but from an internal, Spirit-wrought desire and transformed nature (Romans 8:4). Jesus Himself is the living Word, the perfect embodiment, and the ultimate fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17). He not only perfectly obeyed every jot and tittle of the law but also bore its full curse on the cross, making a way for humanity to be fully reconciled to a holy God (Galatians 3:13). Thus, the plain writing on stones points forward to the unparalleled clarity of God's truth revealed in Christ, accessible not merely on a distant mountain but intimately within the heart of every true believer, transforming them into living epistles, known and read by all, radiating the very light of God's truth (2 Corinthians 3:3).