Deuteronomy 27:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Deuteronomy 27:4 is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter outlines a solemn ceremony to take place immediately after crossing the Jordan River. The command is given to the tribes to assemble on two prominent mountains, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, to declare blessings and curses, respectively, based on their obedience or disobedience to God's Law.

Specifically, this verse commands the construction of a monument on Mount Ebal. This act was not merely symbolic; it was a practical instruction for establishing God's Law visibly within the new land. The stones were to serve as a public declaration and permanent record of the covenant between God and Israel.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Remembrance: The setting up of these plastered stones served as a tangible reminder of the covenant stipulations and the importance of the Mosaic Law. It was a physical anchor for their commitment to God's commands.
  • Divine Authority and Obedience: The command emphasizes God's supreme authority and the expectation of Israel's unwavering obedience. The public display of the Law underscored its non-negotiable nature.
  • Preparation for the Land: This instruction highlights the importance of spiritual preparation and establishing God's presence and Law as the foundation for their life in Canaan, rather than adopting the practices of the surrounding nations.
  • Visibility of God's Word: By plastering the stones and writing the Law upon them (Deuteronomy 27:8), God ensured that His commandments would be clearly visible and accessible to all, emphasizing their importance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "plaister them with plaister" uses the Hebrew word ืฉึดื‚ื™ื“ (sid), which refers to lime plaster. This material, made from crushed limestone, was commonly used in the ancient Near East to create a smooth, white surface for writing or painting. Its use here indicates the intention for the written Law to be highly visible and durable, capable of withstanding the elements and serving as a lasting testimony.

The act of "setting up these stones" (Hebrew: ืžึทืฆึผึตื‘ึธื”, matzevah, often translated as 'pillar' or 'standing stone') was a common practice in ancient cultures to commemorate significant events, covenants, or to mark sacred spaces. Here, it signifies the monumental importance of the Law and the covenant renewal.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 27:4 holds enduring significance for believers today. Just as the Law was to be visibly displayed and remembered by Israel, so too should God's Word be central and prominent in our lives. This verse encourages us to:

  • Prioritize God's Word: Make God's commandments visible and accessible in our daily lives, not hidden or forgotten. This could mean regular Bible study, memorization, or integrating scriptural principles into our decisions.
  • Remember Our Covenant: For Christians, this points to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. We are called to live in obedience to His teachings, not out of legalism, but out of love and gratitude for His redemptive work.
  • Publicly Affirm Faith: While we don't erect physical stones, our lives should openly reflect our commitment to God's principles, serving as a testimony to those around us.
  • Build on a Solid Foundation: Just as Israel was to build their life in the land upon the foundation of God's Law, we are called to build our lives upon the solid rock of Christ's teachings (Matthew 7:24).
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 8:30 (2 votes)

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

  • Joshua 8:33 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    [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?