In this chapter, Moses commands the people of Israel to build an altar for the Lord when they cross over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He begins, “Keep all these commands that I am giving you today. When you cross the Jordan river and enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. Then write all the terms of this law on them. I repeat, you will soon cross the river to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. When you cross the Jordan, set up these stones at Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster, as I am commanding you today. Then build an altar there to the Lord your God, using natural stones. Do not shape the stones with an iron tool. On the altar you must offer burnt offerings to the Lord your God. Sacrifice peace offerings on it also, and feast there with great joy before the Lord your God. On the stones coated with plaster, you must clearly write all the terms of this law.” (Deuteronomy 27:1-8)
Moses also told the people, “When you cross the Jordan River, the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin must stand on Mount Gerizim to proclaim a blessing over the people. And the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulum, Dan, and Naphtali must stand on Mount Ebal to proclaim a curse.” (Deuteronomy 27:11-13)
Moses then indicates that the Levites must shout curses to all of the people of Israel. Here are a few of the curses Moses tells the people:
“Cursed is anyone who carves or casts idols and secretly sets them up. These idols, the work of craftsmen, are detestable to the Lord.” And all the people will reply, “Amen.”
“Cursed is anyone who despises father or mother,” And all the people will reply, “Amen.”
“Cursed is anyone who steals property from a neighbor by moving a boundary marker.” And all the people will reply, “Amen.” (Deuteronomy 27:15-17)
Mose ends the chapter informing the people of the remaining curses the Levites will shout.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to put you first and do our very best to follow your commands. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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