Deu 27:1-8 | MHM | STEP | Deuteronomy 27:1-8: The Exhibition of the Law In this section, Moses gives the Israelites important instructions about keeping God’s commandments. He speaks with the elders and the priests to show that everyone in leadership supports these laws. The people are told to obey God’s laws with care and attention, not just to know them. Moses also commands them to make a public display of the law by writing it on stones when they enter the promised land. This act would remind the people of their covenant with God and the conditions for living in the land. An altar was also to be built nearby, showing that worship and obedience go together (Deuteronomy 27:1-8 ). v. 1 : Moses, along with the elders of Israel, commands the people to keep all of God’s commandments . This is not just Moses’ idea, but is supported by the leaders of each tribe. Everyone with authority should help others to follow God’s laws.

‏ Deuteronomy 27:1-8

Deuteronomy 27:1-8: The Exhibition of the Law

In this section, Moses gives the Israelites important instructions about keeping God’s commandments. He speaks with the elders and the priests to show that everyone in leadership supports these laws. The people are told to obey God’s laws with care and attention, not just to know them. Moses also commands them to make a public display of the law by writing it on stones when they enter the promised land. This act would remind the people of their covenant with God and the conditions for living in the land. An altar was also to be built nearby, showing that worship and obedience go together (Deuteronomy 27:1-8 ^a).

v. 1: Moses, along with the elders of Israel, commands the people to keep all of God’s commandments . This is not just Moses’ idea, but is supported by the leaders of each tribe. Everyone with authority should help others to follow God’s laws.

v. 2-3: When the Israelites cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan, they are to set up large stones and cover them with plaster. On these stones, they must write all the words of God’s law. This public display shows that they accept God’s law as the terms for living in the land (Deuteronomy 27:2-3 ^b).

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v. 4: The command to set up these stones is repeated. The location is Mount Ebal, where the law will be clearly written for everyone to see. This makes it easy for all people to understand and remember God’s commands .

v. 5: An altar must also be built on Mount Ebal. The altar should be made from stones found in the field, not shaped by tools. This shows the altar is simple and not decorated by human skill . This reminds us of Christ, who is called a “stone cut out of the mountain without hands” (Daniel 2:34-35 ^c).

v. 6-7: On this altar, they must offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. The people should eat there and rejoice before Lord (Deuteronomy 27:6-7 ^d). The altar shows that even though the law brings knowledge of sin, there is also a way to find forgiveness through sacrifice. The meal together shows they agree with the covenant and find joy in being God’s people.

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v. 8: The law must be written very clearly on the stones, so that everyone can read and understand it (Deuteronomy 27:8; Habakkuk 2:2 ^e). This act helps all the people remember God’s commands and the promises connected to the covenant.